OCI process

[royce110]

does it also take 10 day fo them to return application if something is missing o is incorrect? its been 9 days since postal application reached bls ottawa

Check the status on the online tracker, the girl I spoke with today said it will take 2-3 days to return the application.

 

[rajkamalmohanram]

Apparently, IRCC agent had no idea about it. I am being advised to either delay the oath or complete the entire process before travelling.

I wasn't able to find any credible information to believe this is possible. If it were, this would be in the news and I would have seen it. It is possible that I missed it but it is unlikely that IRCC/CBSA will allow this because PR cards are for Permanent Residents. From the time you sign the form after oath, you are no longer a Permanent Resident and can therefore not use PR card for any purpose (travel or identification).

I would recommend postponing your vacation if the reason for the trip isn't an emergency because if you postpone oath, there is no telling when you'll get another invite.

Good luck.

 

[indigonation5]

Surrender Certificate (Walk-In - Brampton): 21-Jan
Status on Passport Seva updated to "granted": 28-Jan
Status on Passport Seva updated to "printed": 24-Feb
Status on BLS all this while "Processing at Consulate General"
Status on BLS updated to "Ready for dispatch": 4-Mar
Status on BLS updated to "Dispatched": 4-Mar
Delivered: 7-Mar
So 6 weeks for me!

They did not include my street number and street name in the courier address. Just entered unit number of the condo, city and postal code! I had to chase Purolator to get it corrected! Anyways, I noticed it while it was in transit, got it corrected and received it without major fuss so happy for that.

It took them 1 MONTH to print one sheet of paper!!

 

[tfox72]

Folks, I understand that we cannot do surrender + OCI together in GTA any more.

But what about surrender + tourist visa? Can this at least be done together?

Also, a separate question - how long is this tourist visa valid for?

 

[tfox72]

Too much hassle. Avoid it. You'll have to apply for Canadian passport in India (easy). Then apply for Indian passport cancellation (can be done but could be hassle), get a tourist visa (I think can be done but again hassle). I don't know if you can apply for work visa. I know for sure that one cannot apply for OCI on tourist visa.

I'll share my (actually my wife's) timeline below:

- Oath: Jan 18
- Citizenship certificate received: Jan 26
- Applied for Canadian passport: Jan 28
- Canadian passport receipt: Feb 1
- Application for visa+surrender+OCI: Feb 1
- Received visa: Feb 6
- Received surrender: Feb 17
- Received OCI: Mar 3

We travelled to India on visa on Feb 23. My friend will carry the OCI to India. I plan to call FRRO and ask them to change the status from 'visa' to 'OCI'. Let's see if it can be cone, will apprise all!

How long is the visa valid for?

 

[Rana Singh]

does it also take 10 day fo them to return application if something is missing o is incorrect? its been 9 days since postal application reached bls ottawa

My application was on bls after 15 days . I think they are trying to make money through courier service it’s not possible appointment time 8 to 10 weeks. Unfortunately if something missing or wrong they will charge you for courier service again.

 

[jackbauer]

I wasn't able to find any credible information to believe this is possible. If it were, this would be in the news and I would have seen it. It is possible that I missed it but it is unlikely that IRCC/CBSA will allow this because PR cards are for Permanent Residents. From the time you sign the form after oath, you are no longer a Permanent Resident and can therefore not use PR card for any purpose (travel or identification).

I would recommend postponing your vacation if the reason for the trip isn't an emergency because if you postpone oath, there is no telling when you'll get another invite.

Good luck.

Hello raj,

How did your trip to India go? I have one coming up in May and hence asking..
Did they stamp the OCI upon arriving and did they verify it during exit from India as well? I believe the OCI has our Canadian passport info. right?

 

[royce110]

So listen to this, I called BLS this morning for my tracking # and after waiting 30mins the girl picks up and I explain my application is being returned and I need the tracking #.

Her response - So you need a label to send the documents back? We can send you the link to pay for the label.

I said NO! I already have a label and I just need the tracking # for the application that is being returned and she goes - I am sorry I don't understand let me transfer you to the helpdesk and then HUNG UP!!

Looks like all the know and want to do is sell labels and scam people!!

My goodness this is more frustrating than dealing with IRCC.

 

[rajkamalmohanram]

Hello raj,

How did your trip to India go? I have one coming up in May and hence asking..
Did they stamp the OCI upon arriving and did they verify it during exit from India as well? I believe the OCI has our Canadian passport info. right?

I went in December and returned in Jan. OCI was asked during entry AND exit but they don't stamp the OCI booklet. They stamp your Canadian passport with entry and exit stamps and YES, the OCI booklet does have your passport information.

 

[Vivadhi]

I received my OCI today. Here are the dates if it might help.

Posted application - January 12
BLS acknowledgement - January 18
CGI acknowledgement - January 22
OCI website acknowledgement - February 9
OCI processed/ mailed to Toronto - March 3
OCI received at BLS - March 4
OCI received - March 8

 

[mylone]

My application was on bls after 15 days . I think they are trying to make money through courier service it’s not possible appointment time 8 to 10 weeks. Unfortunately if something missing or wrong they will charge you for courier service again.

lets say something is wrong will they take 15 day before they would reply? or will they reply soon?

 

[mylone]

Check the status on the online tracker, the girl I spoke with today said it will take 2-3 days to return the application.

my application is showing no records found for past 10 days now.

 

[royce110]

my application is showing no records found for past 10 days now.

Same, my application has disappeared too. I sent them an email and they arent responding. They hang up when you call to ask for tracking details.

 

[mylone]

Same, my application has disappeared too. I sent them an email and they arent responding. They hang up when you call to ask for tracking details.

even if they acknowledge they received it would be fine this not knowing is killer.

 

[royce110]

even if they acknowledge they received it would be fine this not knowing is killer.

When was ur application returned?