BLS International

Review: BLS International is contracted by the Consulate of India in New York to provide services related to re-issue of passports on expiry of 10 years to Indian nationals residing here in the North East region of United States. I have applied for re-issue of my passport as per the following details

Passport number : [redacted], Issued at New York on **/09/2004, expiring on **/09/2014 .

Applicant ID : [redacted] (BLS Order Form #)

Courier company tracking number of postal application : UPS, Tracking # : [redacted], received by one [redacted] at BLS's New York office on May [redacted] at 0844 AM, as per proof of delivery from UPS.

I am unable to track the status of my application on their website which can usually be done by typing in the passport number . I am unable to get satisfactory response from their helpdesk email ids even 3 weeks after submitting the application (their SLA is 7-10 days). There were a couple of emails from the help desk to [redacted] (who is on a gmail email id and not on BLS International email id) enquiring about the status of the application . There has been no response from [redacted] so far .The help lines are either non functional or their voice mail box is full . I am very anxious about the whereabouts of my passport and my application for re-issue of a new passport. I suspect that my application and passport has been misplaced and no one is actively trying to resolve the issueDesired Settlement: I would like to immediately know the status of my application and have my application for re-issue of passport processed at the earliest.

Consumer

Response:

At this time, my complaint, ID [redacted] regarding BLS International has been resolved.

(By clicking "OK", your complaint will be closed as Resolved.)

Sincerely,

Review: BLS International is the sole company responsible for processing Visas for travel to India. They have no contact number to speak directly to a person at their offices in NY where you need to mail your passport, you have to call India. So now they have my passport in their posession and do not give accurate information as to where it is or when they will return it to you. I need to travel November [redacted] and it is now November [redacted]- 2 weeks after they received my application and I have only been fed mistruths- "Your visa has been dispatched" when it has not. FedEx has no record of it.Desired Settlement: I need my passport back by Wednesday 11/**- 2 DAYS FROM NOW!

Review: I made an application to renounce my Indian citizenship. The application was made on Oct [redacted]. Per the website the processing time is 15 business days (see below) . When I call for the update,, BLS rep lets me know that the they have completed their portion and the Consulate of India is the one who needs to respond. It has been at least 30business days and I have not heard back from them.

I have tried to contact the Indian Consulate and Embassy too and there is no human that picks up the phone or even returns messages. In fact the phone numbers listed on the websites are not accurate.

BLS Processing Time

1. Approximately 15 working/business days in person.

2. Applications sent by mail take approximately 15 working/business days to process from the date of receipt.

Note:

1.The Processing time mentioned above is a general processing time however this processing time is dependent on various factors and may vary from time to time.

2.Processing time mentioned above, do not include time taken by courier companies to deliver the passport. Incomplete/ Incorrect applications will increase the processing time and applicants will need to comply with any changes in the procedure that may occur during this time.

3.Visa Application Center will not be liable for any claims of inconvenience or penalties should applicant need to make changes to their travel plans owing to the delays and/or any inconvenience caused due to any rejections.Desired Settlement: I would like them to complete the process....as a customer I do not care who is accountable for this mess but someone needs to have the issue fixed. This service is so pathetic that India may be losing tourism b/c of inefficiency of Indian representatives here.

Consumer

Response:

I have tried to contact the business several times but they have not responded to the reason for delay. They keep telling me that it is in process.

At this time, I have not been contacted by BLS International regarding complaint ID [redacted].

I appreciate your help in getting the issue resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: I am currently an Indian citizen, and had to renew my Passport for 10 year renewal process. BLS International is the only service provider for Indian Passport and Visa renewal in the United States. I had filed out online application form for passport renewal in mid of May, 2013. All the required documents, online filled application form with the reference number [redacted] and original passport was shipped to BLS through USPS postal services with tracking number [redacted]. The shipment was received at BLS on **/May/2013 and I have a confirmation form USPS also. The usual time for Passport renewal is 2 to 30 weeks as per BLS services. I did not hear any thing from BLS till mid of June, 2013 that they have received my Passport or not. I started inquiring using the reference number [redacted], none of the representative was able to find my passport and every time I was asked to give them a time for at least 24 - 48 hr to respond me back. NOBODY has ever called back from BLS till the date. After arguing for several days, they found my passport with the different reference number [redacted], which is completely surprising. Initially when I sent all documents and Passport, that time I sent an extra $20 as a money order for return shipment. The information provided on the website of BLS was not clear that how much amount of money order will be needed to return shipping charges.I received a call from on of their representative on **/May/2013 asking for extra $9 for return shipment, that I sent again as money order. Now on BLS website my passport with the reference number [redacted] is ready for collection buy has not been shipped yet from BLS. I have been calling them every day and every day I have been told that BLS will respond with 24 to 48 hr, till the date nobody from BLS has called me addressing my issue about my passport.Desired Settlement: Required proper service, Need passport as soon as possible.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Hello [redacted],

Good afternoon.

This is [redacted], In reference to complaint number [redacted].

I would like to inform that, my compliant with BLS internationals regarding my Passport has been resolved and I have received my passport today morning in the mail.

Thank you for support!

Have a good day.

- [redacted].

Sincerely,

Review: I wish I had the option to select multiple Primary Nature of your Complaint parts. My wife and I applied for her Tourist Visa to goto India. We first sent in the application on the [redacted] and they responded that we missed a signature under the photo on the [redacted] and returned it to us. a) It took 6 days to "process" our application to find an error on the First Page. But alas it was our fault so she just signed it and we mailed it back to them. They received our documents on the [redacted] of November. they say it takes 24-48hrs to update the status on the webpage. I have called since Wed [redacted], every single day to find the status and they keep pushing me off and not giving me any info.

One of the customer service numbers doesn't even work, and the other works about 1/10 times. Then they put you on hold... To escalate the issue is another 24hrs.. which they dont give you a ticket number or anything for. I understand the customer service phone office is in India but this is just crazy. We have non refundable tickets for the [redacted]. Both our grand parents are sick and this is just uncalled for.Desired Settlement: I would like them to say that the Visa is ready and I can come pick it up by Thursday so I can go into NY the day before my trip and just pick up the passport.

Consumer

Response:

At this time, my complaint, ID [redacted] regarding BLS International has been resolved.

(By clicking "OK", your complaint will be closed as Resolved.)

Review: I had filed for a renewal of passport. They kept saying I had missing documents, first of all if I have missing documents, I have to submit the document with a "Resubmission Fee", I dont understand why they came back with the same application twice with missing documents, I guess its their way of making money? This is the status of my application: Also, they have issued the new passport number [redacted], but they put the incorrect address in India, so as per the customer service rep, I PREPAID $30.00 to send the new passport back to them hoping I would get updated passport with CORRECT MAILING ADDRESS in India, I have no idea what the status of that passport is anymore. They have not been able to update the status online with the old or new passport number.

BLS Receipt Number => [redacted] Current Aplication Status : Dispatched via Courier Using your Prepaid Envelope.[redacted]

Application accepted by BLS: **-02-2015 , 13:01

Application Processed on Date :**-02-2015

Application Processed and submitted to Consulate : **-04-2015 , 15:21

Additional Documents Required by Consulate :**-03-2015

( Your application is Return from consulate for Incomplete or Missing document. Consulate required following documents

Notarized copy of marriage certificate along with notarized copy of the 1st and last page of the Spouse?s passport.

Notarized copy of divorce deed duly authenticated by court as applicable.

IR category - Applicant has to add spouse name in his passport.

also please send $13.20 re submission fees mail to BLS office with your old passport number.

)

Passport received at BLS Center : **-04-2015 , 14:20

Passport handed over to Applicant : -

Passport Dispatched to Applicant :**-04-2015 , 14:20

Additional Infomation

# Comments On

1 Missing document attached 2015-04-** 05:03:39

2 Your application is pending due to missing documents.

back copy of green card

13.20 resubmission fee

please send the required documents stated above by march *,2014. if we do not receive your documents by the date given your application will be sent back to you. 2015-02-** 01:05:54

3 Your application is pending due to missing documents.

back copy of green

13.20 resubmission fee

please send the required documents stated above by march *,2014. if we do not receive your documents by the date given your application will be sent back to you.Desired Settlement: 1) I need an update with my passport [redacted] that was issued to me with incorrect address printed.

2) They need to be able to reached out, their hr rarely is reachable.

3) Customer service agents do not know anything and cannot give a status update, so honestly I don't see the point of their hr.

4) Their online system does not show updates as quickly as they should.

5) The "Checklist" for Passport Renewal required documents is not thorough, they need to emphasize on what they think is mandatory. For example: FRONT AND BACK SIDE OF GREEN CARD NOTARIZED/CERTIFIED, they did NOT clearly state that they require a copy of the back side of my green card as well, and my application has been prolonged, and I do not know where my passport is.

Review: Hi, we had faced many issues with BLS international for getting my kids [redacted] visa in May/June 2014 time frame . They lost our kids passports to wrong persons, so we had to reapply emergency passports & get the visas processed again. The customer service was very bad. So I want to file a case against them. Can you guys help us on that. Pl give me a call @ my cell#: ###-###-#### or my home no: ###-###-####, so that I can discuss more.Desired Settlement: I need to get the re-fund of what they charged for [redacted] visa fee + what I had to spend to get the emergency passports (including additional charges in lost salary + commuting charges to apply the passport @ the facility ) + [redacted] visa fee that I had to pay afresh.

Consumer

Response:

At this time, I have not been contacted by BLS International regarding complaint ID [redacted].Sincerely,[redacted]

Review: I had originally applied for OCI card in on July [redacted], and I sent everything that was necessary.I was promised OCI in 60 days. Nothing has happened yet. I keep on getting same routine itic answers. eg. they keep on asking copy of last page of Indian passport, which they are in possession of, how can I send them a copy ?After multiple e mails, phone calls - nothing has changed. This is almost end of November and my status on their site has not changed a bit.Desired Settlement: I would like to get my OCI card ASAP.

Consumer

Response:

At this time, I have not been contacted by BLS International regarding complaint ID [redacted].

Sincerely,

Review: The visa agency had certain renunciation document requirement for naturalized US citizens that were Indian citizens in the past. However, back in 2009 the Indian consulate did not issue these letters at the time of renouncing Indian citizenship.

The agency: BLS International, is now asking that I fill out application for renouncing my Indian citizenship and pay the fees associated with it.

I called the agency on October *, 2013 to mention that I cannot renounce my Indian citizenship when I am not even an Indian citizen anymore. You cannot renounce something that you are not. The agent asked me to include my old US passport with Indian Visitor visa, cancelled Indian VISA and a cover letter stating all the specifics. This should suffice as a proof of documentation.

October *, 2013: I checked online and my application was sent back due to the following reason:

Dear [redacted] we are mailing back your passport because your missing copy of naturalization ,two renunciation form and renunciation fee ....[redacted]

October * (around 10 AM): I called the helpline to inquire why my application was sent back when I followed the procedure advised by a BLS agent. The agent I was speaking with ([redacted] or [redacted]) mentioned that the standard procedure is to apply for renunciation letter. I explained again that I cannot renounce a citizenship that I don't even have anymore. She said I should submit the application with $4.70 fee to attain a renunciation letter. She inquired if my old Indian passport had a "cancelled due to another citizenship stamp". I said the consulate stamped it "cancelled" and I will have to look to verify, but I think they did state the reason. I asked to speak with the supervisor and a call was scheduled at 11 AM.

October * (around 11:15 AM): Still no call from the supervisor. I tried the ###-###-#### number listed on their website. This did not ring and sent me to a message " you have reached a voice mail box that has not been set up".

October * (around 11:20 AM) I called their [redacted] number. This time the agent mentioned a few things which were a revelations:

1. The agent on Oct * did not let me know that he was just advising and it is at the discretion of the consulate to accept my application or not.

2. The agent at 10 AM should not have given me a time as that is not their procedure. The standard procedure is to take a client's phone number and set the expectation that supervisor will call before end of business day.

3. I will have to resubmit my application

Please help with this. I have received incorrect information from the same phone line 3 times already. Not sure if listing a non working phone number on the website is against NY state law of doing business.Desired Settlement: Please issue my visa.

Again, I cannot re-renounce my Indian citizenship.

Review: I sent my application for a PIO card (similar to an Indian Visa) to BLS International New York. They are the outsourcing company that we are required to go through to apply for Indian Visa, PIO or OCI cards. The company forwarded my paperwork to the Indian Embassy, which issued the PIO card. However, when returning the American passport with the PIO card, they sent it to the wrong address using someone else' FEDEX return label instead of mine. I found this out through their online status system 2 weeks ago. Since then I have contacted them every day. Their customer service is outsourced to India. So you cannot get any response from them. They promise me that they will call back, but never do. They tell me to follow up in 24 hours, after which they ask for an additional 24 hours. Sometimes they hang up on me.

One customer service rep told me that they have been doing this to many customers leading me to wonder if they are involved in identity theft/human trafficking.Desired Settlement: Retrieve my documents.

Consumer

Response:

At this time, I have not been contacted by BLS International regarding complaint ID [redacted]. Despite numerous attempts to contact this business, they have not called me back.

Sincerely,

Review: BLS International has LOST my PIO application AND PASSPORT, cashed my money order, provided ABSOLUTELY ZERO service and takes no responsibility whatsoever. I've called more than twelve times, sent emails and NEVER has anyone returned my call or email. Each time I'm told not to worry, that the problem has been escalated. Once I was told that it had been categorized as an emergency. I've been told that they have to check with the NY office and someone would get back to me. Once "[redacted]" assured me that I could call the next day and ask for him. Do you think anyone by the name "[redacted]" was available the next day? How about "[redacted]" or "[redacted]." NO! Each time I'm told something different. One woman actually said to me that at the help desk ". . . we are helpless." This is the ONLY truth I've heard spoken from BLS International Services Ltd. Another time I insisted to know how long BLS would continue playing this game before admitting that my passport is lost so I could get a new one and get on with my life. Also, when would my money be refunded since I've received NO SERVICE. The man could not tell me. I told him that I would call again the next day and it would be nice if he could find out. Do you think that anyone at the helpless help desk knew anything the next day? NEVER has a supervisor been available. Actually, one time I was supposedly transferred to a supervisor, which I doubt, since he was as helpless as the rest. The first few days I was repeatedly told that the application had been sent back, however no tracking number was provided. One man said I should call the post office. In New York City I should call the post office with no tracking number. Are you kidding? But I did and not surprisingly they were unable to help. I was told to call FedEx. I did that several times also, but without a tracking number they could not help me either. Then, after a few days a tracking number was posted in my application details, but NOT the pre-paid air bill tracking number that I'd sent. Again, I called around to see if ANYONE could track that number. Of course not. Then I made the mistake of giving BLS the information they LOST and provided the correct tracking number. A day or two later BLS posted the correct tracking number I provided and simply BLAMED FedEx. Needless to say, that tracking number is not in the system of FedEx. Is anyone in charge there?Desired Settlement: I would like BLS to locate my PIO application and passport and return the items to me at my address in [redacted] Maine. I have already provided a pre-paid air bill. If BLS International cannot locate my PIO application and passport at least by the end of November, 2013, then I would like them to refund the money order that has been cashed, accept responsibility for the incompetance and cover all expenses for me to obtain a new passport and visa.

Consumer

Response:

At this time, I have been contacted directly by BLS International regarding complaint ID [redacted], however my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

I was contacted by an employee literally minutes after I'd sent the email complaint to NYRevdex.com. He said the application had been sitting there for about a month and a half and if I could scan/email him the missing document he would process it. I did what was requested the following day which was November **. I followed up with this employee to make sure he had received it and he had.

My BLS online profile was updated and indicated that the application was in process at the consulate. The online profile has stated that my application has been "Ready for dispatch" for about two weeks and as of today, December *, I still have not received it.

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Consumer

Response:

At this time, my complaint, ID [redacted] regarding BLS International has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: My wife's passport and application for an Indian visa were received by BLS on August **, 2013. As of today we have not received her passport back. We have called and e-mailed and the only response we receive is they need another 24 - 48 hours. That is all we hear. When we track her application status it says it is ready for pickup. We sent the return label over two weeks ago and the passport still has not been returned. I have lost thousands of dollars because of this. I had to cancel my wife's trip because we did not receive her passport back with the visa. I was gone for almost a month, came back from the trip and her passport is still missing.Desired Settlement: I would like my wife's passport returned and reimbursement of my expenses.

Review: I applied for passport in mid August and sent my original passport , ( Application accepted by BLS: [redacted] , 09:47)

BLS Receipt Number => [redacted]

Current Aplication Status : Processing at Consulate General

Application accepted by BLS: [redacted] , 09:47

Appliication Processed on Date :[redacted]

Application Processed and submitted to Consulate : **-08-2014 , 15:54

Now if I am sending emails they said its not in our hand to process application (We would like to inform you that BLS International does not guarantee

the outcome of any application, or the time within which the outcome

is achieved.)

Consumer

Response:

I personally visited Indian Consulate office and they found my passport from bundle and assured me that now they will send passport to me , I received passport by Fedex today , sorry to say no effort made by BLS to get my passport. Vety disappointed with service received from BLS . reference to complaint matter has been resolved after physically visited to NYC.

Sincerely,

Review: I sent the my visa application with the fees $ 507.70 to this company in April 2014. They sent my unprocessed application back to me on May [redacted] and kept the fees for themself. This company has no longer a contract with the indian embassy starting May [redacted] 2014. I am worried whether they will refund my money. There is no answer to their phones or emails.Desired Settlement: Need a Refund of my money.

Business

Response:

Our company (BLS International) no longer has OCI/PIO/VISA/RENUNCIATION contract with the Indian government. Client can visit our website and request a claim for the refund of their application. We will contact client directly to arrange a refund.

Review: I have applied for a Visa and paid the fees through Money Order. First of all BLS International, delayed my Visa Paper saying I have not surrender my Passport and did not do Renunciation. They collected

extra money for it. But Later on when I prove them I did have a renunciation paper, they delayed my Tourist Visa. Which was very frustrating, I have to go to New York 3 times cost me lot of money, exertion and time.

Due to emergency, I went directly to Indian Embassy directly and got the Visa. So BLS at the end refunded me two checks (Check # [redacted]for $ 153 and Check # [redacted]for 29.70). These two check got bounce back from the

Bank, my bank charge me a penalty for bounce back check which is $ 30. I try calling BLS customer service almost every day, every person I spoke to said some will get back to me, so far no one called me back. I have contact the following person.

1. on 12/**/13 Rose 2. On 12/**/13 [redacted] 3. On 12/**/13 Harry, 4. On 12/**/13 [redacted], 5. On 12/[redacted]/13 [redacted]. No one has curtsey to call me back. I just want my Money Back which is Total $ 212.70.Desired Settlement: Desired Settlement: Refund-Check

Consumer

Response:

At this time, I have not been contacted by BLS International regarding complaint ID [redacted].

Sincerely,

Review: I [redacted] applied for OCI Card at BLS International New York on [redacted] May 2014, but they never processed my application.

I am sending them E-mail to return my Passport,OCI Card and Application Form but they are not sending my Passport and Original Documents.

They also verified my Money Order and are in the process to give refund of my money but I never received it.

I kindly request Revdex.com to involve in this matter because I already booked a ticket to India in the month of November [redacted].Desired Settlement: No response about my documents and I need my Passport as soon as possible.

Consumer

Response:

At this time, I have been contacted directly by BLS International regarding complaint ID [redacted], however my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

[Your Answer Here]

I already provided the proof of Money Order and then they informed me that everything is validated and we will receive our documents and the money back.But,again they are asking me for the Money Order encashment. I also provided them the original application copy and informed them about our wrong home address.Our correct address is [redacted] but by mistake we printed the wrong address as [redacted].

I also sent the registered mail with the application form copy and complaint letter to the [redacted] of BLS International New York. one month ago but they never responded back to me. They have my American Passport,Indian Passport and OCI Card.I already booked a ticket for India thats the big Issue for me.

Thank You

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Moses Christian

Consumer

Response:

At this time, I have not been contacted by BLS International regarding complaint ID [redacted].

I have not received my original OCI Card,original Indian and American Passport.

Sincerely,

Review: My passports (both old and renewed) could not be tracked and no positive response from BLS International (New York) for the last 1 month when I applied for the renewal of my passport in New York office . As per FedEx tracking system, someone (called [redacted] in the BLS New York office had signed and received my passports on Fri 4/**/2014 12:35 pm. But in spite of numerous calls, escalations and visit in-person to the New York BLS passport office, there was no trace of my passports (both old and renewed). I am scared of any misuse of my identity as an [redacted] national.Desired Settlement: Since BLS is responsible for losing my passports, I request BLS to please reimburse the below expenses. May you need the receipts/proof of the expenses below, please let me know. I will be happy to provide you all the receipts.

Total = $1520.00

6/*/2014 [redacted] fee for new passport against lost passport $303.00

5/**/2014 Hartford to New York by [redacted] $15.5

5/**/2014 New York to Hartford by [redacted] $24.5

5/**/2014 Workday off (Friday) $480

6/*/2014 Hartford to New York by [redacted] $12.5

6/*/2014 New York to Hartford by [redacted] $14.5

6/*/2014 Workday off (Thursday) $480

Unknown Lost Visa pages re-stamping fees (INR 11,780) $190

Consumer

Response:

At this time, I have not been contacted by BLS International regarding complaint ID [redacted].

Sincerely,

Review: I apply for OCI visa for India.

I send two money order for $ 282.70 with all my documents.

they send my all documents back without process the visa & take my Money order & cash it.

so now I lost my money.

I have copy of my money order but when I call the money order company they say the money order is already Cashed so they can not do any thing.

when I call BLS they never pickup my phone.

money order(Western union) no: [redacted] for $ 282.70

[redacted] for $ 282.70Desired Settlement: I need my money back.

Consumer

Response:

At this time, I have not been contacted by BLS International regarding complaint ID [redacted].

Sincerely,

Review: I sent my 1 year old's son's passport to BLS on May **, 2014 to receive a 6 month tourist visa to India. While the company did successfully receive the application packet and the enclosed money order, they never sent the application to the Indian Consulate for processing. Instead BLS sent back my son's passport and visa application to us minus the money order. Following this non-performance of service despite being paid for it, I asked for a refund. BLS e-mailed back saying that they would be happy to process my refund after I provided some basic data (such as my son's passport number, the amount owed to me, and our mailing address). I provided BLS with this information, along with scanned copies of the receipt for the postal money order, 2 months ago. I have only received a bureaucratic run around from BLS when I contact them to follow up on the refund.Desired Settlement: BLS must mail back either a check or cash in the amount of $67.70 to refund the payment I made to them to process my son's visa application.

Review: BLS International services are very inferior for [redacted] card and [redacted]. I sent my [redacted] card re issue application. There is no way to get an update on the status of my application. The website does not give any information. When I call people responding do not have any information. Since I had to travel I applied for [redacted] in addition to [redacted]. I got a call for my [redacted] application and that lady told me that my [redacted] application is pending since last 7 days because of renunciation but no one informed me about it. I expected to get this information from application tracking but I got it by luck because somebody called me for something else. Now my [redacted] application is stuck the same way. There is no one who can answer my questions. They just put me on hold or transfer me to their supervisor. I am afraid these people are so careless and have my passport with them. I do not want to lose my passport.Desired Settlement: I need timely notification for my [redacted] and [redacted] card status. Vendor should fix their communication infrastructure to provide correct status of application. In case of problem with the application it should be notified immediately so that people can take corrective actions.

Consumer

Response:

At this time, I have not been contacted by BLS International regarding complaint ID [redacted].

Sincerely,