OCI process

[nerd]

So I finally submitted the OCI application by postal to BLS Brampton.
Status check on BLS website shows "Processing at Consulate General".
Now trying to check progress at ociservices.gov.in
It is asking for a "File reference number".
Anyone has any idea where I can find that?

thanks!
nerd.

 

[canadalove85]

For OCI in person submission is about 5-6 weeks now at BLS Brampton. Please check signature for a detailed timeline.

Thanks. Do we need to submit originals for minor. Their website says submit original and a copy.

 

[canadalove85]

Hello Everyone,

I recently applied for OCI of my infant daughter from Halifax via Postal application (Toronto Jurisdiction)

Below is my timeline:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
28 March : Application Sent via Purolator
06 April : Application shows as "Processing at Consulate General"
.
.
.
.
=> No change in status as of 09 May
=> I still haven't received my originals back.
=> OCI-Services Status enquiry says "No Record Found"

I called BLS last week, they said it takes 4-5 weeks for OCI process to complete. (How I wish)
Does anyone else have a similar experience / timeline ?

Hey whats the status on ur application? Did u get the originals back yet?

 

[tamilvanan3]

So I finally submitted the OCI application by postal to BLS Brampton.
Status check on BLS website shows "Processing at Consulate General".
Now trying to check progress at ociservices.gov.in
It is asking for a "File reference number".
Anyone has any idea where I can find that?

thanks!
nerd.

Hi
while checking the status in BLS you can the file reference number which starts with CANV
That's also your Application number

 

[TiredOfPaperwork]

Hey whats the status on ur application? Did u get the originals back yet?

Yes, got the originals after my application started showing on the oci status enquiry site.
it seems that all these days, my application was just sitting at BLS.
After almost 3 months we finally got OCI for our daughter.

 

[sundeep_s_]

So, what is the date of acknowledgement that's currently being processed? a few days ago it was June 15! I hope it's reached at least June 20 by now!

 

[Invincible84]

Just applied for india entry visa today at BLS brampton in morning. Now showing

Application Status

Under Process In Transit from BLS Centre to Consulat General

today status

Application Status

Processing at Consulate General

 

[Craxyrider]

Thanks. Do we need to submit originals for minor. Their website says submit original and a copy.

As far as I know if it is an in-person submission at BLS Brampton they will not take originals they will be viewed and returned

 

[Craxyrider]

- Not necessarily offer letter but any letter that confirms your name and employer issued on a letter head would be sufficient
I asked BLS about it, they said if you work for govt sector then it's needed, if you work privately, then it's optional. I find it weird since they don't mention it on checklist Ottawa, unclear.....

-For the copies, you mentioned self signed not required? That's what you mean? Cause they said copies must be self signed(over the phone), again here checklist is unclear cause it doesn't say anything on self signed for fresh OCI's
https://www.blsindia-canada.com/ottawa-jurisdiction/pdf/Checklist_Information_Booklet_for_OCI_2jun22NN.pdf

-Processing times are looking good and thankfully the call centers are also easily reachable, so kudos to that.

This is the exact problem. The rules are different across different BLS locations on the websites they inform us one thing and on the phone they say one thing when you actually show up at BLS location near you they tell you another thing.

For e.g. I did not have my current ID proof as I moved. For that the person on the phone mentioned I needed Hydro Bill copy at-least of the current address. When I went to BLS Brampton they did not even care to verify all they took was my DL Copy and they did not need the Bill

I was in the same boat as you are but I have read through this Forum Topic extensively since September 2021 (Oath date was scheduled at that time) and was able to make very informed decisions without asking too many queries here and BLS customer care.

It only made sense to do in person submission and pick up for me

Whatever they told on phone only makes sense on what you mention in the application. As OCI will have your profession printed in the booklet that is what you have mentioned in your application so if you mentioned govt. service then it will be printed on it. I just mentioned as Professional in the drop down in the application that is printed on my OCI booklet

I never had to sign anywhere except for the application itself.

I'd suggest you use due diligence and make sure to submit in person as that is the best way to get all your answers at the BLS location closest to you and also can make an in-person submission without further delays.

Also, If you plan to go in-person you should definitely carry all your docs along with a laptop in case they spot any mistake in your application.

Good Luck

 

[plzhelpme]

This is the exact problem. The rules are different across different BLS locations on the websites they inform us one thing and on the phone they say one thing when you actually show up at BLS location near you they tell you another thing.

For e.g. I did not have my current ID proof as I moved. For that the person on the phone mentioned I needed Hydro Bill copy at-least of the current address. When I went to BLS Brampton they did not even care to verify all they took was my DL Copy and they did not need the Bill

I was in the same boat as you are but I have read through this Forum Topic extensively since September 2021 (Oath date was scheduled at that time) and was able to make very informed decisions without asking too many queries here and BLS customer care.

It only made sense to do in person submission and pick up for me

Whatever they told on phone only makes sense on what you mention in the application. As OCI will have your profession printed in the booklet that is what you have mentioned in your application so if you mentioned govt. service then it will be printed on it. I just mentioned as Professional in the drop down in the application that is printed on my OCI booklet

I never had to sign anywhere except for the application itself.

I'd suggest you use due diligence and make sure to submit in person as that is the best way to get all your answers at the BLS location closest to you and also can make an in-person submission without further delays.

Also, If you plan to go in-person you should definitely carry all your docs along with a laptop in case they spot any mistake in your application.

Good Luck

For your hydro bill, if I understood correctly, they just need one address proof, I saw in checklist, you can provide, internet or hydro or DL, any one will work so probably then your DL worked. Dunno if your DL had your current address, if not maybe then they just did it like...yea whateva

Damn, you're right. I spoke with an agent again, it keeps changing. For the in-person, I am trying to book an appointment but all booked out. So I actually ended up going with Purolator pick&drop off for surrender, waiting for surrender to complete.
That's OK for the profession, I will just get the employment letter from my employer, it doesn't hurt

Can you verify with me that during surrender and OCI, along with copies what original documents we need to send? Like just Indian passport?
AND
copies did you self sign for OCI process?
AND
For the part B of the form, where they ask " do you have relatives living in India" , we put yes? and then do we mention our parents and siblings normally if applicant is unmarried as a part of the answer?

 

[m3us]

Submitted surrender certificate application on july 2nd and got it on july 13th. Thanks for all the help.

 

[Gks87]

Hi all,

I am planning to try walk-in for surrendering my Indian passport. Both Toronto and Brampton locations work for me. Does anyone have any recent experience with walk-ins? If it takes a long time to get in, I will try to book an appointment. Appreciate your inputs!

 

[koolbuddy]

So, what is the date of acknowledgement that's currently being processed? a few days ago it was June 15! I hope it's reached at least June 20 by now!

you must be talking about the toronto region right?

 

[sundeep_s_]

you must be talking about the toronto region right?

yes

 

[Invincible84]

today status

Application Status

Processing at Consulate General

i Applied on 12 July at brampton

Application Status

In Transit from Consulate General to BLS Centre