ESC

Click the "allow" button if you want to receive important news and updates from immigrationboards.com


Immigrationboards.com: Immigration, work visa and work permit discussion board

Welcome to immigrationboards.com!

Login Register Do not show

Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Please post country topics not listed elsewhere.

Moderators: Casa, push, JAJ, ca.funke, Amber, zimba, vinny, Obie, EUsmileWEallsmile, batleykhan, meself2, geriatrix, John, ChetanOjha, archigabe, Administrator

Post Reply
takdeerwala
Member
Posts: 197
Joined: Fri Feb 28, 2014 3:49 am
India

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by takdeerwala » Thu Feb 01, 2018 4:22 pm

abhisheks9 wrote:
Thu Feb 01, 2018 12:31 pm
takdeerwala wrote:
Thu Feb 01, 2018 12:09 pm
I have some questions about this stage when Passport has been submitted and both OCI Card as well as Passport will be sent back to us.

1) VFS will send them back in the envelope we submitted or Consulate will do that? Consulate will do that
2) Any SMS will come or not that your OCI and Passport has been dispatched? Old Timelines are mentioning SMS but new ones are not.
NO SMS or OCI status update, you have to Track with DX based on number in Envelope you gave

3) During Surrender Certificate, VFS did send SMS that application has been sent, processed and so on. When I submitted OCI application, I did get SMS message and also email that application has been sent. No SMS for return of original document.
When I submitted my passport at VFS, I did not get any Email / SMS message. Everyday I will have to wait for Postman ???
As explained in point 2, keep checking DX website with tracking number in Envelope you gave
I answered you based on VFS enquiry I did today after my status also changed and I gave my passport to VFS
Thanks I submitted Royal Mail next day envelope. Probably receipt has the code for tracking.

takdeerwala
Member
Posts: 197
Joined: Fri Feb 28, 2014 3:49 am
India

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by takdeerwala » Thu Feb 01, 2018 4:43 pm

abhisheks9 wrote:
Thu Feb 01, 2018 3:17 pm
alien.uk wrote:
Thu Feb 01, 2018 12:51 pm
Just checked and it is available for collection.
Now I need to figure out how will I persuade my grumpy manager to get some time off and submit the envelopes!! Not going to be anytime early next week.

God knows why they want to make this process complicated with trips to the visa centre several times!! Grrrrr :cry:
Mine also updated just in time for me to quickly go and submit before closing time of collection of 11:30. Fortunately I am across the street.
VFS said it will take 2 weeks...ride is not over yet.
Dropping time is between 8:30 - 11:30 so try to give tomorrow or else you don't want to delay by another next week?
This is worrying part. More processing required?? Surrender certificate where actual processing was required came quickly. But here when OCI card is already printed, dispatched and received in the consulate - again 10-15 days required !!!

alien.uk
Junior Member
Posts: 83
Joined: Sat Aug 30, 2014 8:21 am
Mood:

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by alien.uk » Thu Feb 01, 2018 5:01 pm

Is it possible that they have just told you the SLA they set to dispatch OCI cards?
I see no reason why they should take 2 weeks for a mere pick up and dispatch stuff...
I don't think they do U sticker .. and without a passport on hand for 2 weeks is just ridiculous...
I've gone into a stage where I get this process completed and go for retirement :P
Alien UK
ILR received - November 2014
Applied for Naturalisation - Feb 2016
Naturalisation Approval - Mar 2016
Passport Received - April 2016

abhisheks9
Member of Standing
Posts: 266
Joined: Fri May 11, 2012 9:16 am
Location: Aberdeen
India

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by abhisheks9 » Fri Feb 02, 2018 8:08 am

@alien.uk.... LOL
yes it's SLA and worst case...but considering my bad luck with timelines it's probably best case scenario for me
Disclaimer: This post does not contain legal advice

inforthelonghaul
Newly Registered
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Jan 18, 2018 9:47 am

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by inforthelonghaul » Fri Feb 02, 2018 10:29 am

Stillwaitings wrote:
Fri Jan 05, 2018 4:37 pm
takdeerwala wrote:
Tue Jan 02, 2018 7:15 pm
Stillwaitings wrote:
Tue Jan 02, 2018 10:58 am
takdeerwala wrote:
Wed Dec 20, 2017 1:37 pm


This is a massive delay. Normally between 3 to 4 weeks status changes to Processed from Under Process or some Enquiry comes. Did you call anyone? Is their a procedure for asking questions/sending enquiry? VFS handles it or Indian High Commission London?
And I’m still waiting. I asked the high commission who I can escalate this to and they sent me the screen shot from the OCI website. I contacted helpdesk-oci@gov.in however haven’t had a response from them yet.
For HCI London candidates, there is a Public Response Unit. You can try Phone as well as E-mail.

https://www.hcilondon.in/pages.php?id=13
Tried that number, wasn’t any help. The email I had already emailed. Contacted VFS too but unlikely that they will be able to help. Still not had a response from the email I stated above. No idea of any other avenues to pursue...guess I will have to wait.
Hi Stillwaiting have you had any joy with your wife's OCI? I'm having the same problems however my wait hasn't been as long as yours, under process since 21st Nov. It's so frustrating.

Stillwaitings
Newly Registered
Posts: 11
Joined: Wed Dec 20, 2017 12:26 pm

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by Stillwaitings » Fri Feb 02, 2018 12:15 pm

inforthelonghaul wrote:
Fri Feb 02, 2018 10:29 am
Stillwaitings wrote:
Fri Jan 05, 2018 4:37 pm
takdeerwala wrote:
Tue Jan 02, 2018 7:15 pm
Stillwaitings wrote:
Tue Jan 02, 2018 10:58 am


And I’m still waiting. I asked the high commission who I can escalate this to and they sent me the screen shot from the OCI website. I contacted helpdesk-oci@gov.in however haven’t had a response from them yet.
For HCI London candidates, there is a Public Response Unit. You can try Phone as well as E-mail.

https://www.hcilondon.in/pages.php?id=13
Tried that number, wasn’t any help. The email I had already emailed. Contacted VFS too but unlikely that they will be able to help. Still not had a response from the email I stated above. No idea of any other avenues to pursue...guess I will have to wait.
Hi Stillwaiting have you had any joy with your wife's OCI? I'm having the same problems however my wait hasn't been as long as yours, under process since 21st Nov. It's so frustrating.
No not yet. Still says under process. Had to get an e-Visa for her as we are going to India on Sunday. Hope yours comes through soon.

Maya123
Newly Registered
Posts: 11
Joined: Mon Jan 29, 2018 12:54 pm
Mood:

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by Maya123 » Fri Feb 02, 2018 1:02 pm

takdeerwala wrote:
Thu Feb 01, 2018 4:22 pm
abhisheks9 wrote:
Thu Feb 01, 2018 12:31 pm
takdeerwala wrote:
Thu Feb 01, 2018 12:09 pm
I have some questions about this stage when Passport has been submitted and both OCI Card as well as Passport will be sent back to us.

1) VFS will send them back in the envelope we submitted or Consulate will do that? Consulate will do that
2) Any SMS will come or not that your OCI and Passport has been dispatched? Old Timelines are mentioning SMS but new ones are not.
NO SMS or OCI status update, you have to Track with DX based on number in Envelope you gave

3) During Surrender Certificate, VFS did send SMS that application has been sent, processed and so on. When I submitted OCI application, I did get SMS message and also email that application has been sent. No SMS for return of original document.
When I submitted my passport at VFS, I did not get any Email / SMS message. Everyday I will have to wait for Postman ???
As explained in point 2, keep checking DX website with tracking number in Envelope you gave
I answered you based on VFS enquiry I did today after my status also changed and I gave my passport to VFS
Thanks I submitted Royal Mail next day envelope. Probably receipt has the code for tracking.
I just got an sms/text from VFS - after submitting passport on Tuesday

Your processed application ref no. ACLH/08012018/XXXX/XX is successfully processed and ready for Courier/Postal Dispatch and Delivery. Thank you.

I submitted with a next day delivery envelope by 1pm so would expect to get oci and passport by tomorrow or Monday.

takdeerwala
Member
Posts: 197
Joined: Fri Feb 28, 2014 3:49 am
India

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by takdeerwala » Fri Feb 02, 2018 5:07 pm

Maya123 wrote:
Fri Feb 02, 2018 1:02 pm
takdeerwala wrote:
Thu Feb 01, 2018 4:22 pm
abhisheks9 wrote:
Thu Feb 01, 2018 12:31 pm
takdeerwala wrote:
Thu Feb 01, 2018 12:09 pm
I have some questions about this stage when Passport has been submitted and both OCI Card as well as Passport will be sent back to us.

1) VFS will send them back in the envelope we submitted or Consulate will do that? Consulate will do that
2) Any SMS will come or not that your OCI and Passport has been dispatched? Old Timelines are mentioning SMS but new ones are not.
NO SMS or OCI status update, you have to Track with DX based on number in Envelope you gave

3) During Surrender Certificate, VFS did send SMS that application has been sent, processed and so on. When I submitted OCI application, I did get SMS message and also email that application has been sent. No SMS for return of original document.
When I submitted my passport at VFS, I did not get any Email / SMS message. Everyday I will have to wait for Postman ???
As explained in point 2, keep checking DX website with tracking number in Envelope you gave
I answered you based on VFS enquiry I did today after my status also changed and I gave my passport to VFS
Thanks I submitted Royal Mail next day envelope. Probably receipt has the code for tracking.
I just got an sms/text from VFS - after submitting passport on Tuesday

Your processed application ref no. ACLH/08012018/XXXX/XX is successfully processed and ready for Courier/Postal Dispatch and Delivery. Thank you.

I submitted with a next day delivery envelope by 1pm so would expect to get oci and passport by tomorrow or Monday.
That's a great news. Congratulations !!! Royal Mail Special Delivery don't deliver on Saturday or Sunday. So you should expect it on Monday.

takdeerwala
Member
Posts: 197
Joined: Fri Feb 28, 2014 3:49 am
India

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by takdeerwala » Fri Feb 02, 2018 5:24 pm

So VFS did send SMS message for dispatch of OCI plus Passport. This is good news !!!

Maya123
Newly Registered
Posts: 11
Joined: Mon Jan 29, 2018 12:54 pm
Mood:

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by Maya123 » Sat Feb 03, 2018 12:17 am

takdeerwala wrote:
Fri Feb 02, 2018 5:07 pm
Maya123 wrote:
Fri Feb 02, 2018 1:02 pm
takdeerwala wrote:
Thu Feb 01, 2018 4:22 pm
abhisheks9 wrote:
Thu Feb 01, 2018 12:31 pm

I answered you based on VFS enquiry I did today after my status also changed and I gave my passport to VFS
Thanks I submitted Royal Mail next day envelope. Probably receipt has the code for tracking.
I just got an sms/text from VFS - after submitting passport on Tuesday

Your processed application ref no. ACLH/08012018/XXXX/XX is successfully processed and ready for Courier/Postal Dispatch and Delivery. Thank you.

I submitted with a next day delivery envelope by 1pm so would expect to get oci and passport by tomorrow or Monday.
That's a great news. Congratulations !!! Royal Mail Special Delivery don't deliver on Saturday or Sunday. So you should expect it on Monday.
Thanks! Yes you are right @takdeerwala - it is £3 extra for saturday delivery which i did not pay. Monday for sure according to tracking service. Until the documents are in my hands I won't get too happy just yet :)

Maya123
Newly Registered
Posts: 11
Joined: Mon Jan 29, 2018 12:54 pm
Mood:

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by Maya123 » Sat Feb 03, 2018 12:19 am

takdeerwala wrote:
Fri Feb 02, 2018 5:24 pm
So VFS did send SMS message for dispatch of OCI plus Passport. This is good news !!!
I was surprised as I got an sms from vfs for completion and then also a 2nd sms for courier/dispatch of documents soon after. Plus 2 emails as well for the same. Some parts of the processing are good I guess.

Maya123
Newly Registered
Posts: 11
Joined: Mon Jan 29, 2018 12:54 pm
Mood:

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by Maya123 » Sat Feb 03, 2018 8:49 am

Maya123 wrote:
Sat Feb 03, 2018 12:17 am
takdeerwala wrote:
Fri Feb 02, 2018 5:07 pm
Maya123 wrote:
Fri Feb 02, 2018 1:02 pm
takdeerwala wrote:
Thu Feb 01, 2018 4:22 pm


Thanks I submitted Royal Mail next day envelope. Probably receipt has the code for tracking.
I just got an sms/text from VFS - after submitting passport on Tuesday

Your processed application ref no. ACLH/08012018/XXXX/XX is successfully processed and ready for Courier/Postal Dispatch and Delivery. Thank you.

I submitted with a next day delivery envelope by 1pm so would expect to get oci and passport by tomorrow or Monday.
That's a great news. Congratulations !!! Royal Mail Special Delivery don't deliver on Saturday or Sunday. So you should expect it on Monday.
Thanks! Yes you are right @takdeerwala - it is £3 extra for saturday delivery which i did not pay. Monday for sure according to tracking service. Until the documents are in my hands I won't get too happy just yet :)
@Takdeerwala - Seems I am very lucky! My Passport and OCI just arrived via Royal Mail! it looks like in London they do sometimes deliver on Saturday. :)

Maya123
Newly Registered
Posts: 11
Joined: Mon Jan 29, 2018 12:54 pm
Mood:

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by Maya123 » Sat Feb 03, 2018 8:54 am

Final outcome:

Application submitted: 08-JAN-2018
Date Of Acknowledgment: 09-JAN-2018
Registration Status at Mission: LONDON HOUNSLOW
Documents Printing Status: PROCESSED On 29-JAN-2018
Dispatched From MEA (OCI ): NEW DELHI On 29-JAN-2018
Document received At: LONDON On 29-JAN-2018
Passport submitted in person: 30-JAN-2018
Passport and OCI received: 03-FEB-2018 (8.30am on a Saturday!)

takdeerwala
Member
Posts: 197
Joined: Fri Feb 28, 2014 3:49 am
India

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by takdeerwala » Sat Feb 03, 2018 11:32 am

@Maya123 I also got OCI card today around 9:30 AM. Saturday delivery did work afterall !!!
Last edited by takdeerwala on Sat Feb 03, 2018 11:35 am, edited 1 time in total.

takdeerwala
Member
Posts: 197
Joined: Fri Feb 28, 2014 3:49 am
India

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by takdeerwala » Sat Feb 03, 2018 11:34 am

Final Timeline
Application Date: 11 / 12 / 2017
VFS Center: VFS Bradford
Date of acknowledgment: 13 / 12 / 2017
Original docs Received: 14 /12 / 2017
Documents Printing Status: PROCESSED on 24-JAN-2018
Dispatched From MOIA (OCI ) NEW DELHI: 29-JAN-2018
Document received At Birmingham:29-JAN-2018
PASSPORT SUBMITTED IN PERSON:30-JAN-2018
PASSPORT AND OCI DOCUMENT RECEIVED: 03-02-2017

Maya123
Newly Registered
Posts: 11
Joined: Mon Jan 29, 2018 12:54 pm
Mood:

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by Maya123 » Sat Feb 03, 2018 10:53 pm

takdeerwala wrote:
Sat Feb 03, 2018 11:32 am
@Maya123 I also got OCI card today around 9:30 AM. Saturday delivery did work afterall !!!
Congrats!!

abhisheks9
Member of Standing
Posts: 266
Joined: Fri May 11, 2012 9:16 am
Location: Aberdeen
India

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by abhisheks9 » Sun Feb 04, 2018 8:57 am

Congrats to both of you
Sorry for misinformation, since based on primary info on DX tracking i assumed SMS/email doesnt come :?
Disclaimer: This post does not contain legal advice

alien.uk
Junior Member
Posts: 83
Joined: Sat Aug 30, 2014 8:21 am
Mood:

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by alien.uk » Sun Feb 04, 2018 12:15 pm

Hearty Wishes to those got their OCIs processed and received by post over the weekend.

Quick question -
Is there anyother paperwork that I need to submit at the VFS centre other than the below?

Self addressed envelope (I am doing Royal mail envelope)
Print out of the online status
Original British Passport

Appreciate your help.
Alien UK
ILR received - November 2014
Applied for Naturalisation - Feb 2016
Naturalisation Approval - Mar 2016
Passport Received - April 2016

takdeerwala
Member
Posts: 197
Joined: Fri Feb 28, 2014 3:49 am
India

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by takdeerwala » Sun Feb 04, 2018 2:46 pm

alien.uk wrote:
Sun Feb 04, 2018 12:15 pm
Hearty Wishes to those got their OCIs processed and received by post over the weekend.

Quick question -
Is there anyother paperwork that I need to submit at the VFS centre other than the below?

Self addressed envelope (I am doing Royal mail envelope)
Print out of the online status
Original British Passport

Appreciate your help.
Yes.
1) Print out of the OCI status report showing that Document received at your Consulate
2) VFS receipt which they gave to you when you submitted OCI application in December.
3) Original British Passport
4) Royal Mail Special Delivery Envelope.
In December, I gave them 2 envelopes. They returned one back but most probably put some sticker or noted number/code on it. One sticker is behind Passport also.

All the Best.

takdeerwala
Member
Posts: 197
Joined: Fri Feb 28, 2014 3:49 am
India

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by takdeerwala » Sun Feb 04, 2018 2:57 pm

abhisheks9 wrote:
Sun Feb 04, 2018 8:57 am
Congrats to both of you
Sorry for misinformation, since based on primary info on DX tracking i assumed SMS/email doesnt come :?
Thanks. You should expect your Card on Tuesday. They are fast now. :D :D

alien.uk
Junior Member
Posts: 83
Joined: Sat Aug 30, 2014 8:21 am
Mood:

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by alien.uk » Sun Feb 04, 2018 4:27 pm

Thanks - For a moment I thought that i missed the acknowledgement slip.. Thankfully a quick search , I was able to find it.

Thanks for your help
takdeerwala wrote:
Sun Feb 04, 2018 2:46 pm
alien.uk wrote:
Sun Feb 04, 2018 12:15 pm
Hearty Wishes to those got their OCIs processed and received by post over the weekend.

Quick question -
Is there anyother paperwork that I need to submit at the VFS centre other than the below?

Self addressed envelope (I am doing Royal mail envelope)
Print out of the online status
Original British Passport

Appreciate your help.
Yes.
1) Print out of the OCI status report showing that Document received at your Consulate
2) VFS receipt which they gave to you when you submitted OCI application in December.
3) Original British Passport
4) Royal Mail Special Delivery Envelope.
In December, I gave them 2 envelopes. They returned one back but most probably put some sticker or noted number/code on it. One sticker is behind Passport also.

All the Best.
Alien UK
ILR received - November 2014
Applied for Naturalisation - Feb 2016
Naturalisation Approval - Mar 2016
Passport Received - April 2016

jaguarpaw1236
Newly Registered
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Jan 30, 2018 10:57 am

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by jaguarpaw1236 » Mon Feb 05, 2018 1:53 pm

Hi all,

First of all I would like to thank you all for continuous advice and support.

I booked my flight ticket to fly to India on 8th Feb 2018, before I booked an appointment for OCI. So, hesitantly I booked 12th Jan for my OCI appointment as I was sure that OCI wont be processed so quickly but I thought to give it a go.

On 24th Jan 18, I emailed HCI London ( administration@hcilondon.in ) couple of times to speed up my OCI application as I have to travel on 8th Feb. I finally had a reply from them on 30th Jan 2018 that once the online status changes to "Processed" I can come to HCI LONDON office in Aldwych and collect my OCI booklet and no need to wait for them to post it to my home address. They asked if I can bring my travel ticket as well for the proof.

So, today I saw an update on my application online and straightaway went to HCI London office and they had my OCI booklet ready for me to collect after seeing the proof of my travel and passport.

So guys, if you email them that you have to travel as an emergency and request for a speedy OCI application and collection (instead of waiting for them to post you) then it is possible. Also, i was told once the status is changed to "Processes" I can come to HCI London building anytime between 9am to 4pm to collect my OCI.

Hope this helps.

My timeline as below :

Application Date: 12 / 01 / 2018
VFS Center: VFS London Goswell
Date of acknowledgment: 15 / 01 / 2018
Original docs Received: 16 /01 / 2018
Documents Printing Status: PROCESSED on 05-FEB-2018
Dispatched From MOIA (OCI ) NEW DELHI: 05-FEB-2018
Document received At LONDON:05-FEB-2018
PASSPORT SUBMITTED IN PERSON at 1PM :05-FEB-2018
PASSPORT AND OCI DOCUMENT RECEIVED 1:10PM: 05-02-2018

Regards and all the best

Jagpaw

alien.uk
Junior Member
Posts: 83
Joined: Sat Aug 30, 2014 8:21 am
Mood:

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by alien.uk » Mon Feb 05, 2018 5:11 pm

@jagspaw, this is subjective... I am sure VFS at Edinburgh will not do this given the lovely nature of staffs working in that facility. :lol:
Alien UK
ILR received - November 2014
Applied for Naturalisation - Feb 2016
Naturalisation Approval - Mar 2016
Passport Received - April 2016

jaguarpaw1236
Newly Registered
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Jan 30, 2018 10:57 am

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by jaguarpaw1236 » Mon Feb 05, 2018 5:18 pm

Agree 100% but I guess you wont get until you ask.

Just shared my experience, so it could help people who are in the same situation as me, as I was told by few members that the collection of OCI is not possible.

Thanks

RGSIVA
Newly Registered
Posts: 22
Joined: Sat Oct 21, 2017 11:28 am
India

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by RGSIVA » Tue Feb 06, 2018 11:42 am

Application Date: 02 / 02 / 2018
VFS Center: VFS Bristol
Date of acknowledgment: 05 / 02 / 2018 got sms
Original docs Received:
Documents Printing Status: Got email your application is under process
Dispatched From MOIA (OCI ) NEW DELHI:
Document received
PASSPORT SUBMITTED IN PERSON:
PASSPORT AND OCI DOCUMENT RECEIVED:

Post Reply
cron