OCI process

[pramen1]

Just want to confirm few points with those who've already applied for OCI:

i) I guess BLS would return all the originals within ~ 2-3 weeks from the time of submission. Am I correct?
ii) If above point is true and if I am willing to submit all the originals, do I still need to notarize any of the photocopies?
iii) Somebody mentioned earlier that they don't accept the Canadian passport alone as original. In that case, do we need to notarize the photocopy of current Canadian passport or would self-attesting work?

Many thanks in advance for taking your time to answer these questions.

i) Correct
ii) You don't need to notarize, just self attested photocopy. You will need notarized affidavit only if change in name or you need to provide marriage certificate affidavit in case your spouse name is not in your passport etc.
iii) They will just check Canadian passport and give it back. It's no longer requires to submit Canadian passport since sticker is no longer require.

I hope it helps.

 

[Nainarvet]

Thanks a lot, Pramen1! Your detailed clarification is very helpful and much appreciated!

 

[canadianlife]

Hi,

I would like to know if I can:
1. Apply surrender Indian Passport
2. Get Indian Visa

these 2 processes at same time OR do I need to wait for 1 and then apply for 2.

Please provide your inputs.

 

[chikloo]

Hi,

I would like to know if I can:
1. Apply surrender Indian Passport
2. Get Indian Visa

these 2 processes at same time OR do I need to wait for 1 and then apply for 2.

Please provide your inputs.

I know that you can apply for surrender and OCI simulataneously. So applying visa should not be any different. Apply for surrender and with the copy of the surrender application receipt from BLS apply for visa

 

[boltz]

I know that you can apply for surrender and OCI simulataneously. So applying visa should not be any different. Apply for surrender and with the copy of the surrender application receipt from BLS apply for visa

Well, not true - it's location specific - ottawa doesn't accept surrender cert n OCI applns together...even in the setup you mentioned (using receipt)

 

[chikloo]

Well, not true - it's location specific - ottawa doesn't accept surrender cert n OCI applns together...even in the setup you mentioned (using receipt)

You may be right about location based service but that is typical BLS stupidity. How can people in Toronto can do something that Ottawa cannot. CGI is not going to restrict you based on your location.

Yes the receipt is given as soon as you apply. So you can carry your surrender app and OCI app to be processed together. In OP case visa should be the same.

 

[boltz]

You may be right about location based service but that is typical BLS stupidity. How can people in Toronto can do something that Ottawa cannot. CGI is not going to restrict you based on your location.

Yes the receipt is given as soon as you apply. So you can carry your surrender app and OCI app to be processed together. In OP case visa should be the same.

Can't agree any less. CGI makes the formula complex - BLS adds confusion at best to the complexity.

Even a complex formula can be understood by following a methodical approach (CGI) - but its toilsome to get to the bottom of a confusing equation.

I wonder some times, VFS is n't this confusing as BLS. BLS is like the worst services that any country in the whole wide world can employ!! my feelings are not enough to express what I want to, about BLS!

 

[lakb]

Hello,

I am planning on applying for OCI. But i have few questions because the BLS site is not clear on this issues and every time i call BLS its different answer.

1)What documents that need to be uploaded on-line besides signature and photo.
2)Do i still need to provide this original documents even though i uploaded them and do i need photocopies of them as well and do they need to be notarized.
3)Can i pay the total fees by debit at the centre.

Thank you to all in advance.

 

[pramen1]

Hello,

I am planning on applying for OCI. But i have few questions because the BLS site is not clear on this issues and every time i call BLS its different answer.

1)What documents that need to be uploaded on-line besides signature and photo.
2)Do i still need to provide this original documents even though i uploaded them and do i need photocopies of them as well and do they need to be notarized.
3)Can i pay the total fees by debit at the centre.

Thank you to all in advance.

1) Canada passport, Indian Passport (first and last page) and Marriage certificate if you are married. As well if you have any minor applicant then Birth certificate of your kid.
Make sure you take screenshot after you upload documents as they will ask for it.

2) Yes, bring all originals. Photocopies needs to be self attested only. If you are married but spouse name is not in your passport or vice versa then you will have to notarized and affidavit marriage certificate.

3) you must have to take draft for consulate fees which is $280 per applicant. Don't remember for minor so check on website. You can create one draft for all family members. Other BLS fees you can pay there with debit card.

Hope this will help.

 

[lakb]

Thanks Pramen1.I got my citizenship and passport before i got married last year.So obviously i don't have my wife's name on my passport and mine on her.Do i still need to provide marriage certificate?

 

[boltz]

Thanks Pramen1.I got my citizenship and passport before i got married last year.So obviously i don't have my wife's name on my passport and mine on her.Do i still need to provide marriage certificate?

Yes; obviously - how else would you prove your relationship (marriage)?

 

[kannadiga]

Hi All,

I am planning to apply for OCI. I am having an issue. I am required to prepare a demand draft in favour of "The Consulate General Of India - Toronto". When I when to the bank to get a demand draft they said that the name is too long and cannot fit. They said the maximum they can print is "The Consulate General of India". I also went to Canada Post to check if the name fits on a money Order. They also said the same thing.

I Called BLS customer care. The agent said I can write "CGI Toronto". Since BLS is so famous I wanted to cross check and hence called two more times. This time the agents said there is no short form. It has to have the full name otherwise they won't accept. One guy even asked me to call the Consulate.

Did any of you had the same issue? what is the solution?

Thanks in advance.

 

[chikloo]

Hi All,

I am planning to apply for OCI. I am having an issue. I am required to prepare a demand draft in favour of "The Consulate General Of India - Toronto". When I when to the bank to get a demand draft they said that the name is too long and cannot fit. They said the maximum they can print is "The Consulate General of India". I also went to Canada Post to check if the name fits on a money Order. They also said the same thing.

I Called BLS customer care. The agent said I can write "CGI Toronto". Since BLS is so famous I wanted to cross check and hence called two more times. This time the agents said there is no short form. It has to have the full name otherwise they won't accept. One guy even asked me to call the Consulate.

Did any of you had the same issue? what is the solution?

Thanks in advance.

RBC gave me a bank draft "The Consulate General of India - TOR" They could not fit Toronto. The draft has been accepted. So if you want try RBC.

 

[kannadiga]

RBC gave me a bank draft "The Consulate General of India - TOR" They could not fit Toronto. The draft has been accepted. So if you want try RBC.

Thank you very much Chikloo. Is your OCI process completed or still in progress?

 

[chikloo]

Thank you very much Chikloo. Is your OCI process completed or still in progress?

Still in process. Applied Jan 18th but the file accepted on Jan 22nd it will take atleast end of feb