KOLKATA: U.S. Consul General Melinda Pavek has inaugurated the relocated Visa Application Center (VAC) in Kolkata.
The US Visa Application Center (VAC) in Kolkata has moved to a new location at Pataka House on Mirza Ghalib Street in Taltala area. The new center started its operation on July 28.
The facility replaces the previous center at Jasmine Tower, which closed on July 27, 2024.
“Our relationship with India is important. And facilitating people-to-people connections is at its core,” Consul General Melinda Pavek said.
“Our nations recognize the immense potential in collaborating across critical and emerging sectors such as technology, healthcare, renewable energy, and space exploration. Streamlined visa processes and facilities that prioritize efficiency and transparency facilitate these collaborations, empowering Indians and Americans to explore new ventures and partnerships. This year, we anticipate more than 1.8 million travelers from India with travel to the United States, further growing the ties between our nations,” he said.
Consul General Pavek was joined by Jeffrey Miles, Visas Coordinator for the U.S. Mission in India, who highlighted the increase in interest in travel to the United States, praising the work of consular officials across the country as they worked to reduce wait times.
“As we celebrate the opening of this newly relocated facility, I am reminded of the remarkable achievements in the past year by our consular staff throughout India,” he said.
“In 2023 alone, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India processed a record-breaking 1.4 million U.S. visas. This includes over 700,000 visitor visas, demonstrating the immense interest in travel and cultural exchange between India and the United States,” Miles said.
The updated VAC in Kolkata will offer a range of services to make the visa application process more efficient and customer-centric.
The new center has nearly twice the number of intake windows to speed up processing times for customers.
The new facility offers applicants a more spacious and comfortable environment, with improved wheelchair accessibility features including dedicated bathrooms and processing windows.
To enhance customer service, the new VAC boasts dedicated staff to assist applicants throughout the visa application process. Bilingual signage in English and Bengali is provided to ensure a smooth experience for all applicants.
Applicants can also enjoy the convenience of dedicated passport pick-up and drop-off windows.
The U.S. government is committed to continually improving its services and ensuring a positive experience for all visa applicants. The newly relocated VAC is a testament to this commitment and a significant addition to the consulate’s resources.
