New visa application centers for India open in Seattle area – GeekWire

The India Visa Application Center has opened in Seattle, adding another link in a growing connection between the Emerald City and India.

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell last week helped cut the ribbon to celebrate the opening of the center, located at 3131 Elliott Ave. near downtown. The office is run by VFS Global and will offer visa, passport, and citizenship services. VFS will also operate a center in Bellevue, Wash.

Many tech workers from India use H-1B visas — and having the new centers nearby could be helpful.

The launch comes after a new consulate of India recently opened in Seattle.

Seattle’s technology and startup industry has a multitude of connections to India. Many startup founders and company executives with roots in India lead teams in Seattle. More than 40% of foreign-born IT workers in the Seattle area hail from India.

The Seattle region is also home to a new professional cricket team backed by tech execs including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

Previously: India set to open new consulate in Seattle area, with a focus on tech industry