New Centers in India Now Accept Visa Applications
January 21, 2014
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Indian citizens and third-country nationals residing in India who are applying for Luxembourg visas may now submit their applications to one of six new visa application centers in Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi. All six centers now accept Luxembourg visa applications, which were previously submitted to the Belgian consular posts approved to issue Luxembourg visas.
Have the Document Requirements Changed?
No, the list of required documents has not changed.
In fact, the establishment of the new visa centers should remove a prior procedural hurdle for applicants. Previously, Belgian consular posts requested police clearances and birth and marriage certificates for all visa applications. These documents are not typically required for Luxembourg visa applications because they are generally submitted to the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of an initial temporary work authorization application. The new visa centers are not expected to request these documents to support a subsequent visa application.
On the other hand, the visa centers’ website notes that applicants should demonstrate travel health insurance coverage of EUR 30,000 that is valid in all Schengen jurisdictions. This travel health insurance requirement does not apply to applicants who will be covered by Luxembourg social security.
When Can I Submit my Application?
Each visa application center sets its own operating hours, but they are generally open from 9am until 5pm (IST), five days a week. Some may close for lunch, while others may not. Travelers should check the centers’ website for the exact hours when applications can be submitted and for when applicants can pick up their passports with approved visas, as these times may differ.
Have Processing Times or Passport Collection Procedures Changed?
Expected application processing times have not changed. Visa applications continue to be processed in five to ten business days from the date of submission.
Another improvement with the new visa centers is that applicants are no longer required to appear in person to pick up their passports with approved visas. The new visa centers offer a courier return service for a fee of INR 260.
What This Means for Foreign Nationals and Their Employers
The new visa application centers should enhance the customer experiences of Luxembourg visa applicants in India.
Fragomen advises foreign nationals to monitor their visa applications closely in the coming weeks and to request assistance if necessary, as complications are possible while visa center representatives acclimate to their new roles.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
