VFS Global France Visa Office

My experience with this place was horrible. Have been waiting for more than 3 weeks since Consulate returned my passport to VFS; yet they don’t know where my passport is. Zero response zero action despite of my repeated inquiries.

My experience with this place was terrible. My wife applied for a tourist visa, and on the day of her interview, the gentleman assisting us was friendly and responsive. We provided all the requested documents, but he asked for additional proof of income since I was sponsoring my wife’s trip. Suddenly, his manager came in and reprimanded him in front of us for giving us more details to save us time and avoid keep going back and forth since we lives far away from Chicago, I found this behavior disrespectful and unprofessional; she could have addressed him privately. A week later, we received a call stating that the biometrics were not submitted correctly because the lady in charge hadn’t took them correctly requiring us to make an 8-hour round trip to retake them. Few weeks later, we tried to check the visa status online, it showed as invalid, we called the Customer service, they have no clue what’s going on in their department, they barely answer basic question related to the visa application , they were really unhelpful, all they told us was to wait, offering no solutions or assistance.

The receptionist was extremely rude.
I waited 1.5 before my appointment. 1.5h past my appointment time.
We couldn't use cell phones, which is ridiculous. The whole thing is a farce. I wasn't even able to take a picture of a tracking number. Yet they have qr codes, this is ridiculous.
The guy who took my documents was very nice, though.

I apply for 2 OCI and charge for 3 applications cost. It was there system error during I submitted my one of application. I proceed payment and error page come up and no email for confirmation or courier label email on my 2nd application. I resubmitted same application at a time. They charge both time to my credit card. I contacted more than 10times by email and never got my refund yet. If we try to call them, we have to pay $2.48 per min. So disappointed with Chicago office.

I’ve had a great experience at this location for France Schengen visa. Booked an early morning appointment 5 days prior to it. The appointment itself took less than an hour (appointment was at 8:45 am, i was out by 9:30am), including the passport photo and biometrics. I got my passport back in one week, so fast! Throughout the week i received email and text notifications with status updates. Everything about the process was smooth, thank you VFS team!

VFS services are of substandard quality. VFS turns the visa process into a painful ordeal, which shouldn't be the case given their two decades of operation. Their online platform is riddled with glitches and consistently fails. The appointment booking process is particularly poor. The experience at the center is no different, claiming a 30-minute process but often taking over 90 minutes. Delays often occur with basic steps that could be better organized and coordinated. Spending 30 minutes to wait for biometrics does not reflect reasonable service. Though the staff is reasonable and helpful.

What you read vs What you experience! March 20, 2024

I must say, I was super anxious, SUPER, the morning of my appointment as I read all the reviews that were 1-4 month ago. However, I was taken aback when everything wasn't as read!

Yes, the biometrics machines worked for me.

I understand there are various experiences but could we please use dates, thank you.

The folks were good for consulate staffs, even nice and very explanatory and well-knowledge. I appreciate the help I got from the staff, very calm.

It was very quick too, the minute I was done with security, I was told to sit at one of the numbers as they were already ready. Fascinating! :)

I don't know if you recommend consulates but would recommend.

I'll preface this by saying I've gotten approved for all my Visas and have never been rejected.

All experiences here have had major issues. The first time the front desk lady didn't know about COVID guidelines and refused us entry, thankfully the manager (who was great) came out and corrected her. If he didn't come out, we wouldn't have been able to get the Visa and would've been entirely out of luck.

Also the first time - the fingerprint machine was broken. They didn't tell us this beforehand. So I had to fly out of Chicago and return the next week - keep in mind we're paying for all of these extra flights & hotels. VFS would never cover these costs even though it's entirely their fault.

The second time - the worker incorrectly said they didn't accept applications at that time. They said I should leave and come back later, they contacted the embassy, and they corrected VFS. They were accepting applications - so I was able to apply then.

It seems the staff doesn't really know what they're doing, except for upper management. And even they don't seem to know the rules & happenings of the office. I would never use VFS if there were literally any other options, but we're out of luck there. I would suggest going to a different location at the very least, although they're all pretty awful.