undefined" to type 'Date' is not valid.

Submitted by Karthik on 15 January, 2008 - 03:49.

The U.S VFS visa application site for India is a wonderful example of how not to design a website. However, rather than ranting, let me cut to the chase ...

If you received the error message Cast from string "undefined/undefined/undefined" to type 'Date' is not valid. while filling in the visa form, it's not your fault. You are probably using Firefox (very likely on Linux). The following are a few recommendations that will help you in filling in the form (in its present state):

Do not use Firefox. Use Opera or Internet Explorer and this error can be avoided.
Regardless of your browser, be sure to turn off any pop-up blockers. The site, depending on its mood, will display error and status messages in pop-ups, javascript alerts and HTML.
The CAPTCHA (alphanumeric code embedded in an image) images are inscrutable and does not regenerate if you make an error. If you are stuck, go back to the previous page and click continue to force it to regenerate.
Be sure to fill the main visa application forms carefully:
- Avoid using any punctuations anywhere. They trigger errors.
- Be sure that every field is addressed. For e.g., there is a series of yes/no checkboxes related to relatives living in the US - ensure that you select No for fields that do not apply rather than omitting that field.
When you get to the option where you can save your progress, do so.
In a confidence inspiring (sic) measure, your session is stored in the URL. You can copy the URL and open it in a different browser if necessary and pick up where you left off.

FWIW, the website is outsourced to an Indian intermediary named VFS Global which (poorly, as the link will attest) handles visa applications in many countries worldwide.