OCI process
- Thread starter blueshirt
- Start date
Firstly I am from CGI, Toronto jurisdiction.
I am a bit confused, in the earlier conversation, it is mentioned that for the OCI application from Toronto, I need to submit the original Canadian Passport and Canadian Citizenship Certificate. Now I have enquired from BLS Call Centre, they advised that the original needs to be submitted for verification purposes only to BLS staff at Brampton and will be returned immediately.
Based on actual experience of anybody at BLS, Brampton, please advise the correct position whether the originals are retained by the BLS staff or originals are being kept.
I am a bit confused, in the earlier conversation, it is mentioned that for the OCI application from Toronto, I need to submit the original Canadian Passport and Canadian Citizenship Certificate. Now I have enquired from BLS Call Centre, they advised that the original needs to be submitted for verification purposes only to BLS staff at Brampton and will be returned immediately.
Based on actual experience of anybody at BLS, Brampton, please advise the correct position whether the originals are retained by the BLS staff or originals are being kept.
I applied for Surrender Certificate at BLS, Brampton on 15 March 2022, and the application status is showing "Surrender certificate has been granted and is available for issuance" since 25 March 2022. Based on your personal experience, please advise how many days generally take for the issuance of SC. In the meanwhile, it is observed from the Passport Seva tracking site, that my Application was received on 26 March 2022, while I had personally submitted the application on BLS, Brampton on 15 March 2022.
For OCI in-person application at BLS Toronto/Brampton, which is the checklist to follow? I see multiple versions on BLS website
https://www.blsindia-canada.com/toronto-jurisdiction/pdf/Checklist-and-Information-Booklet-for-OCI-Jan2022.pdf
https://www.blsindia-canada.com/CanadaVisaCCT/Checklist_and_Information_Booklet_for_OCI.pdf
https://www.blsindia-canada.com/CanadaVisaCCT/Toronto-OCI-Checklist-Rev-8.0.pdf
If I submit the application package in-person, can I simply show original documents to BLS counter staff for verification, or do they collect the originals. I would like to avoid giving them originals (surrender certificate, canceled original Indian passport, Canadian citizenship certificate, Canadian passport).
https://www.blsindia-canada.com/toronto-jurisdiction/pdf/Checklist-and-Information-Booklet-for-OCI-Jan2022.pdf
https://www.blsindia-canada.com/CanadaVisaCCT/Checklist_and_Information_Booklet_for_OCI.pdf
https://www.blsindia-canada.com/CanadaVisaCCT/Toronto-OCI-Checklist-Rev-8.0.pdf
If I submit the application package in-person, can I simply show original documents to BLS counter staff for verification, or do they collect the originals. I would like to avoid giving them originals (surrender certificate, canceled original Indian passport, Canadian citizenship certificate, Canadian passport).
None of the BLS centers in Canada are keeping the originals. They sometimes don't even check them. At the most, they will see them and return on the spot.
Don't they need Canadian Passport Original for OCI stamping?(Counterfoil to stick on one of the pages? or they discountinues?)
Was that even a practice earlier?
Well definitely not anymore! OCI is a separate passport like booklet.
Yeah it seems it was discontinued long time back. Yes OCI was a Booklet but i thought they still put the Sticker (Counterfoil )in Canadian passport. Thank you, I got it, All Good.Was that even a practice earlier?
Well definitely not anymore! OCI is a separate passport like booklet.
Important announcement for OCI Card holders regarding 'U' Visa stickers
It has been decided by the Government of India to dispense with the requirement of producing foreign passport containing the 'U' Visa sticker in the case of OCI Cardholders while they enter/exit India. Accordingly it is not henceforth mandatory to carry the foreign passport containing the 'U' Visa sticker for entry in to or exit from India.
For OCI applications lodged from 1st September 2015 onwards, applicants will be receiving only OCI cards and NO U-visa stickers. Therefore, they are not required to submit their foreign passports for stamping. OCI cards in respect of such applicants will be sent to their postal address.
Note: It is needless to mention that all OCI cardholders should strictly adhere to the requirement of travelling on a current valid passport accompanied by their OCI Card.
Seems like now even the Vancouver Jurisdiction is surrender certificate first and apply for OCI after.
Datapoint: https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/surrender-and-oci-in-calgary-april-2022.764354/
Datapoint: https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/surrender-and-oci-in-calgary-april-2022.764354/
I complained about the inconsistancy many times, but got reply today Morning from Ottawa, asking to use something else to raise concerns, i did there past 2 months. i have level 3 greinace open for the inconsistancy at different BLS . It should be equal level of services at all branches. even in the email how did the 1. Missing.
Todays reply:
Dear Madam/Sir,
Thank you for reaching the High Commission of India in Ottawa.
2. For the benefit of users, the High Commission of India has created ‘Suvidha Portal’, a web portal for addressing queries, seeking appointments for consular services and submitting grievances to the High Commission. This is the quickest and the most convenient way of connecting with the High Commission.
3. We request you to submit your query/request/grievance on the Suvidha Portal at the following link : https://suvidha.hciottawa.gov.in/user/ .
4. Only issues/queries related to the consular jurisdiction of the High Commission of India in Ottawa may be submitted through the Suvidha Portal. The consular jurisdiction you reside in can be checked through the link:
https://www.hciottawa.gov.in/pages?id=4&subid=120.
5. We also request you to kindly pursue your queries through the Suvidha Portal and to avoid sending multiple emails as follow-up. Kindly do not reply at this email address.
Best regards
High Commission of India
Ottawa
Interesting. However, if we can get more confirmations instead of this isolated case.
I live couple of blocks from BLS and will try to drop in next week on my way home and ask them. Shall update.
I asked the same question in the morning, waiting for a response from someone who has any experience with this.