OCI process

[Bains87]

Hey! The same thing happened to me last week. But in my case, 4 failed attempts. It failed the first time, and the lady insisted I try again. It failed again, and then she said she'll restart the card machine. Did that, and it failed again. And then she was like, oh seems to be an internet issue. She disconnected and reconnected the internet, and charge failed a 4th time. Eventually went to the bank and withdrew cash and paid that way.

Came home, and then realized that I have been fleeced for $700. BLS customer service was of no help. Will be disputing with my bank tomorrow morning.

Has your bank been able to help in your case? I was on hold for more than 1 hour with TD and they couldn't do anything, the person just said i am looking for information and never put me back on line, I had to hang up after 1 hour to attend to my work.

I am pretty sure something is up with the banks because I did see the message on the machine which said transaction declined or something, so seems like bank didn't let the transaction go through but eventually they let the payment go, so I wouldn't blame BLS because the person on counter wasn't trying to hide any message and I am pretty sure BLS aren't that tech savvy to make the debit machines show fault messages, so seems like a banks fault. However, the thing that sucks is that the money is stuck now and for a family application its not a small amount.

 

[Bains87]

btw, is everyone paying ~165 for surrender certificate or am I the only one here who paid for courier fees?

 

[OldH1B]

you can wait up to 2 more weeks as VISA will be processed in a week. if OCI comes after i leave I will have to call BLS change drop address to my friends address. that is what i am thinking.

that's a good idea, I didn't realize that I have paid for return shipment via purolator so I can also give my friends address.
I tweeted CGI toronto and they confirmed it will be printed next week. So not sure how long will it take to come to Toronto

 

[OldH1B]

Has your bank been able to help in your case? I was on hold for more than 1 hour with TD and they couldn't do anything, the person just said i am looking for information and never put me back on line, I had to hang up after 1 hour to attend to my work.

I am pretty sure something is up with the banks because I did see the message on the machine which said transaction declined or something, so seems like bank didn't let the transaction go through but eventually they let the payment go, so I wouldn't blame BLS because the person on counter wasn't trying to hide any message and I am pretty sure BLS aren't that tech savvy to make the debit machines show fault messages, so seems like a banks fault. However, the thing that sucks is that the money is stuck now and for a family application its not a small amount.

Send an email to the BLS support emails. They will refund your money. I was fleeced by them for OCI for 140$ and I challenged it so I got that reversed and then paid around 70 for purolator pick up and drop etc. When you call, ask to talk to a supervisor

 

[vvarma]

Has your bank been able to help in your case? I was on hold for more than 1 hour with TD and they couldn't do anything, the person just said i am looking for information and never put me back on line, I had to hang up after 1 hour to attend to my work.

I am pretty sure something is up with the banks because I did see the message on the machine which said transaction declined or something, so seems like bank didn't let the transaction go through but eventually they let the payment go, so I wouldn't blame BLS because the person on counter wasn't trying to hide any message and I am pretty sure BLS aren't that tech savvy to make the debit machines show fault messages, so seems like a banks fault. However, the thing that sucks is that the money is stuck now and for a family application its not a small amount.

I feel the matter should be confirmed with TD customer care first before connecting with BLS. I have faced similar issues (different bank/merchants) before and ultimately the bank auto-credited the amount after few days. Customer care would say the same thing. But they will also have access to info to find out whats the exact status of the transaction. And if indeed money has been debited "successfully", then BLS should have no problem giving you a refund on receipt of some bank proof like a transaction confirmation. Hopefully it auto-resolves soon.

 

[vvarma]

This is what I filled -

- There are two fields, National Identification Number and Previous Passport Number. What do we need to fill in there? - Left both blank. No national ID and this is the 1st Canadian passport, so no previous passport.
- Also what should be uploaded for the Employment Letter? - I uploaded a letter from my employer.
- My father is deceased, how to fill in that? - Not sure about this. Probably put (Late) before his name. But check with BLS
- The applicant's passport details should be based on the Canadian passport, right? The sample form on the BLS website says it needs to be as per the Indian passport which creates confusion. - I entered Canadian Passport details here. Indian passport details will come under previous nationality.
- Can we use debit card to pay for the fee or the draft is mandatory? Mandatory Draft of $345 favouring the Consulate.. BLS fees can be paid by cash or debit.
- Do we need to self-attest documents before uploading? - Not required.. but physical copies should be self attested

Hi Manu - the requirements are different for Vancouver jurisdiction. Vancouver does not accept Draft at all and will be rejected. Its strictly Cash or Debit.

 

[vvarma]

Hi everyone,

I am preparing for my OCI application and have some questions. Would be grateful if someone can guide me.

- There are two fields, National Identification Number and Previous Passport Number. What do we need to fill in there?
- Also what should be uploaded for the Employment Letter?
- My father is deceased, how to fill in that?
- The applicant's passport details should be based on the Canadian passport, right? The sample form on the BLS website says it needs to be as per the Indian passport which creates confusion.
- Can we use debit card to pay for the fee or the draft is mandatory?
- Do we need to self-attest documents before uploading?

@vvarma or anyone who went to Surrey BLS, please share your experience.

Saw your DM. Will respond here:

- There are two fields, National Identification Number and Previous Passport Number. What do we need to fill in there? Leave National Number empty. Previous Passport # = Your previous/last Indian passport #
- Also what should be uploaded for the Employment Letter? Anything is fine! An offer/appointment letter. I did basic self-declaration letter + latest pay stub (which can even be skipped)
- My father is deceased, how to fill in that? Same situation for both my parents, fill in their details as usual.
- The applicant's passport details should be based on the Canadian passport, right? The sample form on the BLS website says it needs to be as per the Indian passport which creates confusion. Correct - applicant's passport details should be based on the Canadian passport
- Can we use debit card to pay for the fee or the draft is mandatory? Vancouver jurisdiction is strictly Cash or Debit for the full consolidated amount.
- Do we need to self-attest documents before uploading? No

 

[keypad]

Saw your DM. Will respond here:

- There are two fields, National Identification Number and Previous Passport Number. What do we need to fill in there? Leave National Number empty. Previous Passport # = Your previous/last Indian passport #
- Also what should be uploaded for the Employment Letter? Anything is fine! An offer/appointment letter. I did basic self-declaration letter + latest pay stub (which can even be skipped)
- My father is deceased, how to fill in that? Same situation for both my parents, fill in their details as usual.
- The applicant's passport details should be based on the Canadian passport, right? The sample form on the BLS website says it needs to be as per the Indian passport which creates confusion. Correct - applicant's passport details should be based on the Canadian passport
- Can we use debit card to pay for the fee or the draft is mandatory? Vancouver jurisdiction is strictly Cash or Debit for the full consolidated amount.
- Do we need to self-attest documents before uploading? No

Really appreciate your response.

 

[canadamaple]

OK. Looks like BLS invented new trick to make people pay for courier. I have a feeling they won't even send original certificate to CGI and ship it back to you after a few days.

This is exactly my suspicion. These idiots only seem to be concerned with making more money. My originals have been with BLS Ottawa for over 3 weeks. I will call them on Monday and ask for it.

 

[asterixfanboy]

Quick Question on Entry VISA - What are people putting on Present Occupation - Official or Private Service? I work in IT and dont know what to put in there. and then the next one is around Past occupation - what constitutes as past occupation? so ambiguous.

 

[sting_hard]

do you have any format for this ?

 

[alex the king]

Quick Question on Entry VISA - What are people putting on Present Occupation - Official or Private Service? I work in IT and dont know what to put in there. and then the next one is around Past occupation - what constitutes as past occupation? so ambiguous.

if you see nothing fits select other, If you chose OTHER, you have a Drop down box to specify what's your profession.


Present Occupation
Select Occupation
AIR FORCE
BUSINESS PERSON
CAMERAMAN
CHARITY/SOCIAL WORKER
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY TEACHER
DIPLOMAT
DOCTOR
ENGINEER
FILM PRODUCER
GOVERNMENT SERVICE
HOUSE WIFE
JOURNALIST
LABOUR
LAWYER
MEDIA
MILITARY
MISSIONARY
NAVY
NEWS BROADCASTER
OFFICIAL
OTHERS
POLICE
PRESS
PRIVATE SERVICE
PUBLISHER
REPORTER
RESEARCHER
RETIRED
SEA MAN
SELF EMPLOYED/ FREELANCER
STUDENT
TRADER
TV PRODUCER
UN-EMPLOYED
UN OFFICIAL
WORKER
WRITER

If Others,please specify Box will Pop down

if chose hose wife :

Specify below occupation details of
Select......
Father
Mother
Spouse
In case of HouseWife/Student/Minor Please specify Spouse/Parent's Occupation details.

with all options i tried i see only Others has the drop down and for Hosuse wife. Rest allother options, you will go with your employer details as usual.

If nothing fits for your cadre, you can chose OTHERS and specify. that should work.

 

[jj_ind]

I just sent my application for OCI Registration via Purolator. Wait begins now! Hope I get OCI by Canada Day!

 

[alex the king]

I just read this on WIKI

India

Visa required[115]

India has suspended e-visa facility for Canadians in a retaliatory move for restrictions imposed by Ottawa on Indians flying to Canada Canadians who are or have been Pakistani nationals or have had ancestors who are or have been Pakistani nationals are required to follow a stringent and longer procedure

 

[manu.yoganand]

Hi Manu - the requirements are different for Vancouver jurisdiction. Vancouver does not accept Draft at all and will be rejected. Its strictly Cash or Debit.

Oh! Even for the 345 that needs to be paid to the Consulate? Wow!! Good to know.. thanks