OCI process

[nskatcv]

FYI

After getting the confirmation of the BLS appointment, one has to Click on the email button to have them send the confirmation email on your provided address. Otherwise you won't receive any. The other option print of course is for local printing.

 

[dineshrehab]

For the Indian Origin Proof-i am assuming you uploaded the "Previous Indian Passport to Self" already? Given your SC is still pending I am assuming you uploaded a copy of Indian Passport which does not have "cancelled" written in it? Should we wait for that? or is it ok to upload the current "not cancelled" scan copy. Thanks.

better wait till u receive Indian passport, besides u can re upload 3 times.

 

[rhi]

I am in the process of applying OCI and have a question,
Is it mandatory to upload picture and signature or we can skip and do signature on print out and paste picture.
Plz confirm…
TIA

 

[Wollongong]

I went to consular camp today. I’m not sure they are from BLS or Indian consulate folks whoever they are but very helpful.

 

[116sg17]

Visa application being accepted by passing BLS completely.

You know if they accepted 5 year visa applications? Went to BLS today and they said 1 year max.

 

[dineshrehab]

You know if they accepted 5 year visa applications? Went to BLS today and they said 1 year max.

I cant help you there. It was separate Q for visa.

 

[richieP]

My Surrender status on the passportindia site has changed to Surrender certificate has been printed.

Timeline:

Date	Status on BLS	Status on Passport Portal	Days since applied
2022-02-26​	N/A	Surrender Certificate application form has been submitted.
2022-03-01​	Processing at Consulate General	Passport application along with fee details have been received. The same is under processing at the Embassy/Consulate.	4​
2022-03-10​	Processing at Consulate General	Surrender certificate is under review at Indian Embassy/Consulate.	13​
2022-03-14​	Processing at Consulate General	Surrender certificate has been granted and is available for issuance.	17​
2022-03-18​	Processing at Consulate General	Surrender certificate has been printed.	21​

Congratulations, This is great news that Process seems fast now. I applied on 17th Feb 2022 through Postal application In toronto and my status is still shows as "Surrender certificate has been granted and is available for issuance." I am guessing you have applied in Person?

 

[116sg17]

I cant help you there. It was separate Q for visa.

Thanks. I paid about $163 for 1 year entry visa today. Wanted to apply for 5 year but they did not have any info.

Super disorganized as HCI and CGI said all visa except 10 year have been resumed but BLS said they can do 1 year max.

Also for people looking to walk in, be there super early and be prepared for ridiculous wait. The visa and surrender office (now at Building 60) only allowed about 10-11 people to walk in throughout the day. I saw some people who were waiting since 7 AM but they were turned back at 1 PM when guard said no more walk ins.

 

[richieP]

@richieP @dineshrehab sure! i applied for my SO's surrender certificate on 1-Mar-2022
Surrender certificate available for issuance update = 16-Mar-2022
Surrender certificate Printed update = 17-Mar-2022
Today same as "Printed" status

BLS today = Processing at Consulate

Hope it helps

Congratulation and thanks for the time line!
I hope you get your certificate soon.
Did you applied in person? I applied on 17th Feb 2022 and status still is "Surrender certificate has been granted and is available for issuance." till date. Do you think contacting BLS will help expedite process?

 

[vvarma]

Lot of information on this thread but scattered, so just for confirming, if anyone with experience could please ratify.

1. OCI and SC can be done together (but only in Vancouver jurisdiction?)
2. While SC can be applied without appointment, Visa and OCI need appointments.
3. If you chose postal, then also you don't need appointment, and can send SC and OCI together.

Given the long wait times (2 months from today) for appointment, it appears Postal method should be the fastest (especially if done carefully avoiding back and forth due to mistakes).

1) Correct
2) Correct (for Vancouver + Surrey atleast)
3) Correct

 

[vvarma]

FYI

After getting the confirmation of the BLS appointment, one has to Click on the email button to have them send the confirmation email on your provided address. Otherwise you won't receive any. The other option print of course is for local printing.

That email button does not trigger an email when booking for Surrey, of late. For Vancouver it works. Saying from personal experience. Always best to take screenshot/Print to be safe.

 

[vvarma]

I am in the process of applying OCI and have a question,
Is it mandatory to upload picture and signature or we can skip and do signature on print out and paste picture.
Plz confirm…
TIA

Mandatory to upload, afaik. Do not paste anything.

 

[softwaretesting]

That email button does not trigger an email when booking for Surrey, of late. For Vancouver it works. Saying from personal experience. Always best to take screenshot/Print to be safe.

Oh ok. It works for Brampton as well.

 

[vvarma]

I went to consular camp today. I’m not sure they are from BLS or Indian consulate folks whoever they are but very helpful.

All such camps on the East coast are directly organized by the CGI. Wish they thought of West coast as well.

 

[Mishti]

Is it possible to apply for entry visa while your surrender certificate application is in progress by including application receipt alone ?

I just did that today. Walked in at BLS Surrey and they allowed me to apply both together