OCI process

[PumpkinJack]

previously it was possible but now rules are changed recently and you could not apply for oci before acquiring surrender certificate

Not BLS toronto it seems, I have appointment next week and am in same situation.

Oh boy. What a waste of time for the CGI , BLS and us. Why can’t they just create an integrated application that lets you surrender the passport and get OCI in one shot and one fee in one BLS appointment which you need to book at least two months ahead . I’m thinking of tweeting this idea to MEA but I know someone would have tried that already.

 

[sach1234]

I applied last month for my kids, (US Born), and i received the 1 month tourist visa within 2 weeks. I walked in to BLS to apply and they shipped the passports back home.

Great, thanks for your reply. I feel the process of applying the visa through BLS is a complete waste of time. We started the whole process almost a month ago and still haven’t received our visas. BLS call center is located in India and the BLS office we are trying to deal with is in Ottawa. With that being said, high commission office in Ottawa isn’t pleasing to deal with either. Staff doesn’t know what they are saying and doing, I have called them a few times and every time you get a different answer. I wish I could put a complaint or do something about them somewhere, but then again I don’t want to get a rejection on the visa either !

 

[rajkamalmohanram]

Oh boy. What a waste of time for the CGI , BLS and us. Why can’t they just create an integrated application that lets you surrender the passport and get OCI in one shot and one fee in one BLS appointment which you need to book at least two months ahead . I’m thinking of tweeting this idea to MEA but I know someone would have tried that already.

We used to be able to do this a few months ago (both surrender and OCI at the same time). For some (potentially dumb) reason, they decided to no longer support that. When applying in person, we only had 2 payments to be done. 1 bank draft for OCI and everything else can be paid with debit card or cash. When I applied, I walked in (went early to beat the crowd and had to wait) but once I entered the premises, I was out within 10 - 15 minutes. Was a quick process for me.

 

[sach1234]

I feel the process of applying the visa/OCI and all other applications through BLS is a complete waste of time. We started the Tourist visa process almost a month ago and still haven’t received our visas. BLS call center is located in India and the BLS office we are trying to deal with is in Ottawa. With that being said, high commission office in Ottawa isn’t pleasing to deal with either. Staff doesn’t know what they are saying and doing, I have called them a few times and every time you get a different answer. I wish I could put a complaint or do something about them somewhere, but then again I don’t want to get a rejection on the visa !

 

[ironsheikthelegend]

Thanks!
I applied on Feb 14 for visa in BLS Toronto, eagerly waiting as my flight is on Mar 3..

you should be fine and receive it on time.

 

[Torontosingh]

For OCI Application - Minor
Do we need get my child passport copy and other supporting document copies self attested means do we get thumb impressions on those as check list says sel

 

[sach1234]

you should be fine and receive it on time.

We applied for a tourist Visa in Ottawa, received at the consulate on Feb 9. It’s in processing status since then.

 

[rusticdud]

Hi everyone new to the surrender and oci process. I fall in Toronto jurisdiction.

• Seems it will take 4 weeks for surrendering passport and then another 8 weeks for OCI.
• Everything can be done by mail using BLS.
• No original except for indian passport needs to be mailed.

Is my understanding of whole process correct?

 

[Rendezvous70]

Hello Guys,

I have a question about the OCI form for my minor son. In the application , there is a section that says
"Part B (Other Details Of Applicant(s)[Applicable to all categories])1. Have you/any member of your family applied for Overseas Citizen of India registration earlier.

Now, my application for OCI has already been submitted on Feb 10, 2022. Should I say yes or No to the question in my minor application. ? I was supposed to submit my OCI and my son's at the same time but his surrender application delayed and now I have to submit his but just confused about the above question.

Any advise will be of great help.

Thank you.

 

[sach1234]

Hello Guys,

I have a question about the OCI form for my minor son. In the application , there is a section that says
"Part B (Other Details Of Applicant(s)[Applicable to all categories])1. Have you/any member of your family applied for Overseas Citizen of India registration earlier.

Now, my application for OCI has already been submitted on Feb 10, 2022. Should I say yes or No to the question in my minor application. ? I was supposed to submit my OCI and my son's at the same time but his surrender application delayed and now I have to submit his but just confused about the above question.

Any advise will be of great help.

Thank you.

I don’t know if it’s right or wrong but I was advised by a BLS agent that I can only submit the application for my daughters OCI once I have received my own OCI.

 

[Rendezvous70]

I don’t know if it’s right or wrong but I was advised by a BLS agent that I can only submit the application for my daughters OCI once I have received my own OCI.

No, I dont think that is correct, because once I submitted mine, the staff told me that any parent can submit the application for minor (provided we have the surrender certificate) , however if we have to collect it, both the parents should be present.

 

[sach1234]

See that’s the issue with BLS. You get a different answer whenever you call them. I can’t and won’t trust them anymore.

 

[Rendezvous70]

See that’s the issue with BLS. You get a different answer whenever you call them. I can’t and won’t trust them anymore.

100% correct

 

[Rendezvous70]

100% correct

Also did you check what documents to upload for a minor born in India ?

 

[Hot2Cold]

Hi,

We are applying for a family of three for surrender and hopefully OCI at the same time. From what I understand, we need to pay for the OCI via a bank draft. Since they process the OCI individually, do I need to make 3 drafts for $345 each, or one draft for $1,035 will do?