Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who organizes the Visa camp?
   
   At the request of the Consul General of India, Houston, the visa camp is manned by volunteers from IANT. All processes and procedures are laid down by the Consul and his staff. IANT volunteers help facilitate the process.
   
   
2. What time do the services start?
   
   The services start when the Consular staffs arrive (approximately 9:00 am). About 250 applications are served on first come first served basis. Lines are formed quite early; so, you are encouraged to come as early as possible.
   
   
3. When do I get my papers back?
   
   Return of documents depends on the service being asked for. If you require an Indian visa for an American passport, then your passport and visa will be returned the same day, around 5:00pm. For a new Indian passport, your documents will be accepted, but your new passport will be mailed to you from Houston. For a complete list of which services are same day and which require processing from the Houston office, please see below as well as the Visa Camp Instructions Cheat-sheet.
   
   
4. What is the process of getting my work done?
   
   You should plan on arriving early. Generally, the line is formed around 6:00am. When the IANT volunteers arrive, tokens will be handed out on a first come first served basis. As soon as the Consular staffs arrive, people will be called by token number to see the Consul. Your papers and fees will be taken and you will be given a receipt. If your papers will be processed the same day, you will be able to collect them after 5:00pm (please check with an IANT volunteer for a more accurate time). If your papers need to be taken to Houston, then the Consular will give you an estimate of days / weeks.
   
   
5. How do I make sure I have my documents correct?
   
   You can check the Consulate General of India (CGI), Houston as well as the Visa Camp Instructions Cheat-sheet for the correct documents. Also, when you are at the camp, volunteers will be on hand to assist you on documents needed.
   
   
6. Does the Consular staff take cash?
   
   No. No cash is accepted. All payments must be made through either a money order or a cashiers check. There is a Comerica Bank and a 7-11 near the IANT office in case you do not have one on-hand.
   
   
7. How do I pay for services?
   
   All payments must be made via a cashiers check or a money order. These need to be drawn out to the Consular General of India - Houston or CGI-Houston. Please ensure that the out-of-station fee of US$10 per service is included in your form of payment.
   
   
8. What is the out-of-station fee?
   
   The out-of-station fee is a US$10 fee per service that is charged by the Consular General for all services that are performed by them outside of Houston. This is not a fee charged by IANT. IANT is a non-profit entity and volunteer for this camp.
   
   
9. How do I get to the visa camp?
   
   This visa camp is held at:
   Kerala Association of Dallas
   4550 Gus Thomasson Road
   Broadway Square,Suite 14
   Mesquite, Texas 75150
   
   
10. What is the phone number at the visa office?
    
    The phone number for the visa camp is (972)279-7601. However, due to heavy call volumes, we may not be able to answer all calls.
    
    
11. How can I get an appointment with the Consul?
    
    Due to the heavy traffic during the visa camp, the Consul does not take appointments. If you have a special case, you need to contact the Consular office in Houston and request an appointment directly. Alternatively, in case of emergency, please contact the Visa Camp Chair on site to see if an appointment can be granted.
    
    
12. How many people does the camp serve?
    
    On an average camp day, approximately 250 applications are served. Once the allocated tokens for the day run out, no more are issued and those who do not have a token, must either mail their applications to the Houston office or come back for the next camp.
    
    
13. What are the dates for the visa camp?
    
    For a complete list of dates for the visa camp please see the Service Schedule section above.
    
    
14. How do I volunteer for the Visa camp and other IANT services?
    
    The IANT is always looking for volunteers to help in providing services to the Indian community. You can volunteer for the visa camp and other activities hosted by the IANT by giving your name, phone number and email address to any of the volunteers or by entering your feedback.
    
    
15. Is there a notary on site?
    
    There may be a notary on site from time to time, whose services are available free to IANT members.
    
    
16. Where can I get a money order / cashiers check?
    
    There is a Comerica Bank and a 7-11 near the IANT office in case you do not have one on-hand.
    
    
17. What services does the visa camp provide?
    
    For a complete list of services that the Consular General will provide, please see below and the Consulate General of India (CGI), Houston as well as the Visa Camp Instructions Cheat-sheet.
    
    
18. How long does the process take?
    
    The process time depends largely on the token number. Tokens are handed out around 7:00am and actual services begin around 9:00am. All services which can be performed outside of Houston are completed based on token numbers and returns begin around 5:00pm.