OCI process

[nskatcv]

I just want to share something. I already applied for for my Daughters OCI. BLS acknowledgment date is 25th March and CGI acknowledgment date is 20th April. as I we have already booked our flight tickets for June 1st and I don't want any sleepless night due to OCI delay, We applied for entry VISA on Saturday (Walk in). Passport with VISA delivered by Purolator today May 5th. it took 5 days only. if anyone booked tickets and waiting for OCI please go ahead apply for entry VISA. (Up to you, a friendly suggestion). because it costs only $150 (including drop off) and compared to cancellation/changing dates of tickets it is cheap. Summer fairs are really high.

Good suggestion. What is your visa duration if I may ask? Because that is critical for those who are planning for a longer stint in India and intend to apply for OCI over there.

 

[nskatcv]

Anybody ran into similar issue before? During my submission at BLS Surrey for surrender certificate, I tried using my debit card but the transaction declined but the money was deducted from my account, however, the lady at counter said it didnt went through so I had to pay by cash. However, i just noticed that the receipt says payment by Debit , how do I prove that the payment was made in cash?

So you mean you paid by Cash, and then also incurred a debit transaction from your account?

This would be the biggest heist by BLS if true.

 

[Tihompra01]

I submitted my New OCI adult application today 5 May 2022 at bls Brampton- walk in application.

They didn’t asked any self attest copies.
I filled the form online and upload the picture and signature online so it came printed on the form. I just submit one photo same as upload one in person.

They only kept one original that is surrender certificate and nothing else. All passports indian Canadian all returned. Neither original citizenship certificate kept.

DD 345 CAD submitted and rest BLS fees and return by fedex post fee by debit card

overall smoothly done within 10 min out of the center with receipts

 

[Bains87]

So you mean you paid by Cash, and then also incurred a debit transaction from your account?

This would be the biggest heist by BLS if true.

Yes they said it didn't went through and then she asked me to get cash from bank, so I paid in cash. :|

 

[delray55]

I submitted my New OCI adult application today 5 May 2022 at bls Brampton- walk in application.

They didn’t asked any self attest copies.
I filled the form online and upload the picture and signature online so it came printed on the form. I just submit one photo same as upload one in person.

They only kept one original that is surrender certificate and nothing else. All passports indian Canadian all returned. Neither original citizenship certificate kept.

DD 345 CAD submitted and rest BLS fees and return by fedex post fee by debit card

overall smoothly done within 10 min out of the center with receipts

How was the crowd? when you did you reach the place?
When will they return surrender certificate to you ? with the OCI card?

 

[spssg]

How long does it takes to receive surrender certificate once the status shows Surrender certificate has been printed on Passpoer Seva website ?

It takes around 4-5 days. My status SC has been printed was shown on 22 April and status Ready for collection on 29 April.

 

[spssg]

How was the crowd? when you did you reach the place?
When will they return surrender certificate to you ? with the OCI card?

For me, they did not ask for an original surrender certificate. I had given them an only copy of SC.

 

[nskatcv]

Yes they said it didn't went through and then she asked me to get cash from bank, so I paid in cash. :|

So at the end, you ended up paying the fee by cash AND also through debit transaction? That means twice the payment.

What are you planning to do about it? For Surrender it's upwards of $130, not a small amount.

 

[Bains87]

So at the end, you ended up paying the fee by cash AND also through debit transaction? That means twice the payment.

What are you planning to do about it? For Surrender it's upwards of $130, not a small amount.

Yes, I applied for a family of 3 so its $505, I called my bank and they suggested to dispute it but my money will be blocked for 30 days which is kind of annoying. Also, the thing is that the receipt shows debit payment so I am not sure what is going to happen at the end.

 

[delray55]

Yes they said it didn't went through and then she asked me to get cash from bank, so I paid in cash. :|

Call your bank and ask them to cancel/reverse the transaction.
If they cannot get a proof of payment and demand refund from BLS
If BLS says you paid through debit ask them for a duplicate copy of the charge slip that would have as a merchant

 

[vivek.89]

OCI Application Timeline-Sent by Post to Brampton:
Delivered to BLS: April 11
BLS Status-Processing at Consulate: Apr 15
OCI Status-Under Process: May 5

 

[nskatcv]

Yes, I applied for a family of 3 so its $505, I called my bank and they suggested to dispute it but my money will be blocked for 30 days which is kind of annoying. Also, the thing is that the receipt shows debit payment so I am not sure what is going to happen at the end.

How about going back to BLS and contact the staff (name should be on the receipt) and explain the situation. If they indeed charge twice (which it appears they have), it must have shown as surplus on their collections at the end of that day. Assuming they are honest, they would not know from where that extra payment came from. And if they want to cover this up, it's hard to do anything, except getting your bank to dispute and stop that payment (as someone suggested).

 

[tamilvanan3]

Yes, I applied for a family of 3 so its $505, I called my bank and they suggested to dispute it but my money will be blocked for 30 days which is kind of annoying. Also, the thing is that the receipt shows debit payment so I am not sure what is going to happen at the end.

Call the bank and ask is that transaction went through or declined?
Check the statement or transaction history as well
Call BLS, and ask how can you get money back (support of bank statement )

 

[harirajmohan]

Whats the OCI validity?
For the children, they issue till 20 years of age? And i see that they need to get reissued once after that.

 

[Krishna1989]

Whom to contact almost touched a month now and no acknowledgement (application date 8th April ) while People who submitted after me are getting acknowledgement