The India Visa Application - How to Apply via Post

I haven't found a good, comprehensive guide to mail your application to BLS in Houston, so I wanted to write one and help others along their way.

My entire process took 13 days from applying to receiving the visa.

This article pertains to the BLS Houston office and the requirements on their website. The info here may not apply to the office in NY, SF, etc.

Since Mid-2013 US citizens applying for their visa to India must go through BLS International to do so. BLS doesn't have the best track record, and it made me pretty nervous at first. There's a reason they have those bad reviews - their website contains a lot of redundancy and hidden requirements for your visa application, among other things. The India Visa Application website is labeled a security risk by my browser, Firefox, and I had to make an security exception just to see the webpage!

But never fear, it is possible. And hopefully in 2014 you won't have to go through this at all thanks to some upcoming changes in visa policy.

Below are the things you need to send to BLS in order to get your visa. This is compiled from their website and my phone conversation with a representative at BLS Houston. You'll need to send in a trackable envelope:

1. Your passport (obvious, perhaps, but they don't actually mention this on this website) with at least two blank visa pages
2. A completed, printed, and signed (twice) version of the Online Visa Application Form
1. Reading my tips for the form first is recommended.
2. PASTE a 2" x 2" passport-style photo where indicated on this form. Don't paperclip.
3. An extra 2" x 2" passport-style photo 
1. The rep said this was just in case. Clip to the application or your BLS form.
4. Proof of address
1. For me this was a scan of the front of my driver's license.
5. Cashier's check designated to "BLS International"
6. Photocopy of said cashier's check
7. Filled and signed Postal Application Form
1. This is NOT the "Requisite Documents for Tourist Visa" form. You don't need that one for some reason.
8. Filled BLS form (provided to you after you finish it on their website)
9. Self-addressed Trackable Envelope (from FedEx or UPS preferably)
1. This one is folded and goes inside your envelope and is for the return shipment.

Now here's the thing. You have to get your trackable envelopes BEFORE you fill out the BLS form. They ask for your "air bill" (tracking) numbers for both sending and returning envelopes.  I went to UPS with items 1 through 7 and had them weigh that + with two envelopes and a small stack of blank pages just to make sure it would be properly paid for. I purchased 2nd Day Air for my sending envelope and Next Day Air for my returning one (at a cost of $60). Not taking any chances.

After that I went back to my house and finished the BLS form using the tracking numbers I purchased. I printed out the "BLS order form" and put it inside the envelope. I went back to UPS, taped the BLS shipping label on the outside of the envelope, and wrote "Visa Department" above it in Sharpie. Then I sent it off and I'm done! I hope...

UPDATE: I received my visa in 13 days after sending it off. Wonderful!