Travelling with ease is a myth if you still need to renew your passport. It is mandatory to update your passport before its expiry date. There are different ways to renew your passport. If you plan to renew Indian passport Melbourne, the process is pretty straightforward. The Indian government has made the application process easy and accessible for all. The responsibilities have been outsourced to VFS Global, which is the Indian Passport and Visa Services Center. Thus, it is essential to send the applications to VFS rather than the Indian High Commission and Consulate General.
The right way to apply for Renewal of Indian Passport in Melbourne
Whether you are planning to book flights to India from Brisbane or simply travelling to other parts of the world, renewing your Indian passport by visiting VFS Global is essential.
Here are the mandatory steps to follow after getting the application form for the renewal of your Indian passport from the official website of VFS Global.
- Passport Service Type
There are different passport services offered by VFS Global. You can opt for services like changing names and appearances or giving up on the passport after getting Australian citizenship. To renew or replace an Indian passport, you can select either two of the options: a new passport and a lost or damaged passport. However, the process of getting a new passport on expiry varies from the lost and damaged passport. If you want to replace an old or damaged passport, then additional documents might be required.
- Mandatory Documents to Renew Indian Passport Melbourne
Depending on the passport application, the requirements of documents can vary. For instance, to replace a minor’s passport, certain additional documents are required. The list of documents required are:
- Two latest passport-size photographs as specified by the government.
- Current passport. If you have lost it or are applying for a minor or new passport, then skip this point.
- Current visa status proof. It could be a Visa sticker, VEVO, or Visa Grant Notice.
- Printed/filled out application form for a passport.
- Carefully fill out a personal form.
- A printed and filled checklist for the renewal of Indian passports in Melbourne or throughout Australia.
- An appointment letter is needed if you plan to submit the form in person.
You can even go through the checklist for passport renewal on the official website of VFS Global. The required documents are listed on the website in case you wish to change any passport information such as address, signature, marital status, etc. However, if you skip these details and fail to submit the additional documents, your new passport will carry the previous details.
- Schedule an Appointment with VFS Centre
After completing your online application form for Indian passport renewal, you need to schedule an appointment with VFS Center. It is essential to submit the physical copies of your application form as well as documents.
After the acceptance of your appointment request, you will receive a confirmation email including a Letter of Appointment. Carry a print of this letter during the scheduled appointment day.
In case you miss your appointment day, you can reschedule it within 24 hours. You will receive a notification from the VFS Centre.
Renewal Application for Indian Child Passport
The process for the renewal application for Indian child passports is different as compared to adults or parents. It is imperative for a minor’s parents to fill the form aptly. In case the minor is too young or unable to sign then his or her thumb print on the form and below the photograph is required.
Also, the parents are required to accompany the child during the appointment. The documents required for them to include are:
- Annexure C – If the child has one parent, the details of both parents are impossible.
- Annexure D – This form is required if details of both parents can be submitted and should be signed.
- Passport copies of both parents.
- First and last visa pages of both parents. The pages should be notary attested.
How Much Time Does it Take to Renew Indian Passport with the Same and Different Consulates?
- With the Same Consulate in Australia
Applying for Indian passport renewal within Australia and at a same or previous consulate, the application process can take around four weeks.
- With a Different Consulate outside Australia
If you are applying for an Indian passport renewal outside Australia with a different consulate, the application process can take around eight weeks. For instance, if your previous consulate was in Melbourne but now you live in Sydney, it will take around eight weeks.
What is the fee for an Indian Passport Renewal in Melbourne?
There is no fixed fee to renew Indian passport Melbourne. It depends on the exchange rates and is changed each month. During the application process, you can use the fee calculator to find the passport renewal price. It offers accurate estimates depending on your details and requirements.
The expected fee for a basic passport can be somewhere around $100 or more and payment needs to be done via credit card. However, always recheck the cost of your passport renewal before application submission. Also, you can make the payment in-person.
Renewal of Indian Passport in Australia on Urgent Basis
It depends if the Urgent Passport Processing Service is available or not. If you require it on an urgent basis or if your passport has expired, you can seek an Emergency Certificate from your trustworthy consulate. This is offered if there is a death case or serious illness. Otherwise, the waiting time for non-emergency situations is four to eight weeks.
Conclusion
If you are planning to book flights to India from Brisbane or any other part of Australia, then it is essential to renew your passport on time. There is a certain process for filing for Indian passport renewal in Australia. The detailed guide mentioned above covers every point that is necessary to complete the renewal process with ease and without any stress.
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