OCI process

[hardnut]

Corrected the typo. instead of 38.1 I earlier wrote it as 31.8.

thanks. Can you tell me if one can avoid all these courier charges by picking up all the documents when they arrive at BLS?

 

[s23srinivas]

thanks. Can you tell me if one can avoid all these courier charges by picking up all the documents when they arrive at BLS?

Yes. the courier charges are optional as per the consulate general's website.
https://www.cgitoronto.gov.in/page/oci-application/

If BLS is close for you to collect the documents then you can save on the courier fees.
38.1 splits into BLS service fee 6.55, courier fee 26.55, HST(on BLS + courier) 4.3 and debit card fee 0.7.
So as per this calculation about 29.9 can be saved by self pick up per application(passport surrender/OCI).

Cheers!

 

[Kaliswaran]

Today I applied for PP Cancellation and OCI in BLS, Toronto. I am not sure they are allowing walk-ins, I was allowed in only after showing appointment confirmation.

Both cancellation and OCI was done in the same window. Note that you might need 3 photographs.
In BLS office they were maintaining proper social distancing.

Total charges: $349.20

I was told i will get the Cancelled PP in 4 weeks
Landing papers in 4 Weeks, OCI in 6 weeks.

I am having one unrelated question. After we surrender our indian passport do we get them back indicating it is Canceled? Or they keep it with them?

 

[s23srinivas]

I am having one unrelated question. After we surrender our indian passport do we get them back indicating it is Canceled? Or they keep it with them?

We get it back after cancellation.

 

[hardnut]

Yes. the courier charges are optional as per the consulate general's website.
https://www.cgitoronto.gov.in/page/oci-application/

If BLS is close for you to collect the documents then you can save on the courier fees.
38.1 splits into BLS service fee 6.55, courier fee 26.55, HST(on BLS + courier) 4.3 and debit card fee 0.7.
So as per this calculation about 29.9 can be saved by self pick up per application(passport surrender/OCI).

Cheers!

thanks. But someone in this forum reported paying 3 delivery courier charges to BLS ; one for original doc return, one for passport return and the last for OCI delivery.
https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/oci-process.254662/post-8874914

 

[Chrisstina]

thanks. But someone in this forum reported paying 3 delivery courier charges to BLS ; one for original doc return, one for passport return and the last for OCI delivery.
https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/oci-process.254662/post-8874914

Yes I was advised by customer care that (1)original documents will be sent in (2) OCI (3) surrender passport. BLS charged per courier $30.7 total ($92.10). Since I can't visit BLS, hence I have paid extra $30.7 for pickup charges by Purolator. I have sent bank draft of $425 and $257.80. Purolator delivered my application today in the morning. My total expenses $804.60. Had I could have visited personally I would have saved $30.7 of pickup charges.

 

[Kaliswaran]

Yes. They are charing 30+ for prepaid courier. Canada post charging only 15+ for their priority prepaid envelope. Can we give prepaid canafa post instead of paying 30+ for their courier?

 

[hardnut]

Yes I was advised by customer care that (1)original documents will be sent in (2) OCI (3) surrender passport. BLS charged per courier $30.7 total ($92.10). Since I can't visit BLS, hence I have paid extra $30.7 for pickup charges by Purolator. I have sent bank draft of $425 and $257.80. Purolator delivered my application today in the morning. My total expenses $804.60. Had I could have visited personally I would have saved $30.7 of pickup charges.

If I opt to pick up my passport , documents and OCI at BLS, can I do it in one visit, when the OCI is ready ?
Is there a tracking mechanism with BLS for everything?

 

[s23srinivas]

If I opt to pick up my passport , documents and OCI at BLS, can I do it in one visit, when the OCI is ready ?
Is there a tracking mechanism with BLS for everything?

The passport surrender processing gets completed and the cancelled passport is returned first.
Normally the OCI processing and delivery happens in about 10days - 2 weeks later.
So not sure if BLS will guarantee to retain first tranche of documents till your OCI is received so that you can collect them both at once. Better to call them and get the clarification as most of the applicants use the courier service for their comfort.

 

[justrajdeep]

Does anyone know how long it takes for the tracking to become active

https://www.blsindia-canada.com/trackapp.php

 

[hardnut]

The passport surrender processing gets completed and the cancelled passport is returned first.
Normally the OCI processing and delivery happens in about 10days - 2 weeks later.
So not sure if BLS will guarantee to retain first tranche of documents till your OCI is received so that you can collect them both at once. Better to call them and get the clarification as most of the applicants use the courier service for their comfort.

OK. but I am confused about the charges . If you drop off yourself , you mentioned the charges in your previous post as
425 draft for OCI + 243 passport surrender + 38.1 x2 courier = 744.2

but Chrisstina paid 804.6 with pick up option which should be one courier extra, not two ( 744.2 + 38.1= 782.3)
And justrajdeep paid 425draft + 349.2 = 774.2 by dropping off the appl. himself

 

[s23srinivas]

Does anyone know how long it takes for the tracking to become active

https://www.blsindia-canada.com/trackapp.php

Once BLS starts "working" on the application i.e. once they feed in the receipt of your documents in their system.
For me it started on Saturday showing the documents in transit to the consulate and turned to Processing at Consulate General yesterday.

 

[s23srinivas]

OK. but I am confused about the charges . If you drop off yourself , you mentioned the charges in your previous post as
425 draft for OCI + 243 passport surrender + 38.1 x2 courier = 744.2

but Chrisstina paid 804.6 with pick up option which should be one courier extra, not two ( 744.2 + 38.1= 782.3)
And justrajdeep paid 425draft + 349.2 = 774.2 by dropping off the appl. himself

BLS is best to answer this.

May be the BLS service fees differ and hence HST calculated will differ if using a pick up vs dropped as they have to coordinate with one more entity (purolator)? Just speculating.

My tracking status shows Processing at Consulate General since yesterday. So will have to wait to hear further from them. Keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[hardnut]

BLS is best to answer this.

May be the BLS service fees differ and hence HST calculated will differ if using a pick up vs dropped as they have to coordinate with one more entity (purolator)? Just speculating.

My tracking status shows Processing at Consulate General since yesterday. So will have to wait to hear further from them. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Ok. that is fine , it is not a major issue.

By the way, Can you recommend a passport photo place in Brampton?
Several choices online but in your personal experience for good quality?

thanks

 

[KRP]

Ok. that is fine , it is not a major issue.

By the way, Can you recommend a passport photo place in Brampton?
Several choices online but in your personal experience for good quality?

thanks

Do not go to Costco for passport photos. The staff just don't care .
Try
PRO PASSPORT PHOTO 10990 Chinguacousy Rd, Brampton, ON L7A 0P1

Good reviews .