VFS Global Down in Australia? How to Still Get Your OCI, Passport or Visa Sorted (2026)

Last updated: 14 July 2026 · This is a developing situation — see live sources at the end.

Since 1 July 2026, VFS Global has stopped taking Indian Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) applications across Australia, and that includes OCI cards. This happened because of a court order in India, and there is no restart date yet. If you are an Indian living in Australia and you do not know how to renew your passport, get an OCI card, or sort your visa, this guide explains exactly what is happening and what you can do right now.

Quick Status: What's Happening (updated 14 July 2026)

Here is the situation in plain words:

• VFS Global has suspended all Indian consular services in Australia — OCI cards, passports, visas (CPV), PCC (police clearance) and more from 1 July 2026, until further notice.
• The cause was a legal order (a Delhi High Court injunction) that stopped VFS from renewing its contract. This is not your fault and not something you did wrong.
• No date has been given for when services will restart.

Source: VFS Global official suspension notice.

Stuck and not sure what to do? Inquire now on WhatsApp → and we will tell you your options for free.

What's Affected

If you were planning to use VFS in Australia for any of these, they are currently not available:

• OCI cards - new applications, minor children, foreign spouse, re-issue after a new passport, and lost or damaged replacements.
• Indian passport - renewals and re-issues.
• Visas to India.
• PCC (Police Clearance Certificate).
• Other consular paperwork.

What Still Works - Read This Before You Panic

Not everything has stopped. A few things are still moving:

• Passports already finished are still being returned. If your passport was ready before the suspension, VFS is still sending completed passports back to applicants.
• The helpline is open. You can call the dedicated line on 03 9956 3830 (09:00–15:30 AEST), or email info.ind_aus@vfshelpline.com.
• The official OCI portal is still online. The Indian Government's own OCI website (ociservices.gov.in) still works - this is where the actual application is filed, and it is separate from VFS.
• The High Commission and Consulates still exist. The High Commission of India, Canberra and the Consulates in Sydney and Melbourne are the official government offices for Indian services in Australia.

Your Options — Sorted By What You Need

If you need an OCI card: Whether it is your first OCI card, one for your child, for a foreign spouse, or a re-issue after a new passport, the online application itself is filed on the government portal, not on VFS. That means the paperwork can still be prepared and submitted correctly, even now. The tricky part is getting the forms, documents and photos exactly right, because mistakes cause long delays. We handle the full OCI application for you - see our step-by-step guide: OCI Card When VFS Is Down.

Need your OCI sorted? Inquire now on WhatsApp →

If you need an Indian passport: Passport renewals in Australia normally go through VFS, so this is the most affected service. If your case is urgent, the High Commission or Consulate helpline is your official contact point, and we can guide you on how to prepare so you are ready the moment services allow it.

If you need a PCC (Police Clearance): PCC is often needed for Australian visa and PR applications. With VFS paused, timing matters and if your Australian visa depends on a PCC, plan early so a delay does not hurt your application.

If your Australian visa is affected: Here is an important point many people miss. If your Australian visa application relies on an Indian passport renewal, PCC, or OCI, this VFS delay can slow down your Australian visa too. If you are worried about deadlines, get advice quickly.

Not sure which service you need? Inquire now on WhatsApp → and we will point you the right way.

Why Is This happening? (simple explanation)

VFS Global is a private company that the Indian Government hired to handle its paperwork in many countries. In Australia, a court order in India (a Delhi High Court injunction) stopped VFS's contract from being renewed. Because of that, VFS had to pause all Indian services here from 1 July 2026. It is a legal and contract issue between the government and the company, not a problem with your individual application.

How EazyViza Helps

EazyViza is an online Indian and Australian visa service. Every application is handled with lawyer-supervised care, with clear fixed pricing and direct WhatsApp support, no confusing agency fees. While VFS is down, we can prepare and correctly submit your OCI application through the official government process, help you get ready for passport and PCC needs, and make sure any linked Australian visa stays on track.

Inquire now on WhatsApp → and get a clear answer today.

Sources & live updates

This is a developing situation. Always check the official channels directly for the latest status.

• VFS Global — Temporary Suspension of CPV Services in Australia: services.vfsglobal.com
• High Commission of India, Canberra — official consular notices: hcicanberra.gov.in
• Government of India OCI portal: ociservices.gov.in

Last reviewed: 14 July 2026. General information only, not legal advice, and covers a live situation that may change. For advice on your circumstances, consult a registered migration agent or lawyer.