OCI process

[raghubedi2004]

Hi guys,

I am awaiting my Canadian Passport in few days.
Wanted to check if I can apply for surrender certificate and OCI simultaneously or not? If yes, what are the steps/procedure to do that?
On BLS site, i only can see option to surrender certificate. So its little confusing.

If someone has latest experience, please share with me.

Regards,
Raghu

 

[akbardxb]

Hi guys,

I am awaiting my Canadian Passport in few days.
Wanted to check if I can apply for surrender certificate and OCI simultaneously or not? If yes, what are the steps/procedure to do that?
On BLS site, i only can see option to surrender certificate. So its little confusing.

If someone has latest experience, please share with me.

Regards,
Raghu

If you scroll back a few pages, a number of people have reported that you cannot surrender and apply for OCI simultaneously. I'll apply for a visa for now and then do an OCI before my next trip if at all.

 

[softwaretesting]

I posted here about a $15 appointment which the guy on the phone offered me. I declined to take it. Yesterday their calendar was open so got an appointment for June 4. I'm a Doubting Thomas, so I am skeptical about the ease with which I got an appointment. I am sure there is a fine print somewhere

I go to CGI Facebook page every few days & complain about BLS. Last week I had complained about $15 appointment charges

 

[K310]

If you scroll back a few pages, a number of people have reported that you cannot surrender and apply for OCI simultaneously. I'll apply for a visa for now and then do an OCI before my next trip if at all.

You can apply for surrender certificate without Canadian passport. So apply for it and wait as Canadian passport and SC can be in parallel. Once both are there then go for OCI

 

[canadamaple]

Did you do a walk-in application? I was told by the BLS Ottawa staff that they definitely give back the originals between 2-4 business days.

Nope. I mailed my application. I will call them to find out. They seem to be such scammers

 

[deadbird]

Nope. I mailed my application. I will call them to find out. They seem to be such scammers

I submitted my originals last week in a walk-in application. They told me that I'll definitely get it back in 2-4 days. I haven't gotten it back yet. Maybe I'll start panicking soon as I need to travel this weekend.

 

[canadamaple]

I submitted my originals last week in a walk-in application. They told me that I'll definitely get it back in 2-4 days. I haven't gotten it back yet. Maybe I'll start panicking soon as I need to travel this weekend.

So are they now allowing walk-ins? Did you get an appointment?

 

[canadamaple]

I submitted my originals last week in a walk-in application. They told me that I'll definitely get it back in 2-4 days. I haven't gotten it back yet. Maybe I'll start panicking soon as I need to travel this weekend.

I just spoke to a BLS agent on the phone and he says that it will take an additional 10 - 15 days for me to get back my original documents. Such a useless bunch, eh?

 

[deadbird]

I just spoke to a BLS agent on the phone and he says that it will take an additional 10 - 15 days for me to get back my original documents. Such a useless bunch, eh?

Did they said what the hold up is? You can try your luck walking in, afaict, it's allowed.

 

[canadamaple]

Did they said what the hold up is? You can try your luck walking in, afaict, it's allowed.

I may try walking in this week. Lets see if they entertain any questions. They keep saying waiting for verification. Not sure how long this takes. I think they want us to spend even more money on their useless courier service

 

[Hot2Cold]

I posted here about a $15 appointment which the guy on the phone offered me. I declined to take it. Yesterday their calendar was open so got an appointment for June 4. I'm a Doubting Thomas, so I am skeptical about the ease with which I got an appointment. I am sure there is a fine print somewhere

If you booked it online, then there is nothing to worry about. They have opened up new slots till the end of August. The $15 cost was just another way to fleece us of our hard earned money.

 

[Hot2Cold]

So are they now allowing walk-ins? Did you get an appointment?

Brampton opened up till the end of August. Not sure about other BLS offices, though.

 

[vvarma]

I posted here about a $15 appointment which the guy on the phone offered me. I declined to take it. Yesterday their calendar was open so got an appointment for June 4. I'm a Doubting Thomas, so I am skeptical about the ease with which I got an appointment. I am sure there is a fine print somewhere

Interesting that they sell appointments over the phone. Wow!
You got an appointment so you should be good now. I wouldn't be skeptical at all. Just make sure you take a printout with you. Calendars have opened up with many empty slots for Vancouver/Surrey too since past couple of weeks.

 

[Risabh_Canada]

Hey Rishab

Did they keep the original Canadian passport?

No

 

[priyan687]

Hello everybody. My application status says 'Processing at High Commission'. Does anybody have an idea if I would get back my original documents at this stage? Can other Ottawa or postal applicants please shed some light? Thank you.

Toronto Postal Application Submitted on 12 April and got my original back on 12 May