WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The Embassy of India has expanded its reach across the United States with the opening of eight new Indian Consular Application Centers (ICACs). Ambassador Vinay Kwatra officially inaugurated the new centers in a virtual ceremony held on August 1.

The new ICACs are located in Raleigh, Orlando, San Jose, Dallas, Detroit, Columbus, Edison, and Boston. With this expansion, the total number of ICACs operating in the U.S. has grown to 17. An additional center in Los Angeles is also expected to open soon, further extending services to the Indian community.

The Embassy of India said the new ICACs will help improve access to vital consular services. These centers support a wide range of services, including visa applications, passport renewals, Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card processing, and other attestation services.

Previously, many Indian nationals and individuals of Indian origin had to travel long distances to access consular support. With the launch of these new centers, services are now closer to local communities. This change will make life easier for many Indian Americans and those needing services related to travel or documentation.

In addition to opening more locations, the Embassy of India has extended the operating hours at all 17 ICACs. Starting immediately, all centers will remain open six days a week, including Saturdays. This is a significant update from the previous five-day schedule.

The decision to expand operating hours was based on public feedback and growing demand. Many individuals and families prefer weekend appointments due to work and school commitments during the week.

The Indian Consular Application Centers are now equipped to handle a variety of services beyond the traditional offerings. The Embassy confirmed that several miscellaneous consular and attestation services will be available through the ICACs.

This move is aimed at reducing wait times, cutting down on paperwork, and making the process more efficient for users. With more centers and longer hours, applicants can expect a smoother experience from start to finish.

Speaking at the inauguration, Ambassador Vinay Kwatra emphasized the government’s commitment to serving the Indian diaspora. He said the expansion reflects Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong regard for the Indian community in the United States.

“This expansion is part of our continued effort to make consular services more accessible, convenient, and efficient,” said Ambassador Kwatra. “We are deeply committed to supporting the needs of Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin living in the U.S.”

The Indian diaspora in the United States is one of the largest in the world. As this community continues to grow, so does the need for accessible consular services. These new centers are expected to benefit not only Indian citizens but also American citizens with ties to India.

From business travelers and students to families and retirees, many rely on services such as passport renewals, OCI applications, and document attestations. The increased number of ICACs is a welcome development for many in the community.

Individuals seeking consular services can visit the Indian Embassy’s official website at https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in. The site provides detailed information about ICAC locations, hours of operation, and the services offered.

Appointments can be booked online, and users are encouraged to check the site for the latest updates on services, fees, and required documents.