Hi All! Few questions:
My wife's OCI application was submitted Oct 13th, and still waiting ack. and we are flying on Dec 7th. It's a touch and go situation, so we are thinking of applying for entry visa as well to see if that comes on time. Few questions for all here:
1) Since appointments are not available, do you recommend postal applications. We will only be applying for a 6 month visa so don't require biometrics, so I am assuming postal is an option?
2) If we send through postal, we will have to send original Canadian passport. If in the meanwhile, our OCI comes in, can we cancel the visa application and request our passport back? If yes, what is the process for that?
3) If we get the visa, and also get the OCI completed before we travel, I am assuming we will travel on the OCI, and the visa will be redundant then? Or do we have to do some procedure to cancel the visa?
4) Given how unreliable BLS website is, can anyone who has had a succesful application share the documents required, or confirm that the BLS checklist is accurate.
Thanks
Toronto jurisdiction, right?
If OCI was walk-in on Oct 13 (or postal with processing at CGI from Oct 13), best case would to get OCI in hand on Nov 29. I like to see at least weeks of that estimate to travel to be on safe side.
1. Assume about 20 days for entry visa via postal -- could come faster but BLS Brampton is slow processing incoming mail. If you apply soon, looks okay with Dec 7 as travel date.
2. Possible -- not sure of the exact process. I think you have to notify 2 days in advance with proof of urgency (like tickets).
3. I wouldn't worry about it. Just use OCI for travel. But email ask the consulate at that point, if it bothers you.
4. Checklist has all that is really required.
But BLS being BLS, include the following as well:
(i) a copy of the cancelled Indian passport. If you include the passport ensure any particulars they can see on the Indian passport matches with corresponding ones in application (like parent's name or spouse's name if present).
(ii) For abundance of caution include a copy of citizenship card so that they can see the card number is same as what is written as citizenship id in the application. Neither of these two docs are really required, but BLS likes to taunt people with manufactured requirements.
if there is any name variance between Canadian passport and SC, include the name on SC as previous name and an affidavit.
Ensure present address is written in full with postal code and the former exactly matches what is in the proof of address. Permanent address is less critical but ensure its filled in and complete.
Don't forget to sign the application (two places).
One photo is enough if a digital copy is uploaded to the application site -- this true for both walk-in and postal. If no digital photo is uploaded, enclose two identical photos to be safe.