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India Travel immediately after Oath

1

1god4all

Newbie
Oct 9, 2014
1
0
I booked my tickets to go to India on Aug 17, 2014 with Indian Passport/Citizenship for travel on October 24, 2014.
On September 18, 2014 received letter for Canadian Oath on Oct 06, 2014. Taking general advise I decided to take Canadian Citizenship.

I could not apply for Canadian Passport before Oct 9, 2014( min 2 working days gap required). I don't have the time to get Indian Visa before Oct 24.

Can I get Indian Visa before surrendering my Indian Passport? If yes what is the minimum time possible?

Can i travel to India one last time on my Indian Passport? I am willing to pay any penalty if required.

BLS International site says following
"Penalty for Retention of Passport for more than 3 years of acquiring Foreign Citizenship should not be charged to the applicant if the applicant travels within 3 months of acquisition of foreign citizenship as they are given a grace period of 3 months.

How can I get Indian visa without surrender of Indian passport. Does that mean I can travel on Indian passport in first 3 months of acquiring foreign citizenship.

Please Advise
 
D

Donvalley

Hero Member
Oct 14, 2013
459
32
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Your Oath is on Oct 06, 2014 and travel on 24th Oct 2014

In brief:
1) You have enough time to get a Canadian passport & visa on urgent/express service.

a) You can get Canadian passport either in one day (as per some new citizens, no waiting required) or three days max (2 days waiting + 24 hrs service).
b) Contact CGI directly to get same day service for visa. You need surrender certificate for OCI / PIO etc. Explain your situation at CGI and they will issue visa and surrender certificate will be in process and complete the steps once you are back.

As you have Indian Visa on your Canadian PP to enter India you are good, no issues this way.

2) Before acquiring a Canadian passport, you will be able to travel to India but returning without PR will be an issue. Citizenship certificate is not a valid travel document.

3) If you travel to India on more than one PP valid, you will be in big trouble. i.e don't use your Indian PP while holding a foreign PP.

The same issue is discussed here in detail on this thread:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/need-to-travel-to-india-immediately-after-citizenship-oath-t245000.30.html
 
J

JJS

Hero Member
Jan 29, 2011
363
95
A friend is in a similar situation. What did you end up doing? Travelling with both passports? Was it permitted?
 
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