If you're an Indian citizen in Australia planning to apply for an Australian visa, you've likely heard about the disruption to Indian consular, passport, and visa services following the end of VFS Global's contract on 1 July 2026. This temporary service interruption has affected many Indian nationals who need essential documents for their Australian visa applications.

One of the biggest concerns is obtaining an Indian Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), a key requirement for several Australian visa categories, including permanent residency, employer-sponsored visas, partner visas, and certain temporary visas.

To address concerns from visa applicants and migration professionals, the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) sought clarification from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) regarding how applications affected by these delays would be assessed. Home Affairs has now provided guidance for applicants who are unable to obtain their PCC due to the ongoing service disruption.

Here's what you need to know.

Can You Request More Time to Submit Your Indian PCC?

Yes.

If you're unable to obtain your Indian Police Clearance Certificate because of the temporary suspension of consular services, you can request an extension of time from the Department of Home Affairs.

The Department has confirmed that applicants may submit a written explanation outlining the reason for the delay. If you receive a Request for Further Information (RFI) and cannot obtain your PCC before the deadline, you should:

  • Do not ignore the deadline.
  • Submit a written explanation before the due date.
  • Request an extension of time.
  • Provide supporting evidence showing that the delay is beyond your control.

Responding promptly can help ensure your application continues to be processed while you await the required document.

Will Home Affairs Accept an Existing Indian PCC?

Possibly.

If you have already submitted or hold an Indian Police Clearance Certificate and have not travelled to India since it was issued, Home Affairs may consider accepting your existing PCC.

However, there is no automatic exemption that allows all applicants to rely on a previously issued certificate.

The Department has confirmed that every visa application will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Depending on your circumstances, including your travel history and the visa subclass you're applying for, Home Affairs may accept your existing PCC or request a new one.

If you're asked to provide an updated PCC but cannot obtain it because of the service disruption, you should notify Home Affairs immediately, explain your circumstances, and request additional time rather than waiting until the deadline has passed.

What Should You Do If You Cannot Obtain an Indian PCC?

If you're affected by the temporary suspension of Indian consular services, it's advisable to:
  • Check whether you already have a valid Indian PCC.
  • Confirm whether you have travelled to India since it was issued.
  • Keep records of any attempts made to obtain a new PCC.
  • Request an extension of time if needed.
  • Respond promptly to all correspondence from the Department of Home Affairs.
Being proactive and maintaining clear communication with Home Affairs can help avoid unnecessary delays in your visa application.

Will This Affect Your Australian Visa Application?

Not necessarily.

The temporary disruption to Indian consular services does not mean your Australian visa application will automatically be refused or placed on hold.

Home Affairs has acknowledged the current circumstances and confirmed that applicants who are unable to obtain their PCC because of the service disruption may request additional time. In appropriate cases, an existing PCC may also be considered during the assessment process.

Each application will continue to be assessed on its individual merits.

Need Help Managing Indian PCC Delays?

If you're unable to obtain an updated Indian Police Clearance Certificate due to the ongoing disruption, it's important to act before your submission deadline.

A registered migration professional can help you prepare a response to Home Affairs, request an extension of time where appropriate, and ensure your visa application remains on track.

Whether you're applying for an Australian Permanent Residency (PR) visa, an employer-sponsored visa, a partner visa, or another Australian visa, seeking professional guidance can help you understand your available options and manage document-related issues with confidence.