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Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

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dontringthebell
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by dontringthebell » Sat Apr 09, 2022 1:25 pm

visu wrote:
Sat Apr 09, 2022 12:48 am
Dear Members,

I have few questions regarding OCI application.

1) At the moment I am on career break so officially unemployed , while filling in OCI form , I noticed that in Occupation category , unemployed status is not listed , I called VFS helpline and they asked me to put others in Occupation and mentioned unemployed , also they asked me to write my previous employer detail and phone number If anyone is in similar situation and applied for OCI successfully , can you please guide what should I put here , also which documents have you uploaded as upload limit is only 1MB.

2) In case of Unemployed status should I provide my bank detail - I can't see a place where I can upload my bank detail or covering letter

3) In upload document section i didn't notice any place to upload address proof, surrender certificate or naturalisation certificate , is it recent change ??

Thank you in advance for your help.
you may go through this thread. It answers all your questions.

other-countries/oci-application-experience-t319965.html
Don't misconstrue my views for professional immigration advice, just trying to give back to a community that helped me through my journey.

WP-> HSMP-> Tier 2G D-> ILR-> BC-> OCI

visu
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by visu » Sun Apr 10, 2022 11:31 pm

Thank you so much dontringthebell

I have submitted my application today.

I am just wondering that when we download the application form after submission , do we only get the application not embedded documents that we uploaded ??

Thank you once again.

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dontringthebell
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by dontringthebell » Mon Apr 11, 2022 7:43 pm

visu wrote:
Sun Apr 10, 2022 11:31 pm
Thank you so much dontringthebell

I have submitted my application today.

I am just wondering that when we download the application form after submission , do we only get the application not embedded documents that we uploaded ?? only the application, though one field does mention the fields applicant used to upload documents.


Thank you once again.
Don't misconstrue my views for professional immigration advice, just trying to give back to a community that helped me through my journey.

WP-> HSMP-> Tier 2G D-> ILR-> BC-> OCI

Whimsicalforest
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by Whimsicalforest » Wed Apr 13, 2022 9:54 am

Hello,

My husband submitted his Oci renewal on 22Feb 2022. On 30th March the OCI status was updated to processed. However, he hasn't received his OCI till now. Has anyone experienced this sort of delay in getting the OCI card even after the status says processed?. Thank you !!!

visu
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by visu » Wed Apr 20, 2022 12:20 am

Thank you so much dontringthebell

ps1234
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by ps1234 » Wed Apr 20, 2022 9:47 am

Dear all, going in for my OCI appointment tomorrow at London, Goswell Road. Please can you advice re: following:

1. Do they keep UK passports in London? I need to travel on Sat.
2. How many photographs are required? is 1 enough?

dbselva4u
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by dbselva4u » Wed Apr 20, 2022 2:10 pm

ps1234 wrote:
Wed Apr 20, 2022 9:47 am
Dear all, going in for my OCI appointment tomorrow at London, Goswell Road. Please can you advice re: following:

1. Do they keep UK passports in London? I need to travel on Sat.
2. How many photographs are required? is 1 enough?
Hi Thr,
VFS will return your UK passport.
Take at least 2 photographs with you.

Subha100
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by Subha100 » Thu Apr 21, 2022 7:22 am

Hi All,
Does some tell us how to track OCI submitted with hounslow VFS?

Application was submited yesterday .

Thanks
Su

SUMEETJ
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by SUMEETJ » Thu Apr 21, 2022 2:52 pm

Hi,

Please can someone who has applied recently for a minor confirm if we need to upload the fingerprint online for a little one (less than 1 year old) for the OCI application.

Also is the below list of supporting documents good enough where both parents are OCI holders:-
1. UK Passport of Minor
2. UK Birth Certificate of Minor
3. Photos as per spec for the Minor
4. UK Passport of Both Parents
5. OCI for for both parents
6. Marriage Certificate for Parents
7. Driving License for both parents

Aprpreciate your kind help

ToughLeo
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by ToughLeo » Wed Apr 27, 2022 11:48 am

SUMEETJ wrote:
Thu Apr 21, 2022 2:52 pm


Yes, you need to submit left hand thumb impression along with a photograph. Also in your list try to include an address proof document like energy bill or bank statement.

Kishorep81
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by Kishorep81 » Thu Apr 28, 2022 9:30 pm

Hi All,

I will be surrendering my Indian passport on 9th May and also I have an OCI appointment on 7th Jun. But I need to travel to India mid June. My questions below:

1. Can I get the surrender certificate and apply OCI in India?
2. Or can I apply OCI here and while it is in progress can I travel to India via tourist visa?

Looking forward for your suggestion from this group.

Thanks
Kishore

jameswilliamson6544
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by jameswilliamson6544 » Mon May 02, 2022 3:11 pm

Posting timeline for a family member (applied from within UK):
VFS appointment: 05 Apr 2022
Acknowledgment London: 08 Apr 2022
Document Processed (New Delhi): 29 Apr 2022
No other update as of 6pm IST, Monday 2 May 2022.

Based on above timelines, when can I expect to receive OCI.?
I have provided Royal Mail special delivery envelope as part of application for return of OCI.

SUMEETJ
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by SUMEETJ » Tue May 03, 2022 9:12 pm

Hello,

I am planning to apply for the OCI for my daughter.

As a part of the application, I need to submit my OCI. Please can you advise, if they will keep my original UK Passport & my original OCI OR will they keep a copy & return my originals.

The reason why I ask this, is because I need to travel to India and need my UK Passport as well as my OCI.

Thanks for your advice.
Regards,
Sumeet

Chiligee
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by Chiligee » Thu May 12, 2022 2:11 pm

Sumeet,
I applied for my daughter today and the only document they took was her birth certificate. All other documents including her passport are returned to you, they only keep the copies. My next post will be on fees charged and what I submitted.

Chiligee
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by Chiligee » Thu May 12, 2022 3:08 pm

Some experience regarding OCI application for minor today at Goswell road London. Took about 1.5 hours wait before getting my turn.

Child is UK citizen by birth. Both parents have OCI, mother had Indian passport, naturalised and now has UK Passport. Basis of OCI is from mother but could have been father as well.

I did not take child to appointment as its not necessary

Documents required / submitted and uploaded :

1. Child passport copy, original and uploaded
2. Child UK full birth certificate, original and uploaded. Note the Birth certificate was taken. This is the only original document that was taken.
3. Father and Mother OCI copy, original and uploaded - (photo page and address page). Took originals as well at appointment
4. Father and mother UK passport copy, original and uploaded
5. Father utility bill, original and uploaded. I also uploaded both parents driving licence as additional but not required.
6. Registered marriage certificate copy, original and uploaded
7. Child thumb print was required to be uploaded only.
8. Supply two silver special delivery 500g prepaid envelopes with your address already written on it.

Note: all copies should be self attested ie sign every page is sufficient.

Again the only originals agent looked at were:
a. child UK birth certificate - which she took.
b. both parents passport and given back
c. Child UK passport and given back

I stated I dont wish to get SMS or email alerts as its an additional fee.

Total fee paid was £208.73 broken down as follows:

OCI fees: £197
Consular surcharge: £3
Service charges: £6.20
Covid fee charges £1.07
VAT on VFS fees £1.46

Total: £208.73

I paid in cash so make sure to take exact amount as there is no change given. VFS agent was polite and it took about 6-8 mins to on the counter itself.

basey
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by basey » Mon May 16, 2022 9:47 am

Submitted OCI applications for myself, my wife and 7 year old kid together at VFS Goswell Road London.

Adding some information from my experience. Hope it helps.

- If you are planning to submit multiple applications in one appointment, make sure that you add each applicant name in the online appointment form. There is a checkbox to add family member.
- If you are submitting multiple applications in one apointment, make sure you print a separate appointment copy for each application.
- Upload scanned copies of all requested documents online. If you upload more documents than requested its not a problem, but if you fail to upload any document that was requested then it will be a problem.
- I received a mandatory document checklist at the VFS center and it was much simple than a lot of documents/information provided online.
- All the printed copies of the documents that you are submitting along with the application, they should be self attested (self signed). The scanned copies that you upload do not need to be self attested.
- From the originals, VFS took following documents, they returned everything else including UK passports. VFS told that these documents will be returned in one of the self addressed enveloped in 10 days time. And the OCI Card will be sent in the second self addressed envelope in 5 - 6 weeks time.
Originals taken by VFS :
For me and my wife ( Surrender Certificate + Naturalization Certificate + Cancelled India Passport)
For my kid ( Surrender Certificate + Naturalization Certificate + Cancelled India Passport + Birth Certificate)
- I am a software professional, so I uploaded and printed a copy of Employment letter. My wife is house wife, no letter or bank statement etc. submitted for her.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BELOW ARE THE DETAILS FROM CHECKLIST I RECEIVED AT VFS CENTER
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kindly refer the below checklist in reference to Document upload. Please ensure all the documents including photo and signature required to be uploaded clearly, before you approach the counter for your application submission. Requirements may vary but below are the standard documents to be uploaded for a new OCI Application.
Maximum 8 options can be selected for the document upload.You may merge multiple document and upload a single pdf file under any relevant category. (Please ensure to upload the documents clearly). Original and copy of the all the supporting documents required for the Application Submission.
- Current passport (Signed Photo page)
- Naturalization certificate / Registration Certificate
- Surrender Certificate
- Original UK Notary Affidavit (Applicable in the absence of Surrender certificate)
- Renounced Indian passport (First page and Last page)
- Registered Marriage Certificate + Spouse passport copy (If Indian passport, Front and last Page to be uploaded) (If Married)
- Divorce Certificate if Applicable
- Birth Certificate Full Version (Applicable in case applicant was born abroad)
- Indian Origin proof (For applicants born abroad)
- UK Address Proof
- Employment Letter /Student ID/Certificate of Incorporation (Whichever applicable)

MINOR APPLICANTS:
Documents to be uploaded in addition to the above documents:
- Full Version Birth Certificate
- Both Parents passport (If Indian passport- Photo page and Address page).
- Parents OCI Card (if applicable) (Photo page and Address page)
- In case of single parent's, a court order is required, confirming that the guardian parent's rights over the child, in case the custody has not been contested, a notarised consent letter signed by both parents, is required to be submitted along with the application.

SPOUSE BASED APPLICATION:
Documents to be uploaded in addition to the above documents:
- Spouse Passport + Spouse OCI card (Photo and Address Page).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please note on case any issues related to the document upload as listed above, we are unable to reissue a token or reschedule your appointment. You would need to re book another appointment online for your application submission. Also kindly request you to arrange your documents in the listed order along with your application to reduce the submission time at the counter.

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mesn
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by mesn » Mon May 16, 2022 3:50 pm

OCI Timelines Post :

New OCI application: Self, Spouse, Kid
Application Date: 13/05/22 [Same for 3]
VFS Center: Goswell [Same for 3]
Date of acknowledgement: N/A
Original docs Received back: N/A
Documents Printing Status: N/A
Dispatched From New Delhi: N/A
Document received at Goswell: N/A
Dispatched by Goswell: N/A
OCI Received: N/A

Will keep this updated for everyone's benefit. There should be an OCI Timelines Sticky post.
T2G 2015, T2 Switch 2018, ILR 2020, BC 2021, British Passport 2022, OCI 2022

chavachows3
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by chavachows3 » Tue May 17, 2022 8:08 am

Hi Guys,

Quick help please!

I missed todays vfs appointment because of delay in receiving the supporting doc by HM Passport office. Anyone have the experience of going next day to vfs center (mine is in Bradford) and explaining them the situation. Would they consider my situation? We don't have next appointment for a month.

Anyone have the experience or any advice please!

Thanks

basey
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by basey » Tue May 17, 2022 9:01 am

chavachows3 wrote:
Tue May 17, 2022 8:08 am
Hi Guys,

Quick help please!

I missed todays vfs appointment because of delay in receiving the supporting doc by HM Passport office. Anyone have the experience of going next day to vfs center (mine is in Bradford) and explaining them the situation. Would they consider my situation? We don't have next appointment for a month.

Anyone have the experience or any advice please!

Thanks
It is very unlikely that they will accept application without online appointment. Few reasons for this that I can think of
- They ask for a printed copy of appointment confirmation to be submitted along with each application.
- In checklist document they gave me during my OCI appointment, they mentioned important note suggesting that a new appointment has to be booked if something goes wrong at first appointment. "IMPORTANT NOTE: Please note on case any issues related to the document upload as listed above, we are unable to reissue a token or reschedule your appointment. You would need to re book another appointment online for your application submission. Also kindly request you to arrange your documents in the listed order along with your application to reduce the submission time at the counter."
- My personal experience - "My wife and I had our Surrender certificate appointments on two different days (20-Apr and 21-Apr). When I went to surrender passport appointment for my wife on 20-Apr, I asked whether they can take my application as well and they refused. They will accept applications only when booked appointment has the applicants name."

However, the person at VFS reception did say that in case of emergency I could send an email and explain situation and maybe it can be considered.
So I think, your best bet is call VFS and explain them the situation. Send email as well.
Good luck.

chavachows3
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by chavachows3 » Tue May 17, 2022 9:55 am

Hi @basey

Thank you so much for your reply.

I will try to speak to VFS and see if they can allow me.

itmanager
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by itmanager » Tue May 17, 2022 10:50 am

chavachows3 wrote:
Tue May 17, 2022 8:08 am
Hi Guys,

Quick help please!

I missed todays vfs appointment because of delay in receiving the supporting doc by HM Passport office. Anyone have the experience of going next day to vfs center (mine is in Bradford) and explaining them the situation. Would they consider my situation? We don't have next appointment for a month.

Anyone have the experience or any advice please!

Thanks
Hi chavachows3,

Yes I had similar issues. I have received the supporting documents after 9 weeks of my British Passport application.

I went to VFS in London and explained them about the situation and they gave me an appointment after 2 weeks. I have not received my Supporting documents and then again 2 weeks later they gave me an appointment.

It really depends on your VFS staff and how you explain them.

Thank you

chavachows3
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by chavachows3 » Tue May 17, 2022 3:42 pm

@itmanager

Thanks for your reply! Gives me some hope.

You waited 9 weeks, I would have become totally impatient.

Thanks

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mesn
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by mesn » Tue May 17, 2022 6:32 pm

chavachows3 wrote:
Tue May 17, 2022 8:08 am
Hi Guys,

Quick help please!

I missed todays vfs appointment because of delay in receiving the supporting doc by HM Passport office. Anyone have the experience of going next day to vfs center (mine is in Bradford) and explaining them the situation. Would they consider my situation? We don't have next appointment for a month.

Anyone have the experience or any advice please!

Thanks
No. I missed 1 doc and had to beg them to give me an hour to come back with the doc. But they were had some free slots for the next week. So, either you can check with them or write to HCI if you have some family emergency.
T2G 2015, T2 Switch 2018, ILR 2020, BC 2021, British Passport 2022, OCI 2022

itmanager
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by itmanager » Tue May 17, 2022 10:59 pm

chavachows3 wrote:
Tue May 17, 2022 3:42 pm
@itmanager

Thanks for your reply! Gives me some hope.

You waited 9 weeks, I would have become totally impatient.

Thanks
I did not wait 9 weeks, I kept calling them for 5weeks and tried to teach some common sense. HMPO proved that no one can teach them common sense and if they havent got it then we have to suffer. :mrgreen:

finally things were late but atleast happening very slowly :wink: :wink:

ps1234
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Re: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Post by ps1234 » Wed May 18, 2022 12:37 pm

Timelines for OCI card
Family of 4 (2 minor kids)

Appointment date: 22 Apr
Appointment location: London Goswell
Acknowledgement received: 23rd April
OCI Cards received: 18th May

The process was very smooth - except for appointment bookings which were available only with a month's lead time. I was told that because E-Visa for UK Citizens is currently suspended, physical appointments for tourist/business visas is creating a lot of pressure on the VFS/HCI capacity and hence such lead times for appointments.

Thanks to this board for its help over many many years.

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