How can APS-passport number mismatches after a passport renewal be resolved when booking a German student visa appointment on VFS?
Book your VFS appointment using your old passport number, the one matching your APS certificate, since the portal validates against that record. Use your new passport number only on the VIDEX form. Email VFS and APS India, and bring both passports plus a signed explanation letter to your appointment.
If your passport was renewed after your APS certificate was issued, you can still book your VFS appointment smoothly by entering your old passport number, the one printed on your APS certificate, since that is what the booking portal actually validates against. Your new passport comes into play at a different stage of the process.
Which Passport Number Goes Where
| Form or Step | Passport Number to Use |
|---|---|
| VFS appointment booking | Old number, matching your APS certificate |
| VIDEX national visa application | New, current passport number |
| Physical documents at VFS centre | Both old and new passports |
Steps to Close the Loop Cleanly
- Email VFS Global's long term visa helpdesk explaining the renewal, attaching both passport copies and your APS certificate.
- Email APS India to inform them of the change and request an acknowledgement.
- Carry a brief signed cover letter explaining the timeline of your passport renewal to your appointment.
- Bring your printed appointment letter, which will still reference your old passport number.
My Advice
Send your explanation emails to VFS and APS India before your appointment day, not after, so there is already a documented trail if any question comes up at the counter. Keep both passports and clear photocopies of their data pages in one folder, and lead with your old passport number whenever a form specifically validates against your APS record.
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