India Adds 9 New Consular Centers in US, Opens Saturday Services

India has launched a major expansion of its consular services in the United States 🇺🇸, opening eight new Indian Consular Application Centres across key cities as of August 1, 2025. A ninth centre in Los Angeles is expected to open soon. All centres will now also operate on Saturdays, making it easier for the Indian diaspora to access essential services.

Ambassador Vinay Kwatra, India’s top diplomat in the United States 🇺🇸, announced these changes in a video message on July 31, 2025. He explained that the expansion aims to improve service delivery and strengthen the close ties between India and the United States 🇺🇸. The move comes as The Indian community in the United States 🇺🇸 continues to grow, with over 5.4 million people of Indian origin now living in the country.

Where Are the New Centres Located?

The new Indian Consular Application Centres have opened in the following cities:
– Boston
– Columbus
– Dallas
– Detroit
– Addison (Texas)
– Orlando
– Raleigh
– San Jose

The Los Angeles centre is set to open soon, bringing the total to nine new centres. This expansion is the largest single increase in Indian consular service capacity in the United States 🇺🇸 to date.

Why Is This Expansion Important?

The Indian community in the United States 🇺🇸 is one of the largest and most active immigrant groups. With over 2 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and a total Indian-origin population of 5.4 million, there has long been a need for more accessible consular services. These services include help with visas, passports, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, and other important documents.

Ambassador Vinay Kwatra said, “With the opening of these new Indian Consular Application Centres, our presence to provide extensive consular services and related delivery capabilities would increase and expand significantly. Besides, it would also make the delivery of these consular services faster and more accessible to our vibrant Indian diaspora.”

What Services Do the Centres Offer?

The Indian Consular Application Centres provide a wide range of services for Indian citizens and people of Indian origin living in the United States 🇺🇸. These include:
– Visa applications: Help with applying for Indian visas, including tourist, business, and other categories. For more information on Indian visa types and requirements, visit the official Indian Embassy visa page.
– Passport renewals: Assistance with renewing Indian passports, which is important for travel and legal identification.
– Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) processing: Help with applying for or renewing OCI cards, which allow people of Indian origin to live and work in India without a visa.
– Other documentation support: This includes help with birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other official documents needed by the Indian community.

Some services, especially those that are more complex or sensitive, may still be handled only at the main embassy or consulate offices. The Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, is the main authority for these changes and provides updates on its official website.

Saturday Operations: More Convenience for the Community

One of the most important changes is that all Indian Consular Application Centres in the United States 🇺🇸 will now be open on Saturdays, starting August 1, 2025. This change is designed to make it easier for people who work or go to school during the week to access services. Many families and working professionals have found it hard to visit consular offices during normal business hours. Saturday openings will help solve this problem and reduce wait times.

How to Use the New Centres

If you need to use the services at one of the new Indian Consular Application Centres, here are the steps you should follow:
1. Check the official Indian Embassy website for the latest updates on each centre’s address, hours, and available services.
2. Review the list of services offered at your chosen centre. Not all services may be available at every location.
3. Gather required documents for your application. The embassy website provides detailed checklists for each service.
4. Schedule an appointment if needed. Some centres may allow walk-ins, especially on Saturdays, but it is best to check ahead.
5. Visit the centre at your scheduled time or during walk-in hours. Staff will help you with your application and answer any questions.
6. Follow up as needed. If your request requires more processing, the centre or embassy will let you know the next steps.

For services that are still handled only at the embassy or main consulates, the application centres will guide you on how to proceed.

Background: Growing Ties Between India and the United States 🇺🇸

This expansion comes after the Indian Prime Minister announced plans for new full consulates in Boston and Los Angeles. These moves show the growing friendship and cooperation between India and the United States 🇺🇸. In January 2025, the United States 🇺🇸 also opened its fifth consulate in India, located in Bengaluru. These changes help both countries serve their citizens better and build stronger connections.

Community Response and Impact

The Indian community and leaders of diaspora organizations have welcomed the expansion. Many have said that it will help solve long-standing problems with delays and limited access to consular services. For example, families who need urgent passport renewals or students applying for visas will now have more options and shorter wait times.

A community leader in Dallas shared, “This is a huge relief for many of us. Before, we had to travel long distances or wait weeks for appointments. Now, with a centre in our city and Saturday hours, it’s much easier.”

What Does This Mean for the Indian Diaspora?

The new Indian Consular Application Centres will make life easier for millions of people. Here’s how:
– Faster service: More centres and longer hours mean shorter lines and quicker processing.
– Less travel: People no longer need to travel far to reach a consular office.
– Better support: Staff at the centres can answer questions and help with paperwork.
– More flexibility: Saturday hours help those who can’t visit during the week.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this expansion directly addresses the needs of the growing Indian community in the United States 🇺🇸 and sets a new standard for consular service delivery.

Looking Ahead: More Changes Possible

The Indian Embassy has said that more improvements may be coming. The Los Angeles centre is expected to open soon, and there may be further expansions or new services added in the future. The embassy encourages everyone to check its website and social media channels for the latest news.

Summary Table: New Indian Consular Application Centres (as of August 1, 2025)

Practical Tips for Applicants

• Always check the official website before visiting a centre to confirm hours and services.
• Bring all required documents to avoid delays.
• Ask staff for help if you’re unsure about any part of the process.
• Use Saturday hours if weekdays are difficult for you.
• Stay updated on new centres and services by following the embassy online.

Official Resources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Indian Consular Application Centres, visit the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC. This site provides details on services, forms, and contact information.

Conclusion

India’s decision to open eight new Indian Consular Application Centres in the United States 🇺🇸, with a ninth coming soon in Los Angeles, marks a major step forward for the Indian diaspora. With Saturday hours and more locations, the community will enjoy faster, easier access to important services. These changes reflect the strong and growing relationship between India and the United States 🇺🇸 and show a commitment to meeting the needs of Indian citizens and people of Indian origin living abroad. As more updates are announced, the embassy’s website will remain the best source for official information and guidance.