VFS Global controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2023
Canadian official-language complaint
The company was criticised after a French-speaking applicant for Canadian permanent residence reported being required to respond in English. Quebec’s immigration minister called the incident unacceptable.
2019
Applicant treatment, fees and service-quality allegations
Applicants and officials criticised delays, missed flights, alleged wrongful denials, document-handling errors and pressure to purchase premium services. Nigerian officials also investigated claims involving excessive prices and hidden fees.
2015
Personal information exposed through Italian visa forms
VFS Global’s online Italian visa forms were reported to expose other applicants’ dates of birth, passport information and addresses when a different applicant identifier was entered.
2007
UK visa applicant data exposure
A vulnerability in an online VFS Global system made sensitive information from visa applications accessible by manipulating web addresses. A UK investigation identified failures in data protection and the incident prompted review of the government’s outsourcing relationship.