Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

[chavachows3]

Hi Guys,

Anyone applied under Birmingham jurisdiction and received (not still waiting) OCI recently?

I would like to know the average processing time under this jurisdiction. Is it 6 or 8 weeks or more?

Much appreciated!
Thanks

Finally received my OCI today. Timeline as follows.

Documents submission date: 31/05/2022
Location: Bradford (Birmingham)
Acknowledgement: 02/06/2022
Original Doc received: 07/06/2022
Documents Printing Status: PROCESSED On 11/07/2022
Document Received: 18/07/2022

Thanks for help!

Hi there,

Did your application processing status change to Despatched my MEA, etc after PROCESSED ?
For me, the status has been PROCESSED for last 1 week.
Emailed HCI and received usual unhelpful reply.
Getting anxious now!

No other status after PROCESSED. I expected it may change but OCI received after a 7 days.

[sab516]

Hi Guys,

Anyone applied under Birmingham jurisdiction and received (not still waiting) OCI recently?

I would like to know the average processing time under this jurisdiction. Is it 6 or 8 weeks or more?

Much appreciated!
Thanks

Finally received my OCI today. Timeline as follows.

Documents submission date: 31/05/2022
Location: Bradford (Birmingham)
Acknowledgement: 02/06/2022
Original Doc received: 07/06/2022
Documents Printing Status: PROCESSED On 11/07/2022
Document Received: 18/07/2022

Thanks for help!

Hi there,

Did your application processing status change to Despatched my MEA, etc after PROCESSED ?
For me, the status has been PROCESSED for last 1 week.
Emailed HCI and received usual unhelpful reply.
Getting anxious now!

No other status after PROCESSED. I expected it may change but OCI received after a 7 days.

Thanks a lot, to take time out and respond to my query.
I will keep an eye on the Royal mail tracking..

[bodhisattva]

Hi all

I'll just post some OCI application times I've faced recently for fresh OCI applications for myself and family.

Documents submission date: 27/06/2022
Location: London Goswell Rd
Acknowledgement: 28/06/2022
Original Doc received: about a week later
Documents Printing Status: PROCESSED On 19/07/2022
Document Received: 21/07/2022

Documents submission date: 23/05/2022
Location: London Goswell Rd
Acknowledgement: 23/05/2022
Original Doc received: 3 days later
Documents Printing Status: PROCESSED On 13/06/2022
Document Received: 15/06/2022

Was very pleasantly surprised by how quick it was between being processed and then delivered. Does anyone know if they have started printing OCI cards in London now?

I want to thank all the super helpful folks on this forum - I've been using immigration boards all the way from ILR, citizenship and now OCI. All of these processes have been quite stressful in terms of getting the docs ready, and this website has been a massive resource.

My advice to new OCI applicants:

* Don't get confused by all the various versions of doc requirements floating around the internet - just use the latest guidance from VFS/Indian consulate and you will be fine. Any doubts just look up this forum. I didn't even have to post questions since all of them had been previously asked and answered.

* Make sure you follow the guidance as well as you can. Most ppl I saw having trouble during submission were those who had clearly not followed all the instructions (even the basic ones - not nitpicky details) or brought all the required docs.

* VFS staff are actually quite helpful. They shouldn't be blamed for applicants' mistakes.

* Take more docs and copies than you think you will need.

* Don't bother trying to contact the Indian High Commission for anything - they don't answer calls or emails.

Again, thanks everyone who chips in to answer questions or share experiences.

[sab516]

My Timeline for a new OCI registration:

Appointment date: 22 Jun 2022
Appointment location: London
Acknowledgement: 23 Jun 2022
OCI application status as on 24 Jun : UNDER-PROCESS
Naturalisation certificate & Original Surrender Certificate received back from VFS: 1 July 2022
OCI application status on 14 July 2022 : PROCESSED ON 14 JUL & OCI number displayed on OCIservices tracking
OCI Cards received: 21 July

It took exactly 3 weeks since HCI London received my application and been processed by MEA, India - Standard processing time with my 4th fresh OCI experience
I think I should receive the OCI booklet next week

As per the last member post, it looks like the OCI booklet is printed in UK these days. The tracking status never changed to "Despatched by MEA", etc. Exactly after 1 week of status change, I received my booklet.

[gsk13]

Hi,

Did anyone submit black and white copies of documents including application form recently at Vfs Hounslow?

Were they accepted?

Thanks

[Shridhar26]

Hi,

Did anyone submit black and white copies of documents including application form recently at Vfs Hounslow?

Were they accepted?

Thanks

I submitted in black and white for oci at VFS goswel London and they were accepted. Awaiting oci.

[Arun2016]

Hello,
What orginal documents I have to submit for OCI application? Will they return it immediately and have to wait till OCI card to arrive?

Thanks
Arun

[Arun2016]

Hello,
What orginal documents I have to submit for OCI application? Will they return it immediately and have to wait till OCI card to arrive?

Thanks
Arun

[juggurnaut]

Hi all

OCI application times I've faced recently for fresh OCI applications for myself and family.

Documents submission date: 22/07/2022
Location: London Goswell Rd
Acknowledgement: 25/07/2022
Original Doc received: 27/07/2022
OCI application status: UNDER-PROCESS as on 29/07/2022
OCI cards Received: TBA

Based on recent updates, I would guess I should receive the OCI in 4-5 weeks. Will keep posted.

[Arun2016]

Hello,

I have aa appointment for OCI on Bradford VFS centre this week. Could you please anyone enlighten me do i need to submit 2 prepaid self addressed envelopes at nearest VFS centre along with the application?

Can i get this self addressed envelope from VFS centre?

Thanks
Arun

[Shridhar26]

Hello,

I have aa appointment for OCI on Bradford VFS centre this week. Could you please anyone enlighten me do i need to submit 2 prepaid self addressed envelopes at nearest VFS centre along with the application?

Can i get this self addressed envelope from VFS centre?

Thanks
Arun

For each OCI Application you need to submit 2 self addressed envelopes(Make a note of tracking number). You can also buy this in VFS but it is relatively expensive and slower delivery. Please check my OCI timeline below where i have tried both postal services. Like many other people i would recommend Royal Mail in case if you are in hurry. VFS Goswel has accepted Royal Mail prepaid envelope for me.

[Shridhar26]

Timeline for OCI card new (Parent)

Appointment date: 5 July 2022
Appointment location: Goswell, London
Acknowledgement received: 6-July-2022 (No notification. Checked status on website)
Original documents received: 11-July-2022 (Monday) (DX Express) Got SMS on 8-July
Document printing status / Processed on: 27-July-2022, OCI number displayed tracking website
OCI Cards received: Scheduled Delivery On 1-Aug-2022 (Monday) (DX Delivery)

Timeline for OCI card new (Minor)

Appointment date: 5 July 2022
Appointment location: Goswell, London
Document resubmit requested: 6-July-2022
Original documents received: 9-July-2022 (Sunday) (Royal Mail before 1PM). No SMS but can track using app.
Document printing status / Processed on: 27-July-2022, OCI number displayed tracking website
OCI Cards received: 30-July-2022 Saturday (Royal Mail)

I definitely recommend Royal Mail considering speed and price. Make a note of tracking number from Royal Mail Envelope. Install Royal Mail app and track the number and leave it. You will get notification once there are any changes. I don't know why but DXExpress delivery did not deliver on weekend compared to Royal Mail. When you are near the day of flight booked, every day counts. Both DXExpress and RoyalMail delivery came with Silver Envelope.

There was an issue with Spouse Name. VFS Person corrected it during appointment as it was not matching with Passport.

Ensure you take hard copy of appointment along with application form. Many people who tried to show it in mobile were sent to get the printout.

[Mallu_Desi]

Hi everyone,

I am in the process of applying OCI card for my two months old baby. I am a British citizen (through naturalisation) and my wife is still Indian. The child's OCI was applied through my wife's eligibility route. I have submitted the application online and I got an appointment for 05/08/2022. I would be grateful if someone can answer following questions:

1. Only I am (father) is attending the appointment. I am not taking either baby (applicant) or my wife. However, I have got a authorisation letter from wife. Is that okay?
2. I was informed that both parents have to sign the printed application form. I can only see the space for one. Can anyone please clarify that?
3. My friend told me we can give two pre-paid special delivery envelop instead of VFS courier. Is this correct? Can I buy this from any post office? Any tips or advice regarding this?

[DKV]

Hi,

I applied my daughter's OCI last month in Bradford and application status has changed to 'processed' today.

1. You can attend the appointment but make sure you have all yours and your wife's originals. They will check and pass them back.

2. On my daughter's application, Only I signed it. In your case, ask your wife to sign it and also take an additional print out of application (in case they ask you to sign it).

3. No, VFS will provide and charge you for the required envelopes.

[Mallu_Desi]

Thank you DKV.

Did they ask for any photocopies?

Can you please share your timeline?

[amanjain861]

HI All,

I have a very basic question. Both my sons have got British Citizenship and passports. I am going to surrender my elder son's passport soon and then apply for OCI.

Elder Son: British by Naturalization (Relation: Self)
Younger Son: British by Birth (Relation: Father)

1) Can I take a common appointment for both of them? I will submit different applications, it is a given.
2) As many documents are common to both of their OCI app, and what I heard in this forum that people leave their original and get back later (Ex: Marriage Certificate), so will the same documents of mine will be used by MEA India people to give OCI to my son's simultaneously or shall I submit OCI for my children one after the other?

[DKV]

Hi Malludesi,

Knowing VFS in the UK and their requirements, it is better to take all originals and photocopies of originals. I also took 2 print outs of application just as contingency.

My timeline is below:

Appointment - 30/Jun/22 at Bradford
Acknowledgment - 04/Jul/22
Documents returned - 08/Jul/22
Application processed on 03/Aug/22

I am hoping to receive the post in next 10 days.

[Shridhar26]

Hi everyone,

I am in the process of applying OCI card for my two months old baby. I am a British citizen (through naturalisation) and my wife is still Indian. The child's OCI was applied through my wife's eligibility route. I have submitted the application online and I got an appointment for 05/08/2022. I would be grateful if someone can answer following questions:

1. Only I am (father) is attending the appointment. I am not taking either baby (applicant) or my wife. However, I have got a authorisation letter from wife. Is that okay?
2. I was informed that both parents have to sign the printed application form. I can only see the space for one. Can anyone please clarify that?
3. My friend told me we can give two pre-paid special delivery envelop instead of VFS courier. Is this correct? Can I buy this from any post office? Any tips or advice regarding this? Yes, I have done the same in VFS Goswel. Its much cheaper and faster that way. Check my previous post before your query.

-

[Lds94]

Hi,

Thankyou for your time line.

May I please ask how long yours took to change from "under process" to "processed" or "printing"?

Thankyou

[DKV]

HI All,

I have a very basic question. Both my sons have got British Citizenship and passports. I am going to surrender my elder son's passport soon and then apply for OCI.

Elder Son: British by Naturalization (Relation: Self)
Younger Son: British by Birth (Relation: Father)

1) Can I take a common appointment for both of them? I will submit different applications, it is a given.
2) As many documents are common to both of their OCI app, and what I heard in this forum that people leave their original and get back later (Ex: Marriage Certificate), so will the same documents of mine will be used by MEA India people to give OCI to my son's simultaneously or shall I submit OCI for my children one after the other?

Hi Aman,

As far as I know, the only originals you need to submit are children's birth certificates, surrender certificates, naturalisation certificate and passports. All the other documents will be checked and returned on spot at VFS. Marriage certificate, any parents' passports will be verified with photocopies and returned there and then so it shouldn't be a problem applying both OCIs at once.

The only issue may be the one appointment for two applications as passport number is required for each appointment. I will let others advise you on this

[amanjain861]

HI All,

I have a very basic question. Both my sons have got British Citizenship and passports. I am going to surrender my elder son's passport soon and then apply for OCI.

Elder Son: British by Naturalization (Relation: Self)
Younger Son: British by Birth (Relation: Father)

1) Can I take a common appointment for both of them? I will submit different applications, it is a given.
2) As many documents are common to both of their OCI app, and what I heard in this forum that people leave their original and get back later (Ex: Marriage Certificate), so will the same documents of mine will be used by MEA India people to give OCI to my son's simultaneously or shall I submit OCI for my children one after the other?

Hi Aman,

As far as I know, the only originals you need to submit are children's birth certificates, surrender certificates, naturalisation certificate and passports. All the other documents will be checked and returned on spot at VFS. Marriage certificate, any parents' passports will be verified with photocopies and returned there and then so it shouldn't be a problem applying both OCIs at once.

The only issue may be the one appointment for two applications as passport number is required for each appointment. I will let others advise you on this

Hi DKV,

Thanks a lot for the clarity. I can confirm to you, you can take a common appointment for two people. The HCI London Appointment allows you for the same. Is it available under the question: "Do any other family member is applying with you?" You can select it and then enter the Name and Passport number for the other family member.

[Mallu_Desi]

Thank you everyone for your replies

[Greatexpat]

<Please let me know if I am better off posting this somewhere else>

Hi all,

I am looking to apply for the OCI at some point this month(Aug) and have queries.
I am looking to change house next month (Sep) but I haven’t found a house yet and hence I do not know if my address will change next month and what it will be if it does. If I apply in Aug for an OCI, it will take 4-5 weeks to get the documents and OCI and if I choose the current address, then I will not receive the documents.

1.
I was wondering if I can just add my work address to the return envelope so that the documents are delivered to my office address and I can change house without worrying about the OCI delivery location.
2.
Are the submitted documents and OCI sent separately at different times? I saw one of the posts mentioning different delivery times for documents and OCI.
3.
If these are indeed different as per Question 3 then how can I ensure the delivery to office address for both. As only 1 return envelope is submitted or charged by VFS.
4.
Any other solution that is possible

Cheers or any help,
GreatExpat

[Arun2016]

Hello,
How can i check the status of my application?
I checked the below link, but it shows as record not found.

https://ociservices.gov.in/statusEnqury

I submitted my documents on VFS Bradford on 4th August and even now when i go to OCI Document Upload /Reupload link. I can still see the option for Final submit.

Did VFS made any mistake on processing my applicaiton?

[Mallu_Desi]

OCI for two month old baby.

Appointment date: 05/08/2022

Location: VFS Goswell Road, London

Acknowledgement date: 08/08/2022. Didn’t receive any text message or email. Only found out about acknowledgment through OCI tracking website.

Document received back: 10/08/2022 (Royal mail Special delivery 1PM) I gave two pre-paid Royal mail Special delivery envelopes to VFS.