VFS Global Visa & Permit Facilitation Centre Brooklyn.

3 Cheryl Anne Usherwood - 6 months ago

What an emotional rollercoaster!

Firstly, the best advice I can give is DO NOT TRUST THEIR CALL CENTRE. Their information can be very misleading.

I’ve been to this facility twice, one for submission and the other for collection. The two experiences were worlds apart.

Submission which was last year June, was somewhat of a breeze, I paid the additional fee for the lounge experience and I can honestly say that it was worth every cent. It would have been perfect had I not listened to the call centre. I spoke to three different ladies to be 100% sure that I have all the necessary documents. All three said as long as I have a marriage certificate then the other documents required from my husband would not be necessary.

Upon arrival in the lounge, the lady assisting me said I do in fact need additional documents and allowed me to sit in the lounge as I had to bother my husband to get these at the very last minute. It was a total nightmare and I desperately needed to submit that day as it was 3 months before my permit expired.

Luckily I managed to submit all the required paperwork after a few tears and a pounding heartbeat. I feel had I not made the decision for the lounge I would have had a different treatment with less patience.

Regardless, the wait was even more nerve wrecking considering that blunder. I couldn’t say if it would have been rejected or not. I was meant to have gotten my permit in August last year but instead I received it this March. So those who are applying, it’ll be tough but remain calm and patient.

The second time going there was dreadful. We had to stand in the basement parking for over an hour like cattle till a security guard escorted 10 of us at a time to go inside.

I suppose they treated us like cattle initially because some people lacked proper decorum by jumping the queue where they saw fit, I’ve never liked people like that, very undignified personality trait.

Eventually we got into the building and finally got to sit down, this also took an additional hour of waiting.

Finally I was next in line, I went up to the front (where there was only one lady issuing the permits, there were two other ladies, perhaps they were collecting the permits or something but looking at them from afar, they seemed somewhat redundant), the lady who was issuing the permits was cold and rude, feels like someone has to beg her to come to work which is such a pity. I feel for this particular job they should hire more friendly and informative staff. She asked me to check my details, I said all is fine but I had a question in regards to how they placed my first and second name which she instantly snapped at me for. It’s a very stressful process and having such a terrible representative of VFS is baffling.

Regardless, I got my permit stuck onto my passport and called it a day.

Anywho, success to the next person.

1 Dewald Visser - a week ago

Excellent online system. But the physical offices are dirty and does not inspire confidence. The waiting area is terrible. And since this is a company surely they can invest in a clean cool cafeteria area rather than a warm dirty open area with no seats. Pathetic.

4 Annatjie Crocker - 3 weeks ago

It pays to read the reviews. Followed the instructions to use the underground parking of pick u0026 pay . Guard told me exactly where to go. I was 1 hour early but it was in my favour. Rather be early than late. It was a pleasant experience for me.

1 Ryan Merckel - 3 weeks ago

There is nothing like being told "don't worry, your visa will be processed on time," then experiencing the anxiety from the utter silence of VFS four weeks later, and your departure date is a few days away. I travel so often for work and leisure that I am used to the process. But the process experienced using VFS has not been good despite how prepared I am. If you know you have management/administrative issues, then rather not allow people to use your (expensive) services unless they have 2 to 4 months to spare before they need to travel - and incur the small fortune for flights and accommodation that is necessary to commit to for the trip.

3 Natasha Ramdeyal - a month ago

The application process for a Schegen Visa was such a pain. Please have your documents in order and up-to-date i.e. bank statements must reflect transactions to the date prior to your appointment. Ensure your employment letter includes your leave dates. I visited this place 3 times, and on the 3rd visit i was in the area for the entire day.

The staff are competent and queues move quickly. The longest wait is at biometric. The only possible delay is from the assistant who checks your forms (at the main counter) who may have more detailed requirements.

My appointment was secured quite quickly at the embassy. The only issue was at each visit, the assistant had a more detailed requirement on my supporting documents

4 Dawid Mocke - 3 weeks ago

Sooooooo much better than Johannesburg VFS Centre. Experienced some system issues early, but staff kept us informed, invited us in and started checking documents while waiting for the system to come online. I still think the extra R550 for the VIP experience is overrated, but you need to make that decision for yourself.

The one negative (reason why it is 4 stars only) is the state of the building. It is in Brooklyn, which seems like a decent part of town, but the inside of the building looks tatty and run down, the stairwell reeks of urine and is badly lit in places appearing very dark. Parking in the basement and walking the stairs up to the first floor (yes the lifts do not work), do test your nerves and if you are alone, I would advise you sprint up the stairs. It feels very dodgy.

1 king nero - a month ago

I put 1 star because there is no option of a zero, I was there earlier, Monday 15August 2022,there was a a lady putting on some glasses who was responsible for checklists and biometrics, bad attitude is an understatement, she is very impatient and arrogant towards everybody including the elderly, I had an 8am appointment but was only assisted at 2pm.
I didn't mind the delay but her attitude towards fellow Africans left a lot to be desired, I don't advise even my worst enemy to visit that branch if that lady is on duty.