OCI process

[Craxyrider]

Hi Everyone,

I have a query regarding Surrender Certificate and Entry Visa. Based on the posts in this blog it is understood that we cannot submit both together in BLS Offices in Brampton or Toronto in one appointment.

What would be the best way to submit Entry visa application if still waiting on Surrender Certificate. Can it be done once I have a receipt of submission for SC ? or Just wait for SC to be issued by BLS/CGI and then apply for entry visa?

Also, what is the typical timeline for SC submitted in person at BLS Brampton.

@rajkamalmohanram would be wonderful if you could provide any valuable info.

Thanks

 

[canadamaple]

This may sound like a lame question. Does a demand draft mean the same as a bank draft?

 

[ansh]

Guys,
Next week, I will be going to BLS brampton walk in for OCI + surrender of Indian passport application. Please let me know do they accept both the applications ?

 

[manu.yoganand]

Our OCI application has been in the same status for over 2 weeks - Certificate Printed.
Wrote to Sampark yesterday, and they responded

Mine - Under process
Wife - Contact BLS

anybody knows what this means?

 

[GG_23]

Thank you my friend for the reassuring words. Unfortunately, there is not a single appointment available in Ottawa until the end of May.

Guys,
Next week, I will be going to BLS brampton walk in for OCI + surrender of Indian passport application. Please let me know do they accept both the applications ?

No you cannot submit both in Brampton office - first surrender certificate has to be availed and then OCI

 

[vvarma]

This may sound like a lame question. Does a demand draft mean the same as a bank draft?

Yes, same. In case bank charges you a bomb/not free, then Canada Post is quick and cheap at 8 bucks

 

[phoenix232]

Yes, same. In case bank charges you a bomb/not free, then Canada Post is quick and cheap at 8 bucks

Canada Post charges $8 for a Bank Draft ? How much does the bank charge?

 

[vvarma]

Canada Post charges $8 for a Bank Draft ? How much does the bank charge?

Depends on your bank. Mostly it should be free if you are having one of those fancy premium accounts.

 

[Hot2Cold]

.

Yes, same. In case bank charges you a bomb/not free, then Canada Post is quick and cheap at 8 bucks

If you are banking with TD or RBC or any of the big 5 banks, then you can temporarily upgrade to a premium banking packages that offers free drafts (and then return back to regular banking). At most you will be out of pocket for the monthly fee or avail a package that offers a fee rebate on maintaining a minimum balance if that is possible.

 

[nskatcv]

Someone I know needs to get a visa for India, but has been told that Visa to India are taking very long time (more than 2 months).

I believe this is false information, but can someone who has recently received an Entry visa confirm this for me that the visas are indeed being issued and that too in the stipulated time of about a week.

 

[Hot2Cold]

Hi Everyone,

I have a query regarding Surrender Certificate and Entry Visa. Based on the posts in this blog it is understood that we cannot submit both together in BLS Offices in Brampton or Toronto in one appointment.

What would be the best way to submit Entry visa application if still waiting on Surrender Certificate. Can it be done once I have a receipt of submission for SC ? or Just wait for SC to be issued by BLS/CGI and then apply for entry visa?

Also, what is the typical timeline for SC submitted in person at BLS Brampton.

@rajkamalmohanram would be wonderful if you could provide any valuable info.

Thanks

At BLS Brmpton, you can apply for Surrender Certificate and Entry Visa at the same time. Surrender and OCI cannot be applied together.

Timeline for surrender certificate is about 4-6 weeks for an in-person application. Mine took 35 days from application submission at BLS to home delivery.

 

[ironsheikthelegend]

Just a quick update. I'm able to track my packages with CANT reference number on Purolator even though I can't see any update on BLS site. You can try checking yours.

When did your status change on the BLS website and when were you able to track using CANT on Purolator. My status changed on the BLS website yesterday (to delivery to BLS counter..) but the CANT reference on Purolator retrieves one of the old packages.

 

[@trigger]

Submitted the OCI application at Brampton office (appointment booked in early Mar).

OCI Application Update:

Date	Status on BLS	Status on Passport Portal	Days since applied
2022-03-31	under process	No such record found
2022-04-01	Processing at Consulate General	No such record found	2

 

[zagcollins]

Yes, same. In case bank charges you a bomb/not free, then Canada Post is quick and cheap at 8 bucks

TD/RBC is similar then (around 8-9 bucks), and as someone pointed out, it's free with one of em premium accounts.

 

[prt22]

This may sound like a lame question. Does a demand draft mean the same as a bank draft?

Yes it is the same thing. Demand draft is the common term used in India whereas here in Canada its called a bank draft. The concept for both are the same. Some bigger reputable organization takes your money and holds it. This way when the draft is cashed by other party, the funds are guaranteed to be there.