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Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

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available4all
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Sri Lanka

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by available4all » Wed Nov 13, 2019 11:52 am

Date Of Acknowledgment at VFS : 4-Oct-2019 (Goswell Road Walk in Service). Queued from 7:30 A.M and submitted form and relevant documents.

Registration Status at Mission: LONDON
Kept checking everyday after 21 days from 3rd Oct 2019. The status was always : Under Process

On 3-Nov-2019 finally the status changed to :
Documents Printing Status PROCESSED updated on 3rd Nov 2019
Dispatched From MEA (OCI ) NEW DELHI On 3rd-Nov-2019
Document received At LONDON On 3-Nov-2019

Submission of documents (UK Passport+Royal mail silver envelop with postage) at Goswell Road : 06-Nov-2019
OCI & Passport Delivered to Home address : 13-Nov-2019

niels2012
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by niels2012 » Wed Nov 13, 2019 1:30 pm

rsiriki wrote:
Tue Oct 29, 2019 12:43 pm
Timeline of my OCI New Application:
Application Date: 11-Oct-2019
VFS Center: Birmingham
Date of acknowledgment: 14-Oct-2019
Original docs Received: 16-Oct-2019
Documents Printing Status: Under progress
Did you got any response? I also Applied for New OCI on 7-OCT but no update yet. Just showing Under-process. :(

Anjali85
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by Anjali85 » Fri Nov 15, 2019 11:17 am

niels2012 wrote:
Wed Nov 13, 2019 1:30 pm
Did you got any response? I also Applied for New OCI on 7-OCT but no update yet. Just showing Under-process. :(
it's more 5 weeks, that's unusual. I strongly recommend to send an email as mentioned in OCI FAQ

What is the status of my OCI application as it has been past the normal processing time?

Answer. Please drop us an email at info.london@hcilondon.in / inf.london@mea,gov.in with the applicant’s full name, DOB, Passport number, OCI file acknowledgement number to know the status.

NRI
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by NRI » Tue Nov 19, 2019 9:36 am

I have made the online application for OCI re-issue for my 14 year old son (following passport renewal of minor) on 18-NOV-2019. Can someone please help me answering the following questions.

1. Can I now proceed to submit the originals at the Hounslow VFS center after booking the appointment?

2. Does the minor need to sign anywhere on the Part A or Part B of the application and where do we stick the photo? I'm asking because I intend to submit the documents on my child's behalf who won't be accompanying me.

Thank you.

rsiriki
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by rsiriki » Wed Nov 20, 2019 8:51 am

rsiriki wrote:
Tue Oct 29, 2019 12:43 pm
Timeline of my OCI New Application:
Application Date: 11-Oct-2019
VFS Center: Birmingham
Date of acknowledgment: 14-Oct-2019
Original docs Received: 16-Oct-2019
Documents Printing Status PROCESSED ON 19-Nov-2019
Dispatched From MEA (OCI )NEW DELHI ON 19-Nov-2019
Document received At BIRMINGHAM On .....

abc3322
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India

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by abc3322 » Wed Nov 20, 2019 12:37 pm

My Timeline From Glasgow centre (which is sent to Edinburgh)

Timeline of my OCI New Application:
Application Date: 11-Oct-2019
VFS Center: Edinburgh
Date of acknowledgment: 14-Oct-2019
Documents Printing Status: Under progress

I really hope this does not get delayed too long.

It took me almost more than 2 months for a surrender certificate from the same centre too.

abc3322
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India

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by abc3322 » Thu Nov 21, 2019 10:17 am

Anyone have any suggestions if I can contact. I have emailed the embassy at info.edinburgh@mea.gov.in & visa.edinburgh@mea.gov.in but no reply.

rsiriki
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by rsiriki » Thu Nov 21, 2019 12:53 pm

rsiriki wrote:
Wed Nov 20, 2019 8:51 am
rsiriki wrote:
Tue Oct 29, 2019 12:43 pm
Timeline of my OCI New Application:
Application Date: 11-Oct-2019
VFS Center: Birmingham
Date of acknowledgment: 14-Oct-2019
Original docs Received: 16-Oct-2019
Documents Printing Status PROCESSED ON 19-Nov-2019
Dispatched From MEA (OCI )NEW DELHI ON 19-Nov-2019
Document received At BIRMINGHAM On 21-Nov-2019

Enka2018
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Posts: 122
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Slovakia

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by Enka2018 » Thu Nov 21, 2019 4:08 pm

New OCI application:

submittion at VFS Birmingham: 15/11/2019
date of acknowledgement: 18/11/2019
documents received: 20/11/2019
OCI status: under process

abc3322
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India

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by abc3322 » Fri Nov 22, 2019 11:12 pm

abc3322 wrote:
Wed Nov 20, 2019 12:37 pm
My Timeline From Glasgow centre (which is sent to Edinburgh)

Timeline of my OCI New Application:
Application Date: 11-Oct-2019
VFS Center: Edinburgh
Date of acknowledgment: 14-Oct-2019
Documents Printing Status: Under progress

I really hope this does not get delayed too long.

It took me almost more than 2 months for a surrender certificate from the same centre too.
Documents processed: 22/11/2019

tier1-immigrant
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Posts: 154
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by tier1-immigrant » Fri Nov 22, 2019 11:36 pm

My OCI status also says processed. What's next do I need to go to vfs centre and give my passport ? Do vfs send an email when I should come with passport ? How long the rest of the process takes ?

abc3322
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India

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by abc3322 » Sun Nov 24, 2019 11:25 pm

tier1-immigrant wrote:
Fri Nov 22, 2019 11:36 pm
My OCI status also says processed. What's next do I need to go to vfs centre and give my passport ? Do vfs send an email when I should come with passport ? How long the rest of the process takes ?
Once it says documents received at your consulate, you can visit with the your passports and envelope provided

Jaysindas
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by Jaysindas » Sun Nov 24, 2019 11:58 pm

Hi team,

I have few queries regarding OCI Process:

"Self - addressed Special Delivery envelope (Silver Royal Mail Envelope)"
  • Do we need more than one envelops for the OCI process?
  • How do I decide if I should buy a prepaid envelope of 100gm or 500gm?
  • Would it be enough for the Post office staff to understand my request i.e. "Self - addressed Special Delivery envelope (Silver Royal Mail Envelope)"?
  • How much does it cost?
Surrendering Indian passport

A4 SIZE self-addressed envelope (Special Delivery, Silver, tamper proof envelope only)
  • Is this envelope is the same as the one which we use for OCI Process?
list]How do I decide if I should buy a prepaid envelope of 100gm or 500gm?[/list]
  • Would it be enough for the Post office staff to understand my request i.e. "4 SIZE self-addressed envelope (Special Delivery, Silver, tamper proof envelope only)"?
  • How much does it cost?
Thanks
Jay

Enka2018
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Posts: 122
Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2017 5:35 pm
Slovakia

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by Enka2018 » Tue Nov 26, 2019 6:57 pm

If you applying in Birmingham, you cannot use your own prepaid envelopes, there you have to pay for their own courier envelopes. I had to pay for 2 envelopes.

Jaysindas wrote:
Sun Nov 24, 2019 11:58 pm
Hi team,

I have few queries regarding OCI Process:

"Self - addressed Special Delivery envelope (Silver Royal Mail Envelope)"
  • Do we need more than one envelops for the OCI process?
  • How do I decide if I should buy a prepaid envelope of 100gm or 500gm?
  • Would it be enough for the Post office staff to understand my request i.e. "Self - addressed Special Delivery envelope (Silver Royal Mail Envelope)"?
  • How much does it cost?
Surrendering Indian passport

A4 SIZE self-addressed envelope (Special Delivery, Silver, tamper proof envelope only)
  • Is this envelope is the same as the one which we use for OCI Process?
list]How do I decide if I should buy a prepaid envelope of 100gm or 500gm?[/list]
  • Would it be enough for the Post office staff to understand my request i.e. "4 SIZE self-addressed envelope (Special Delivery, Silver, tamper proof envelope only)"?
  • How much does it cost?
Thanks
Jay

Enka2018
Member
Posts: 122
Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2017 5:35 pm
Slovakia

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by Enka2018 » Tue Nov 26, 2019 7:04 pm

If you are applying from any VFS centre that is under Birmingham jurisdiction, you cannot use your own prepaid envelopes, there you have to pay for their own courier envelopes. I had to pay for 2 envelopes
Jaysindas wrote:
Sun Nov 24, 2019 11:58 pm
Hi team,

I have few queries regarding OCI Process:

"Self - addressed Special Delivery envelope (Silver Royal Mail Envelope)"
  • Do we need more than one envelops for the OCI process?
  • How do I decide if I should buy a prepaid envelope of 100gm or 500gm?
  • Would it be enough for the Post office staff to understand my request i.e. "Self - addressed Special Delivery envelope (Silver Royal Mail Envelope)"?
  • How much does it cost?
Surrendering Indian passport

A4 SIZE self-addressed envelope (Special Delivery, Silver, tamper proof envelope only)
  • Is this envelope is the same as the one which we use for OCI Process?
list]How do I decide if I should buy a prepaid envelope of 100gm or 500gm?[/list]
  • Would it be enough for the Post office staff to understand my request i.e. "4 SIZE self-addressed envelope (Special Delivery, Silver, tamper proof envelope only)"?
  • How much does it cost?
Thanks
Jay

rsiriki
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Posts: 4
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by rsiriki » Thu Nov 28, 2019 8:20 am

rsiriki wrote:
Thu Nov 21, 2019 12:53 pm
rsiriki wrote:
Wed Nov 20, 2019 8:51 am
rsiriki wrote:
Tue Oct 29, 2019 12:43 pm
Timeline of my OCI New Application:
Application Date: 11-Oct-2019
VFS Center: Birmingham
Date of acknowledgment: 14-Oct-2019
Original docs Received: 16-Oct-2019
Documents Printing Status PROCESSED ON 19-Nov-2019
Dispatched From MEA (OCI )NEW DELHI ON 19-Nov-2019
Document received At BIRMINGHAM On 21-Nov-2019
PASSPORT SUBMITTED IN PERSON: 22-Nov-2019
PASSPORT AND OCI DOCUMENT RECEIVED: 27-Nov-2019

need_a_tier1
Member
Posts: 212
Joined: Tue Jul 15, 2008 9:00 pm

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by need_a_tier1 » Thu Nov 28, 2019 5:45 pm

Can someone guide me please,

I need to travel on 15th Dec and my 12 year old son has OCI linked to old UK passport. We don't have enough time to get the OCI re-issued to his new UK passport.

Last year, In Dec 2018 we travelled to India with the new & old passport and OCI booklet and were not asked any questions.

However, it appears that this time are rules are much more strict and there is chance of airlines denying boarding or Indian immigration may deny entry after landing in India.

If I apply for an e-visa or regular paper visa then I may have to falsify some information on the online application forms as both e-visa and regulat visa forms ask for current or previous Indian visa details and ask "if you have visited India before" . If I say no, then it will be incorrect. If I say yes, then I don't have any option to put OCI details there and OCI visa is not listed in the drop down menu. I can select Tourist visa or Visit visa but that will not be right.

I am thinking of getting a walk-in appointment and applying for OCI re-issue Misc service, if I get it in time then its fine, otherwise if it is getting late I will try my luck and travel without the OCI re-issue and will go for the second visit to VFS only after I come back to UK in january.

Can anyone suggest?

abhay10001
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Posts: 10
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by abhay10001 » Thu Nov 28, 2019 10:09 pm

Apply ASAP

xebec
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Posts: 109
Joined: Wed Jul 17, 2019 3:38 pm
Australia

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by xebec » Fri Nov 29, 2019 11:35 am

need_a_tier1 wrote:
Thu Nov 28, 2019 5:45 pm
Can someone guide me please,

I need to travel on 15th Dec and my 12 year old son has OCI linked to old UK passport. We don't have enough time to get the OCI re-issued to his new UK passport.

Last year, In Dec 2018 we travelled to India with the new & old passport and OCI booklet and were not asked any questions.

However, it appears that this time are rules are much more strict and there is chance of airlines denying boarding or Indian immigration may deny entry after landing in India.

If I apply for an e-visa or regular paper visa then I may have to falsify some information on the online application forms as both e-visa and regulat visa forms ask for current or previous Indian visa details and ask "if you have visited India before" . If I say no, then it will be incorrect. If I say yes, then I don't have any option to put OCI details there and OCI visa is not listed in the drop down menu. I can select Tourist visa or Visit visa but that will not be right.

I am thinking of getting a walk-in appointment and applying for OCI re-issue Misc service, if I get it in time then its fine, otherwise if it is getting late I will try my luck and travel without the OCI re-issue and will go for the second visit to VFS only after I come back to UK in january.

Can anyone suggest?
Get it fixed as soon as possible. The rules are very clear that the OCI card must be updated each time a new passport is issued for people under 20.
With regards to the E-visa, best to consult the High Commission to get their verdict in writing about which alternate visa category you can apply under for your case.

xebec
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Posts: 109
Joined: Wed Jul 17, 2019 3:38 pm
Australia

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by xebec » Fri Nov 29, 2019 12:53 pm

need_a_tier1 wrote:
Thu Nov 28, 2019 5:45 pm
Can someone guide me please,

I need to travel on 15th Dec and my 12 year old son has OCI linked to old UK passport. We don't have enough time to get the OCI re-issued to his new UK passport.

Last year, In Dec 2018 we travelled to India with the new & old passport and OCI booklet and were not asked any questions.

However, it appears that this time are rules are much more strict and there is chance of airlines denying boarding or Indian immigration may deny entry after landing in India.

If I apply for an e-visa or regular paper visa then I may have to falsify some information on the online application forms as both e-visa and regulat visa forms ask for current or previous Indian visa details and ask "if you have visited India before" . If I say no, then it will be incorrect. If I say yes, then I don't have any option to put OCI details there and OCI visa is not listed in the drop down menu. I can select Tourist visa or Visit visa but that will not be right.

I am thinking of getting a walk-in appointment and applying for OCI re-issue Misc service, if I get it in time then its fine, otherwise if it is getting late I will try my luck and travel without the OCI re-issue and will go for the second visit to VFS only after I come back to UK in january.

Can anyone suggest?
From your earlier posts last year it was mentioned that you needed to have the OCI card updated for those under 20 by members of this forum. Yet, you haven't had it updated since then. The fact that your son travelled on a non-compliant OCI card and was permitted entry does not make it necessary compliant. Immigration officials have a discretion on who they can permit into the country - and refusing entry to a child because of a minor infraction may not be in the best interests of everyone. Again to reiterate, this exemption does not make it a norm.

However, if you are denied boarding or entry into India because of this reason, please do not hold the High Commission, the airline or Indian immigration responsible. Airlines have a duty of care to follow visa requirements else they are penalised by the country of arrival. Indian immigration or any other immigration assess individuals for their compliance to rules before permitting entry into a country - it can't get more simple than that.

need_a_tier1
Member
Posts: 212
Joined: Tue Jul 15, 2008 9:00 pm

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by need_a_tier1 » Fri Nov 29, 2019 2:33 pm

xebec wrote:
Fri Nov 29, 2019 11:35 am
Get it fixed as soon as possible. The rules are very clear that the OCI card must be updated each time a new passport is issued for people under 20.
With regards to the E-visa, best to consult the High Commission to get their verdict in writing about which alternate visa category you can apply under for your case.
Completely agree with you, will try and get it fixed asap. Am going to VFS on Monday to see if I can get a walk-in.
Also, agree with you that this is problem of my own making and should not have left it like that.

But, in the 2 weeks I have left, just wanted to make the right decision for now and want to avoid any problems at the airport or at immigration desk in India.

I am going to go to VFS but am not sure what service to apply for:

- OCI Misc service - I have only two weeks left to travel and VFS tell me that it is a minimum of 3 weeks process (sometime 4 weeks).
- Regular paper visa at VFS. But VFS say that, normally, OCI card holder can't apply but in certain circumstances HCI may approve, but I need to bring a covering letter along with written confirmation from HCI.
Also, I run the risk of child's OCI being cancelled 'temporarily' or 'permanently' if I apply for regular paper visa at VFS + HCI. But, no one is clear on these rules and everyone has given different answers.
- As above, apply for an e-visa but HCI told me to write 00000 in 'existing India visa number'

I know I have made a mistake for not 'complying' with the strict rules. But for someone in my situation, the guidelines should be clear, not vague. I am all ready to follow the process - but all three of the above options are hit and miss - either due to lack of time or the lack or clarification regarding the rules of the visa.

It would have been easier, if they atleast allowed a regular paper visa or e-visa officially for OCI cardholders in my child's situation.

redjet
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by redjet » Sun Dec 01, 2019 9:36 am

OCI Timeline for Application of 1 child (Miscellaneous Service For OCI Reissue)
VFS Center: Hounslow (walk-in appointment - arrived in queue by 6:15 AM - #6)
Application Date: 15/11/2019
Got a text later in the day from VFS saying documents have been dispatched to the the High Commission.
Date of acknowledgement: 18/11/2019
Original docs Received: N/A. All originals were returned immediately at the time of submission.
Documents Printing Status: 21/11/2019
Dispatched From MEA (OCI) NEW DELHI: 21/11/2019
Document received At London : 21/11/2019
PASSPORT SUBMITTED IN PERSON: 25/11/2019 (we could have gone on 22/11 too but went after the weekend on 25/11)
Got a text on 27/11/2019 from VFS to say documents have been couriered.
PASSPORT AND OCI DOCUMENT RECEIVED: 28/11/2019

Note: Total turn around time is a bit more than usual 10 days as we submitted the application on a Friday and we submitted passport with one day delay.

xebec
Member
Posts: 109
Joined: Wed Jul 17, 2019 3:38 pm
Australia

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by xebec » Tue Dec 03, 2019 11:22 pm

How did you go with the application?
- OCI Misc service - I have only two weeks left to travel and VFS tell me that it is a minimum of 3 weeks process (sometime 4 weeks).
- Regular paper visa at VFS. But VFS say that, normally, OCI card holder can't apply but in certain circumstances HCI may approve, but I need to bring a covering letter along with written confirmation from HCI.
Also, I run the risk of child's OCI being cancelled 'temporarily' or 'permanently' if I apply for regular paper visa at VFS + HCI. But, no one is clear on these rules and everyone has given different answers.
- As above, apply for an e-visa but HCI told me to write 00000 in 'existing India visa number'
  • The OCI is a visa - the visa does not get cancelled unless you present false information during application, or you pose a security risk to the country. However, by not updating the OCI card, it becomes an invalid document for the purposes of travel to India. There is a very valid reason - children's faces chance drastically in five years, and immigration need to be certain that it is the same person travelling. Just think about it: can you be absolutely certain that the photo of an infant OCI card holder taken out at 4 months will have the same facial features five years later? No. The same process applies to the elderly.
  • If the HCI asked you to write 00000 in the visa number, and you have this in writing, then you would need to follow their directive.
I know I have made a mistake for not 'complying' with the strict rules. But for someone in my situation, the guidelines should be clear, not vague. I am all ready to follow the process - but all three of the above options are hit and miss - either due to lack of time or the lack or clarification regarding the rules of the visa.
I'm afraid I disagree that it is 'strict' or 'vague'. The rules for those under 20 are published, have existed for years, and available online. Applicants are required to comply with the directive and be up to date with the requirements before making travel plans. The only reason why they don't have a use case for your situation is because it should never have occurred in the first place! You can't expect them to design scenarios for those who have not followed the process. That's why they would need to review your case individually as they have no published guidelines for it and neither do they want to encourage aberrations. Think of it from their position. They have hundreds of cases to look at each week, and your application is an aberration, which means that they would have to spend a lot more time looking into it just because the process was not followed.

Sharma3172
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Australia

Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by Sharma3172 » Wed Dec 04, 2019 5:16 am

Does anyone have experience when they applied for OCI and received acknowledgement on Nov 11th. Generally how long does it take after that for it to complete?

maninder1438
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by maninder1438 » Thu Dec 05, 2019 2:35 pm

Timeline of my OCI New Application:

Application Date: 21-Oct-2019

VFS Center: VFS (Hounslow)
Date of acknowledgment: 22-Oct-2019
Original docs Received: N/A (as i showed original document on the time of submission)
Documents Printing Status PROCESSED ON: 22-Nov-2019
Dispatched From MEA (OCI )NEW DELHI ON: 22-Nov-2019
Document received At LONDON On: 22-Nov-2019
PASSPORT SUBMITTED IN PERSON: 27-Nov-2019
PASSPORT AND OCI DOCUMENT RECEIVED: 03-Dec-2019

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