I emailed them during the working hours and got a reply within 2 hrs
This was in Feb 2022
OCI process
- Thread starter blueshirt
- Start date
This was in Feb 2022
yes i totally agree with you , visiting BLS anytime I start panicking. I had OCI for my son done in US with VFS and it was 5-10 mins process .smooth and simple.Providing first hand updates for those who are planning to visit BLS Brampton for OCI Services.
I visited there with an appointment of 9 AM. Reached there 5 mins before, had to cross a queue of 20-25 people to directly reach to security guard, who after checking my printout of appointment allowed me to get in and allocated me a coupon. In 5 mins, I was called at a counter. The lady at the counter immediately looking at my application mentioned - photo toh nahi chalega yeh waala (This photo will not work). I asked her why - she said shoulders are not visible plus you only got 1 copy of photo, to which I replied that I followed the checklist. She said - No, we need 2 identical photos with clearly visible shoulders. Now I am aware that my photo had no flaws and it was exactly the same as they had asked for, but lady was not willing to listen. She said - you need to take the photo from BLS photographer (an ordinary fellow) who will also click exactly the similar photo as you are already having, but this one will be accepted for sure (because now you have paid 30$). Same thing she told to my spouse that she also needs to get a photo from BLS photographer (another 30$ paid). Funniest part was, when she realized I also have a minor application who is not accompanying me, so there is no way she can ask me to get a BLS clicked photo, so she takes out another method - We need 2 more copies of your son's photo (I already submitted 2 copies). When I said, why you need 4 copies , she said for minor its neededAnyways, she herself suggested a solution - get a soft copy of this photo and email to BLS photographer and he will get 2 copies for you (another 30$ paid).
After all this drama, she found out a mistake in my spouse's application in the section - "Any previous names" which I had put as my spouse's maiden name (before marriage) and I had her old passport, marriage certificate and new passport (with both spouse names on each other's passports) but she said you will need a notarized affidavit for this or else edit this field and don't put the previous name at all. I argued - how is that possible ? She actually had a different name previously to which she replied : No, its not needed because in your Indian passport and Canadian passport her name is same). She said she can rectify this for me for a 60$ fees. Once everything was done, as per her wish, then she asked me to make payments for these services. Once I made the payment, I was suddenly treated as celebrity. All my applications were correct, all my photographs were perfect, all photocopies (some I didn't even submit) were fine and accepted. I collected my belongings and came out with a wish that this should be my last dealing with these people and this BLS institute.
- IF YOU ARE IN CANADA AND MISSING INDIA, PLEASE MAKE A VISIT TO BLS. PICK SOME RANDOM WORK LIKE PCC, PASSPORT RENEWAL ETC ETC AND GET THE FULL INDIAN EXPERIENCE AT BLS WITHOUT TRAVELLING TO INDIA.
- BLS MADE ME REALIZE THAT IT WAS A WISE DECISION TO APPLY FOR CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP
when we arrived Canada and I went for reissuance of OCI it took to me 1 year to plan my visit as I could not find consistent information across websites and then also I had to pay three visits in 2021 before they took my application. Thank god now there is no requirement to reissue OcI every time you renew passport.
i have said elsewhere as well if anytime government of india asks me what best they can do for indians based on Canada I would ask them just sack BLS
@eas2lv Please could you update the spreadsheet.
Sent OCI Application on October 13.
BLS Brampton received on October 16 and sent it to consulate on October 25.
Acknowledged on OCI portal: November 29
OCI Printed and sent to Toronto Consulate: December 22
BLS received and shipping: Dec 27.
Received OCI in hand: Dec 28
Took more than 2 months from sending to receiving.
Finally done with OCI!!!!
Thank you all for your help!!!
Sent OCI Application on October 13.
BLS Brampton received on October 16 and sent it to consulate on October 25.
Acknowledged on OCI portal: November 29
OCI Printed and sent to Toronto Consulate: December 22
BLS received and shipping: Dec 27.
Received OCI in hand: Dec 28
Took more than 2 months from sending to receiving.
Finally done with OCI!!!!
Thank you all for your help!!!
My application is still under process, I applied on Oct 27th to BLS Vancouver. Should I contact consulate or just wait?
Wait. My spouses OCI just got approved. Acknowledgement date was Oct 24th (Vancouver Consulate). Your should come in a week.
As 24th had got processed, my friend's 26th Oct is still in process. Will update you once it's processed so within a day or two after that you should also see progress. By the way what is your acknowledgement date?
BLS status as of today - (Counter Delivery to BLS Centre after OCI stamping)
@eas2lv Hello please update in your OCI tracker as I finally received OCI today Dec 29.
Postal application 2minors 1 adult
Postal sent on Oct 12 - Received at BLS Oct 19
Application date Oct 26 - Processing at Consulate (BLS website)
Acknowledgment date Nov 29 - Under Process (OCI webite)
Processed>Printing>Dispatched>Received at Toronto Dec 22 (OCI webiste)
Purolator delivered to home Dec 29
Thank you everyone
Postal application 2minors 1 adult
Postal sent on Oct 12 - Received at BLS Oct 19
Application date Oct 26 - Processing at Consulate (BLS website)
Acknowledgment date Nov 29 - Under Process (OCI webite)
Processed>Printing>Dispatched>Received at Toronto Dec 22 (OCI webiste)
Purolator delivered to home Dec 29
Thank you everyone
Hello,
Is there anyone who had submitted an OCI application at the consular camp? I am not sure if the processing time would be same as mailing or dropping off at BLS. Can someone share their timeline if they did submit an application at the consular camp at their residing city?
Thank you.
Is there anyone who had submitted an OCI application at the consular camp? I am not sure if the processing time would be same as mailing or dropping off at BLS. Can someone share their timeline if they did submit an application at the consular camp at their residing city?
Thank you.
