OCI process

[sharadsinha]

Yes but AFAIK, you cannot enter India on a tourist visa now. I don't see the point in getting a visa that you cannot use?







The entry visa is also like a tourist visa AFAIK. Please call BLS and clarify it with them and see if you can travel to India on an entry visa. If yes, ask them if you can submit your surrender and your entry visa applications together. Also, call a few airlines and check with them if they'll allow entry visa holders to board the plane. The last thing you want is to go to the airport and then discover that you're not eligible to travel.

You do not have to wait until your surrender process is done. Also, surrender process takes 3 - 5 weeks, not 2 weeks. The processing time has now been updated to 8 weeks for surrender for Toronto jurisdiction. I submitted my application on 31st August and received my surrender certificate in the mail today.

Trying to confirm the same from BLS and CGI Toronto. Thanks

 

[Abhishek901]

Yup, this is unnecessarily complex. Apparently, they want to ensure that the document is "authenticated" by the Ministry of services in Ontario to ensure that the marriage certificate is "valid" AND CGI Toronto will "validate" that the marriage certificate is "validated by the Ministry of services". LOL.

I read the previous 15 pages before making that post and I didn't see anyone talking about this. I was hoping this was some outdated gibberish not applicable to us.

Am I the only married person here and is everyone else still enjoying their bachelorhood?

Do you know the process of validating these? I mean where do I begin? Filling those OCI forms and standing in line at BLS at 7 am is enough torture.

Edit - Is this the right place to begin the authenticating process - https://www.ontario.ca/page/authenticate-document-use-outside-canada

 

[sharadsinha]

Trying to confirm the same from BLS and CGI Toronto. Thanks

Just talked to BLS International. they said that a tourist visa is not allowed but ENTRY VISA ( meant for Indian origin people) is allowed. So in my case where we have just received the Canadian passport and do not have a surrender certificate, The surrender things have to be done along with the VISA application.

 

[ajit90]

Just talked to BLS International. they said that a tourist visa is not allowed but ENTRY VISA ( meant for Indian origin people) is allowed. So in my case where we have just received the Canadian passport and do not have a surrender certificate, The surrender things have to be done along with the VISA application.

I have a similar situation . I think that would mean we can apply for surrender and entry visa together . Someone posted that they are issuing entry visa for 3-6 months only . Not sure how accurate this info is . I tried calling bls but unable to get through to validate this

 

[rajkamalmohanram]

Just talked to BLS International. they said that a tourist visa is not allowed but ENTRY VISA ( meant for Indian origin people) is allowed. So in my case where we have just received the Canadian passport and do not have a surrender certificate, The surrender things have to be done along with the VISA application.

Okay, so that's good. Apply for surrender and the entry visa together. Should be good.

 

[Thomz8998]

Timeline for my baby's OCI:

Application Submitted - 25-Aug-2021 (Walk-in at BLS Toronto)
Original Doc Returned - 09-Sep-2021 (Birth Certificate)
Original Doc Received - 10-Sep-2021
OCI Document Printed - 29-Sep-2021
OCI Doc Sent - 01-OCT-2021
OCI Doc Received - 04-OCT-2021

Total Duration - 40 Days(Appx. 6 weeks)

 

[lifein360]

India now allows entry of OCI Nationals. Its just that we should be traveling direct or transiting from a country that is in India's air transport bubble.

Take a look at this site =>

https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/en/about-air-transport-bubbles

However, looks like they don't update this website much so tread with caution.

Also, you can check the airlines website. Most airlines now show popups when you click on "Manage Booking" option (or equivalent) or a link to check the requirements on your ticket page.

Also, always check "Sherpa" travel site to see travel requirements.

For example, this is what is says for entry into India.

Woah, had no idea about these

I read the previous 15 pages before making that post and I didn't see anyone talking about this. I was hoping this was some outdated gibberish not applicable to us.

Am I the only married person here and is everyone else still enjoying their bachelorhood?

Do you know the process of validating these? I mean where do I begin? Filling those OCI forms and standing in line at BLS at 7 am is enough torture.

Edit - Is this the right place to begin the authenticating process - https://www.ontario.ca/page/authenticate-document-use-outside-canada

Got married in India lol. So I’m okay

 

[srihaas030]

I have applied both OCI and Surrender Certificate on September 3rd.
Received COPR on September 22nd.
Received Surrender Certificate and Indian Passport - October 4th
Walkin - Toronto Office

 

[maddy_m]

I read the previous 15 pages before making that post and I didn't see anyone talking about this. I was hoping this was some outdated gibberish not applicable to us.

Am I the only married person here and is everyone else still enjoying their bachelorhood?

Do you know the process of validating these? I mean where do I begin? Filling those OCI forms and standing in line at BLS at 7 am is enough torture.

Edit - Is this the right place to begin the authenticating process - https://www.ontario.ca/page/authenticate-document-use-outside-canada

Are you looking for the process to authenticate the civil document issued in Canada ? I have experienced authentication of civil documents issued in Canada as well as other country.

 

[DOD]

I got a question regarding travel to India. I've been trying to get a hold of BLS Toronto customer service since morning and have been unsuccessful. Hoping to gain some insights for your experiences here.

I have to travel by Dec 25, 2021.

Had my oath ceremony on Sep 27 and am still awaiting oath certificate by mail. Once it arrives, application and receipt of Canadian passport will take around 2 weeks.

I then have to surrender my Indian passport and apply for OCI, the processing time is around 8-9 weeks as posted on BLS website.

At this rate I may not get my OCI in time to fly by Dec 25.

• Does anyone know whether I can travel to India with my Indian passport (grace period of 3 months since the date of new citizenship as posted on BLS website) and then return with my Canadian passport?
• If not, could I apply for India tourist/entry visa with Canadian passport, but haven't surrendered my Indian passport?

Thanks for reading through, and am hoping someone has an answer.

 

[jaydipdave]

Hello Guys,

I got my application back due to Photo not having a white background, I called the call centre they said send the same application back with new 105$ for Purolator, I said I used only 1 send and 1 return, They are saying mail some CCbls international and we will try to return your money.


BLS INTERNATIONAL IS A SCAM, PLEASE BE CAREFULL.. THEY are returning application due to PHOTO AND ASKING ME TO SEND THE SAME APPLICATION BACK with SAME PHOTO and PAY 105 $ for NEW PACKAGE.

BLS INTERNATIONAL IS A SCAM
BLS INTERNATIONAL IS A SCAM
BLS INTERNATIONAL IS A SCAM
BLS INTERNATIONAL IS A SCAM

PLS BE CAREFUL THEY ARE PITCHING "PEOPLE WILL LOOSE YOUR DOCUMENTS IF YOU USE ANY OTHER SERVICE OTHER THAN PUROLATOR". I HOPE THIS WILL HELP SOMEONE

SO THEY ARE RETURNING 50 percent of APPLICATIONS , ie 250 application Daily If we calculate the commission it's 5 dollars each application 5*250 = 1250$ * 20(Monthly) = 25000$.

PLEASE BOOK PUROLATOR YOURSELF to L6X 4X7 it's cheaper by 10$ so 30 $ for 3 packages.

You are absolutely correct. They intentionally return application for foolish reasons. When they return the application they add this "offer" & "threat" as a note:

Note: - Kindly provide the requested documents in original by post. Moreover, we can not hold the application for not more than 21 days, submit the documents within the time slot otherwise the application will be sent back to the applicant. Kindly reach out to the customer care representative for more information or to arrange a PICK-UP for the requested documents. Moreover, applicants can also opt for a (SELF-HELP)-online pick-up or drop-off courier service by just visiting the BLS website.

 

[mohan99]

Applying for my OCI from Montreal and had a couple questions

1: Am i expected to make a Demand Draft payment only @montreal BLS Center or will they accept Debit card aswell
2: While applying for OCI, since I previously had Indian Passport, do i need to just submit

A: Canada Passport
B: Indian Passport
C: Photo
D: Complete Registration print Part A and Part B


3: Are we expected to take Appointments or we can walkin
4: Are Enrty Visa forms any different? Any Link that i can use to find out more info.

 

[priteshhi]

Hey Guys, Anyone know the timeline for BLS Calgary (Juridiction=Vancover).

 

[rajkamalmohanram]

I got a question regarding travel to India. I've been trying to get a hold of BLS Toronto customer service since morning and have been unsuccessful. Hoping to gain some insights for your experiences here.

I have to travel by Dec 25, 2021.

Had my oath ceremony on Sep 27 and am still awaiting oath certificate by mail. Once it arrives, application and receipt of Canadian passport will take around 2 weeks.

I then have to surrender my Indian passport and apply for OCI, the processing time is around 8-9 weeks as posted on BLS website.

At this rate I may not get my OCI in time to fly by Dec 25.

• Does anyone know whether I can travel to India with my Indian passport (grace period of 3 months since the date of new citizenship as posted on BLS website) and then return with my Canadian passport?
• If not, could I apply for India tourist/entry visa with Canadian passport, but haven't surrendered my Indian passport?

Thanks for reading through, and am hoping someone has an answer.

1. Not sure if that's a good idea. When coming back, if the immigration officer looks for an entry stamp and doesn't find one AND s/he doesn't find a valid visa in your Canadian passport or your OCI booklet, then that might become an issue.

2. You cannot get your visa or OCI without surrendering your Indian citizenship. Even if you are applying for an entry visa, you must submit your surrender application along with it.

 

[DOD]

Finally got through BLS call centre, agent advised if I travel with Indian passport, I will have to pay a penalty/fine later when I surrender passport.

Agent also said passport surrender process and visa/OCI application is independent. I have to do both, but OCI will be processed in 5-7 weeks and won’t be delayed awaiting passport surrender process.

1. Not sure if that's a good idea. When coming back, if the immigration officer looks for an entry stamp and doesn't find one AND s/he doesn't find a valid visa in your Canadian passport or your OCI booklet, then that might become an issue.

2. You cannot get your visa or OCI without surrendering your Indian citizenship. Even if you are applying for an entry visa, you must submit your surrender application along with it.