Who a want to apply for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands almost always has to deal with the application center of VFS Global (VFS Global Visa Application Centre), to which the Dutch government has outsourced the collection of visa application forms. Who are they, what do they do and do they also decide on the granting of the visa? You can read that in this article.
Although you often read that you have to submit a visa application for Schengen at the Dutch embassy or consulate, in practice this is not the case. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has outsourced a number of tasks related to the visa application process to a so-called external service provider. VFS Global is one such third-party service provider.
Who is VFS Global?
VFS Global is a commercial company that works with the Dutch embassy in many countries worldwide to provide support services to people applying for a visa to travel to the Netherlands.
In 2018, after a global selection, the ministry chose them to operate in eight of the nine world regions. So, when you think of visa services in regions such as Africa, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe and even India, VFS Global is the name that comes to mind. In addition, they not only provide Schengen and Caribbean visas, but also long-stay visas, Dutch travel documents and civic integration exams. They have a wide scope in their services.
What are the tasks of VFS Global?
VFS Global manages so-called visa application centers for the Dutch embassy in many countries, where a visa applicant fills in visa application form, supporting documents and biometric data must submit. VFS Global can be seen as a kind of intermediary.
VFS Global also offers a number of commercial services for visa applications, such as:
- Courier service
- SMS service
- Copy and print service
- Assistance with filling out forms
Does VFS Global determine whether I get a visa?
No definitely not. VFS Global provides an initial check and is otherwise only an intermediary that acts as a conduit. A visa application is always handled and decided by the Dutch authorities. Your visa application and passport will be forwarded to the CSO in The Hague for assessment. The Consular Service Organization (CSO) processes all visa applications and applications for Dutch travel documents abroad.
VFS Global and its employees play no role in this, they do not influence the outcome of your visa application. VFS Global can only provide services to ensure that your visa application is completed and submitted correctly.
What does VFS Global do with a Schengen visa application?
VFS Global is an external service provider in facilitating visa and consular services for Schengen countries. Below is a brief overview of their role in the Schengen visa process:
- Sharing information: Via their website and customer service, VFS Global shares important information about visa requirements, required documents and application procedures for various Schengen countries.
- Online appointment system: Applicants can schedule an appointment through VFS Global's online platform to submit their visa application, either at a VFS Global center or at an embassy/consulate.
- Application submission: In the VFS Global center, the applicant submits the application for a Schengen visa with a visa application form. Then VFS Global collects all documents, checks completeness and collects the visa fee.
- biometrics: If required, VFS Global collects the biometric data (such as fingerprints and photo) of the applicant and forwards this, together with the application, to the CSO in The Hague.
- Intermediary: VFS Global takes care of the communication between the applicant and the embassy/consulate and ensures that the application goes to the right agency for review.
- Passport return: After the decision by the CSO, VFS Global arranges for the passport to be returned to the applicant. This can be with the granted visa or with a cover letter in case of rejection. Applicants can choose: collect passport from a VFS center or have it delivered to your home via courier.
In short, VFS Global ensures a smooth process from start to finish when applying for a Schengen visa.
How do I apply for a visa for the Netherlands via VFS Global?
Do you have all required documents for your Schengen visa? Then it's time to book your appointment with VFS Global. Make sure you do this at least 45 days and up to 6 months before your trip.
How do you arrange the appointment?
Easily schedule your appointment online Vfs global in your country of residence, this is free. But beware: do not make an appointment through intermediaries or agencies, as this entails unnecessary costs. If you want to arrange a visa for several people, make a separate appointment for each individual.
Can someone else apply for me?
You must attend your appointment in person if it is your first application, even if you are under 18.
Note: If you have already applied for a Schengen visa, submitted a photo and given your fingerprints in the last 5 years (and you are now 12 or older), you do not have to go yourself. Someone else can do this on your behalf, but make sure the appointment is in their name.
Not sure if VFS Global has all your fingerprints? Unfortunately, they cannot check this for you. So come by yourself.
Change or cancel an appointment?
Do you want to make changes or cancel your appointment? No problem. Simply contact VFS Global.
Your appointment day
Go to VFS Global on the scheduled day and make sure you have all the documents of your checklist and of course the checklist itself with you.
What can you expect during the appointment?
- You provide the necessary documents (including the compulsory medical travel insurance) and your passport.
- If you are 12 years or older, you give your fingerprints.
- You answer some travel-related questions.
- De visa fees getting paid.
- You decide whether you want to pick up your passport or have it delivered.
- Finally, you will receive a reference number to track your application.
What do you pay for the visa?
You can find the exact costs in the overview of consular fees. Sometimes there are exceptions where you don't have to pay anything. In addition, you pay service costs to VFS Global (usually half of the visa costs).
When will you hear back?
Usually within 15 days you will receive an email about your visa application. In exceptional cases this can take up to 45 days.
How do you monitor your application?
With your VFS Global reference number you can easily track your application online.
Get your passport back
You will be notified as soon as your application has been completed. You will only see whether your visa has been approved when you have your passport back in your hands.
Passport received: If you have chosen to have your passport sent to you, you will receive instructions during your appointment. Do you choose to pick it up? Then you will hear when you can come by. Someone else can also do this for you. Make sure you have the right documents.
Visa check: When you get your passport back, check the details on your visa. Is something not right or do you have any questions? Then contact VFS Global directly. You can send them an email.
Please note that if you travel to the Netherlands, you must also carry copies of the documents you have submitted to VFS Global, such as the form for guarantee and the Schengen insurance.
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