VFS Global upload failing? The troubleshooting list that actually works

VFS Global runs visa application centers for dozens of governments, and its self-upload portals fail in consistent ways: files that exceed the per-route limits, filenames with spaces or symbols, connection timeouts mid-upload, and uploads that appear to vanish after submission. The practical rules: keep photos around 2 MB or less and documents under 5 MB even where the page claims more, use plain alphanumeric filenames, upload one file at a time on a stable connection, and check the specification page for your exact country route, because limits differ per route. If the portal defeats you, bring physical documents to the appointment; the centers process paper daily.

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The limits are per route, not global

Each government sets its own file rules on VFS: photo uploads commonly cap around 2 MB as JPG, JPEG or PNG, and supporting documents around 5 MB, but some routes state 10 MB while applicants report failures above roughly 6 MB. Some routes have photo pixel minimums of their own. Always open the document specification page for your specific country pair rather than trusting a general figure, including this one.

The checklist, in order

Rename the file to plain letters and numbers, no spaces, brackets or accents. Compress under the route's limit with margin. Upload one file at a time and let each finish; timeouts on slow connections are the most reported failure. Use Chrome or Edge in a private window if the portal misbehaves. And keep copies of everything you upload, because files that later appear missing from the application are a recurring complaint, and re-uploading beats arguing.

If uploads keep failing near an appointment, stop fighting the portal: bring the physical documents. VFS centers accept and scan paper, and no appointment has ever been lost to a stubborn upload widget that the applicant walked past with a folder.

Frequently asked questions

What file size does VFS Global accept?

It differs by country route. Photos are commonly capped around 2 MB and documents around 5 MB; some routes state more but fail above roughly 6 MB in practice. Check the specification page for your exact route.

Why did my uploaded file disappear from my VFS application?

A known complaint. Keep copies, re-upload if something looks missing, and bring physical copies to the appointment as insurance.

Can I just bring paper documents instead?

Yes. The centers process physical documents every day, and that is the reliable fallback when the portal will not cooperate.