OCI process

[Hot2Cold]

Is there a way to apply for OCI and SC at the same appointment at BLS. I know it was not possible in the past so just checking if anything has changed. I’m in Toronto jurisdiction.
Not in the Toronto Jurisdiction


Also, do I need to provide or show original citizenship certificate for applying SC or just a photo copy is enough to submit the application ?. I see only a copy is sufficient but wondering if I need to show original.
A copy is sufficient, but carry the original for verification. When dealing with BLS, a general rule is to carry all the possible documents in original just in case they ask for them.

 

[prt22]

For folks trying to get appointments @ Surrey, BC - each day between 7 PM - 7.30 PM PST, the appointment calendar slots for the next business day gets opened for the entire day (typically 10-15 slots) across all services (OCI/Visa/Passport). Example, for Monday, the slots will open on Friday little after 7 PM. The trick is to be ready with all the details, keep multiple browsers ready since refreshing the time slot takes upto a minute and be QUICK to enter details and submit. These additional slots disappear like hot cakes - sometimes within 2-3 minutes. I have never seen them last beyond 7.20. So you will frequently come across a error message after Submit stating that the slot has been taken up - quickly refresh and select another available slot and submit. Very tough, but totally doable. I have seen likewise for next day appointments at Brampton too as already mentioned by others earlier. Best of luck.

You are doing god's work!

Is this only for Surrey or does Vancouver slots open up too? TIA

And also just to confirm, this is the website to book appointment right: https://www.blsindia-canada.com/appointmentbls/appointment.php

 

[zagcollins]

Some progress finally on my OCI, here is my timeline so far:
Walk-in at BLS Toronto: 11 Feb 2022
Acknowledgment from MEA: 28 Feb 2022
Processed: 25 Mar 2022
DIspatched from MEA: NA
Received at Toronto: NA

it's pretty consistent though.

You submitted your application on Feb 11, I did on Feb 12.
MEA acknowledgment on same day which is Feb 28
OCI processed on Mar 25, which is again the same.

 

[pranjal1989]

My surrender certificate application status changed to "Surrender certificate has been granted and is available for issuance" today. Can i start filling OCI application online so that I will be ready to submit it as soon as I get the physical copy of surrender certificate? Or do i have to only start application after my surrender certificate is issued.

When did you apply for you surrender certificate?

 

[vvarma]

You are doing god's work!

Is this only for Surrey or does Vancouver slots open up too? TIA

And also just to confirm, this is the website to book appointment right: https://www.blsindia-canada.com/appointmentbls/appointment.php

Only for Surrey.
The web link is correct.
All the best!

 

[dineshrehab]

Anybody have experience walk-in at BLS toronto or brampton?
Went to scarborough BLS, they allowed walk in but people were standing from 7am till 12.30pm. The security sent us away saying office closes at 2 ( this was 12.30 pm)

 

[canvisa13]

OCI BLS Toronto walk-in : Feb-7
Ack : Feb-24
Printed: Mar-18
Purolator OCI delivery: Mar-25

 

[watson info]

OCI Toronto walk-in : Feb-7
Got OCI today by Purolator.

Very nice of you sharing info
Can you please share time line in-between please

 

[Mexontario]

I understand these questions regarding Surrender certificate may have been asked multiple times. I'm planning to submit SC documents via postal service to BLS Brampton.

1. Regarding photo, there is a space to affix 2x2 photo in the surrender application submission form. Do we have to affix or leave it in the packet. Checklist doesnt specity anything.
2. Also, checklist doesnt request proof of address. Will they request for proof of address later or is it not required at all?
3. CGI Website says Copy of landing paper is required, However the checklist doesnt ask for such document.
4. Does anyone know the cost of postal pickup and drop off service? Can we submit 2 applications together in the same courier?

Thank you in advance.

 

[vvarma]

Hello friends. I have couple of booked appointments for Vancouver BLS scheduled for 6th & 7th April (both before 9 am). I won't be needing them and would be cancelling them. Please DM me if anyone wants to try picking up one of the appointments the moment I cancel it. This exercise will be experimental ofcourse, and assuming that BLS actually operates strictly on fixed quantity of appointment slots per day and not programmatically deleting empty slots.

This is for OCI only. Do not DM me for Surrender please! For SC please go walkin to Vancouver - you will be in and out within 45 mins if you go little before 8. Thanks.

 

[Swathi1990]

My OCI has the following timeline:
Date of ackn: 25 FEB 2022
Processed/Dispatched from MEA/Received in Toronto: 24 MAR 2022
Yours will likely change by early next week.

Hey thanks for the reply. Will update my thread with the progress

 

[Swathi1990]

My OCI has the following timeline:
Date of ackn: 25 FEB 2022
Processed/Dispatched from MEA/Received in Toronto: 24 MAR 2022
Yours will likely change by early next week.

Did I miss anything about MEA website. I have been checking on BLS n OCI. Is there any other website I need to check

 

[Kakashi03]

Hey guys,

I've got my citizenship oath scheduled for April 7th and trying to plan my next steps for getting the Surrender Certificate and OCI. I also need to travel to India end of May for my mother’s surgery. Considering the current delays, planning to apply for 6 months entry visa as well. I will be applying at Brampton BLS Office.

As far as I understand, this is the process to be followed:

• Receive citizenship certificate and apply for Canadian Passport
• Meanwhile, prepare for documents required for Surrender and OCI
• Once Passport is received, schedule appointment at BLS for Surrender Certificate (prefer in-person submission)
• Also schedule another appointment for OCI submission
• Submit Surrender Certificate application and get ARN at 1st appointment
• Submit OCI application at 2nd appointment using SC ARN
• Wait for 4-6 weeks for both documents.

Questions:
1. Am I right in the above understanding? Is there anywhere I could expedite the process by informing about my mom’s surgery?
2. Can I apply for Entry Visa while I submit for SC? As I know this is going to take awhile and I don’t think I can delay my trip to India waiting for OCI
3. What’s the timeline for entry visa?

Thanks in advance for your help guys!

 

[dineshrehab]

Hey guys,

I've got my citizenship oath scheduled for April 7th and trying to plan my next steps for getting the Surrender Certificate and OCI. I also need to travel to India end of May for my mother’s surgery. Considering the current delays, planning to apply for 6 months entry visa as well. I will be applying at Brampton BLS Office.

As far as I understand, this is the process to be followed:

• Receive citizenship certificate and apply for Canadian Passport
• Meanwhile, prepare for documents required for Surrender and OCI
• Once Passport is received, schedule appointment at BLS for Surrender Certificate (prefer in-person submission)
• Also schedule another appointment for OCI submission
• Submit Surrender Certificate application and get ARN at 1st appointment
• Submit OCI application at 2nd appointment using SC ARN
• Wait for 4-6 weeks for both documents.

Questions:
1. Am I right in the above understanding? Is there anywhere I could expedite the process by informing about my mom’s surgery?
2. Can I apply for Entry Visa while I submit for SC? As I know this is going to take awhile and I don’t think I can delay my trip to India waiting for OCI
3. What’s the timeline for entry visa?

Thanks in advance for your help guys!

Apply for entry and SC together. Dont bother with OCI right now( by the time u have SC in your hand you will be India).
Entry visa the timeline is 7 to 10 working days.

 

[vvarma]

Hey guys,

I've got my citizenship oath scheduled for April 7th and trying to plan my next steps for getting the Surrender Certificate and OCI. I also need to travel to India end of May for my mother’s surgery. Considering the current delays, planning to apply for 6 months entry visa as well. I will be applying at Brampton BLS Office.

As far as I understand, this is the process to be followed:

• Receive citizenship certificate and apply for Canadian Passport
• Meanwhile, prepare for documents required for Surrender and OCI
• Once Passport is received, schedule appointment at BLS for Surrender Certificate (prefer in-person submission)
• Also schedule another appointment for OCI submission
• Submit Surrender Certificate application and get ARN at 1st appointment
• Submit OCI application at 2nd appointment using SC ARN
• Wait for 4-6 weeks for both documents.

Questions:
1. Am I right in the above understanding? Is there anywhere I could expedite the process by informing about my mom’s surgery?
2. Can I apply for Entry Visa while I submit for SC? As I know this is going to take awhile and I don’t think I can delay my trip to India waiting for OCI
3. What’s the timeline for entry visa?

Thanks in advance for your help guys!

One point - I don't think Toronto Jurisdiction allows OCI submissions before your SC process is complete and in hand. You will need to attach SC with your OCI app. Other members from East coast can chime in.