Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

[gladiator939]

Hey guys, thought I'd come back and share my timeline as I finally got an update online.

OCI Timeline - 1 Minor
VFS Centre: Belfast
Application Date: 19/11/2018
Date of acknowledgement: 22/11/2018
Original docs Received: 27/11/2018
Documents Printing Status: PROCESSED ON 12/12/2018
Dispatched From New Delhi: 13/12/2018
Document received at London : 13/12/2018
Passport submitted in person: 14/12/2018
Passport and OCI card received: ??????

As I had chosen Belfast as my VFS centre, I had to fly up to submit my son's British Passport, along with a copy of the online status report (God knows why they need it). The second stage takes about 30 seconds in total at the VFS counter, they just check the acknowledgement receipt, take the passport and status report. After that you just wait for both the British Passport and OCI card to arrive in the post.

Nearly there, and assuming I get the card this week the whole process will have taken a month in total.

Very happy to share any tips / answer any queries to the best of my knowledge.

[gladiator939]

Whats ILR?

On the other question yes you can submit your passport at a different centre. I submitted our applications at Goswell as they are the only ones that do walk in service. But then submitted the passport at Hounslow. OCI were received fine.

Thank you jfrusc. ILR = indefinite leave to remain in the UK (but are still Indian nationals).

It is good to know we can do the process at 2 different centres.

Could you elaborate a bit further on the 'walk in service' at Goswell. Looking at the current available appointments, the next one is on Jan 2, 2019 - which is too late for me. Can we go there without appointment (with all required docs of course)?

Hi there,

just saw this and not sure if I can be of too much extra help, but I found that Belfast is a good centre to go to if you desperately need an appointment - I got an appointment for Monday on the previous Friday (Afternoon). It is also quite sparsely populated so you will be seen very quickly.

The flip side of course is that you'll have to travel back to the same centre to re-submit your passport for the second stage of the process. Collectively, flights will mean that your OCI cost will nearly double.

However the jurisdiction is still London and I experienced no delays in my son's application being processed.

I tried to do a walk-in at VFS Hounslow and they rejected me saying that they now do walk-ins only for visas. With Goswell I was turned away at the door saying that there were far too many applicants on the day.

Hope this helps.

[jfrusc]

Whats ILR?

On the other question yes you can submit your passport at a different centre. I submitted our applications at Goswell as they are the only ones that do walk in service. But then submitted the passport at Hounslow. OCI were received fine.

Thank you jfrusc. ILR = indefinite leave to remain in the UK (but are still Indian nationals).

It is good to know we can do the process at 2 different centres.

Could you elaborate a bit further on the 'walk in service' at Goswell. Looking at the current available appointments, the next one is on Jan 2, 2019 - which is too late for me. Can we go there without appointment (with all required docs of course)?

Hi there,

just saw this and not sure if I can be of too much extra help, but I found that Belfast is a good centre to go to if you desperately need an appointment - I got an appointment for Monday on the previous Friday (Afternoon). It is also quite sparsely populated so you will be seen very quickly.

The flip side of course is that you'll have to travel back to the same centre to re-submit your passport for the second stage of the process. Collectively, flights will mean that your OCI cost will nearly double.

However the jurisdiction is still London and I experienced no delays in my son's application being processed.

I tried to do a walk-in at VFS Hounslow and they rejected me saying that they now do walk-ins only for visas. With Goswell I was turned away at the door saying that there were far too many applicants on the day.

Hope this helps.

Either we were lucky or you were unlucky with Walk in service at Goswell. We had no issues both times.

Although we were there around 09:30 both times.

NB: If Belfast is classed as London Jurisdiction I presume you should be able to drop the passport off at one of the London offices.

[gladiator939]

Whats ILR?

On the other question yes you can submit your passport at a different centre. I submitted our applications at Goswell as they are the only ones that do walk in service. But then submitted the passport at Hounslow. OCI were received fine.

Thank you jfrusc. ILR = indefinite leave to remain in the UK (but are still Indian nationals).

It is good to know we can do the process at 2 different centres.

Could you elaborate a bit further on the 'walk in service' at Goswell. Looking at the current available appointments, the next one is on Jan 2, 2019 - which is too late for me. Can we go there without appointment (with all required docs of course)?

Hi there,

just saw this and not sure if I can be of too much extra help, but I found that Belfast is a good centre to go to if you desperately need an appointment - I got an appointment for Monday on the previous Friday (Afternoon). It is also quite sparsely populated so you will be seen very quickly.

The flip side of course is that you'll have to travel back to the same centre to re-submit your passport for the second stage of the process. Collectively, flights will mean that your OCI cost will nearly double.

However the jurisdiction is still London and I experienced no delays in my son's application being processed.

I tried to do a walk-in at VFS Hounslow and they rejected me saying that they now do walk-ins only for visas. With Goswell I was turned away at the door saying that there were far too many applicants on the day.

Hope this helps.

Either we were lucky or you were unlucky with Walk in service at Goswell. We had no issues both times.

Although we were there around 09:30 both times.

NB: If Belfast is classed as London Jurisdiction I presume you should be able to drop the passport off at one of the London offices.

yeah beats me re. Goswell.

Nope - I specifically asked at VFS Belfast, wrote to the High Commission and also called the helpline - tried different routes but was clearly told that I have to go back to the same VFS office where I had lodged the application.

Oh well - just waiting for the OCI card to arrive in the post now. Any ideas when I can expect to receive it? I submitted my son's British Passport at VFS Belfast on Friday, so hoping to get the OCI before Xmas...

[jfrusc]

Thank you jfrusc. ILR = indefinite leave to remain in the UK (but are still Indian nationals).

It is good to know we can do the process at 2 different centres.

Could you elaborate a bit further on the 'walk in service' at Goswell. Looking at the current available appointments, the next one is on Jan 2, 2019 - which is too late for me. Can we go there without appointment (with all required docs of course)?

Hi there,

just saw this and not sure if I can be of too much extra help, but I found that Belfast is a good centre to go to if you desperately need an appointment - I got an appointment for Monday on the previous Friday (Afternoon). It is also quite sparsely populated so you will be seen very quickly.

The flip side of course is that you'll have to travel back to the same centre to re-submit your passport for the second stage of the process. Collectively, flights will mean that your OCI cost will nearly double.

However the jurisdiction is still London and I experienced no delays in my son's application being processed.

I tried to do a walk-in at VFS Hounslow and they rejected me saying that they now do walk-ins only for visas. With Goswell I was turned away at the door saying that there were far too many applicants on the day.

Hope this helps.

Either we were lucky or you were unlucky with Walk in service at Goswell. We had no issues both times.

Although we were there around 09:30 both times.

NB: If Belfast is classed as London Jurisdiction I presume you should be able to drop the passport off at one of the London offices.

yeah beats me re. Goswell.

Nope - I specifically asked at VFS Belfast, wrote to the High Commission and also called the helpline - tried different routes but was clearly told that I have to go back to the same VFS office where I had lodged the application.

Oh well - just waiting for the OCI card to arrive in the post now. Any ideas when I can expect to receive it? I submitted my son's British Passport at VFS Belfast on Friday, so hoping to get the OCI before Xmas...

Odd. They must treat Belfast differently. I applied in Goswell, but submitted the Passport in Hounslow. I did that twice, so couldnt just be luck

The first time around it took 6 days from submission to receive the passports/OCI back. I live in London, so perhaps it may vary by a day or two depending on where you are in the country. (NB: I used their envelopes as you're forced to if you do walk in. But I can't imagine that will make any difference to delivery times).

[hanifareed]

hey guys just need help.
i have got inquiry i couldn't get answer from no one.
i am foreign nationality holding OCI Card as Indian origin the question is: my spouse (wife) foreign nationality non Indian origin which our marriage has been over 11 yeas now, can i apply OCI for her and is she legally able to get OCI.
the same thing about my 2 daughters which they are under 10 years old.

thanks for help in advance for every one who will give me the right consultant and advice based on law of OCI.

Since you have an OCI card (and have therefore established your Indian Origin) your wife and children can also attain an OCI card. My wife's OCI application was just processed and she is not of Indian Origin, but she was entitled to an OCI card as my spouse.

However, the standard exclusions still apply. For example people who've held Pakistan or Bangladesh nationality. People who work for foreign government agency's like the army, security services, etc. People who are journalist. None of these can apply for an OCI card, wether they are of Indian Origin, or spouse/child of an OCI holder.

Fill in the online form, this is all laid out there. Or give them a call/email with your particulars.

dear Jfrusc
thanks for your reply...
can you tell me please how long it took to get your spouse(wife) oci card specially with security clearance?
actually i applied for my spouse it is now almost 3 months and still under process .. i have been in touch with India embassy and they informed me that my spouse application form been delayed for mandatory security clearance.

[gladiator939]

Hi there,

just saw this and not sure if I can be of too much extra help, but I found that Belfast is a good centre to go to if you desperately need an appointment - I got an appointment for Monday on the previous Friday (Afternoon). It is also quite sparsely populated so you will be seen very quickly.

The flip side of course is that you'll have to travel back to the same centre to re-submit your passport for the second stage of the process. Collectively, flights will mean that your OCI cost will nearly double.

However the jurisdiction is still London and I experienced no delays in my son's application being processed.

I tried to do a walk-in at VFS Hounslow and they rejected me saying that they now do walk-ins only for visas. With Goswell I was turned away at the door saying that there were far too many applicants on the day.

Hope this helps.

Either we were lucky or you were unlucky with Walk in service at Goswell. We had no issues both times.

Although we were there around 09:30 both times.

NB: If Belfast is classed as London Jurisdiction I presume you should be able to drop the passport off at one of the London offices.

yeah beats me re. Goswell.

Nope - I specifically asked at VFS Belfast, wrote to the High Commission and also called the helpline - tried different routes but was clearly told that I have to go back to the same VFS office where I had lodged the application.

Oh well - just waiting for the OCI card to arrive in the post now. Any ideas when I can expect to receive it? I submitted my son's British Passport at VFS Belfast on Friday, so hoping to get the OCI before Xmas...

Odd. They must treat Belfast differently. I applied in Goswell, but submitted the Passport in Hounslow. I did that twice, so couldnt just be luck

The first time around it took 6 days from submission to receive the passports/OCI back. I live in London, so perhaps it may vary by a day or two depending on where you are in the country. (NB: I used their envelopes as you're forced to if you do walk in. But I can't imagine that will make any difference to delivery times).

Funny that.

But anyway, holding thumbs for the OCI card, would be good to have it in hand all done and dusted. Took a slight risk in applying so close to the Christmas period and an impending trip to India, but am glad it worked out lol.

[jfrusc]

hey guys just need help.
i have got inquiry i couldn't get answer from no one.
i am foreign nationality holding OCI Card as Indian origin the question is: my spouse (wife) foreign nationality non Indian origin which our marriage has been over 11 yeas now, can i apply OCI for her and is she legally able to get OCI.
the same thing about my 2 daughters which they are under 10 years old.

thanks for help in advance for every one who will give me the right consultant and advice based on law of OCI.

Since you have an OCI card (and have therefore established your Indian Origin) your wife and children can also attain an OCI card. My wife's OCI application was just processed and she is not of Indian Origin, but she was entitled to an OCI card as my spouse.

However, the standard exclusions still apply. For example people who've held Pakistan or Bangladesh nationality. People who work for foreign government agency's like the army, security services, etc. People who are journalist. None of these can apply for an OCI card, wether they are of Indian Origin, or spouse/child of an OCI holder.

Fill in the online form, this is all laid out there. Or give them a call/email with your particulars.

dear Jfrusc
thanks for your reply...
can you tell me please how long it took to get your spouse(wife) oci card specially with security clearance?
actually i applied for my spouse it is now almost 3 months and still under process .. i have been in touch with India embassy and they informed me that my spouse application form been delayed for mandatory security clearance.

It was a lot faster then I expected:

Application Date: 09/11/18 (Walk in @ Goswell Office)
Porcessed: 12/12/18
Documents Received at London: 12/12/18

Approximately a month in total. I submitted her passport last week, waiting to receive the OCI and Passport back. Judging by how long our own took, should be in next few days.

I've read previous threads where people have waited 6 months So was pretty worried. I hope my wifes timeline is an indication things have sped up significantly.

[jfrusc]

Either we were lucky or you were unlucky with Walk in service at Goswell. We had no issues both times.

Although we were there around 09:30 both times.

NB: If Belfast is classed as London Jurisdiction I presume you should be able to drop the passport off at one of the London offices.

yeah beats me re. Goswell.

Nope - I specifically asked at VFS Belfast, wrote to the High Commission and also called the helpline - tried different routes but was clearly told that I have to go back to the same VFS office where I had lodged the application.

Oh well - just waiting for the OCI card to arrive in the post now. Any ideas when I can expect to receive it? I submitted my son's British Passport at VFS Belfast on Friday, so hoping to get the OCI before Xmas...

Odd. They must treat Belfast differently. I applied in Goswell, but submitted the Passport in Hounslow. I did that twice, so couldnt just be luck

The first time around it took 6 days from submission to receive the passports/OCI back. I live in London, so perhaps it may vary by a day or two depending on where you are in the country. (NB: I used their envelopes as you're forced to if you do walk in. But I can't imagine that will make any difference to delivery times).

Funny that.

But anyway, holding thumbs for the OCI card, would be good to have it in hand all done and dusted. Took a slight risk in applying so close to the Christmas period and an impending trip to India, but am glad it worked out lol.

Same position. We're going next month so by old timelines were cutting it very fine. Had no choice as I couldnt apply for my Wifes until my own OCI had been approved first.

Just waiting to receive the PP and OCI card back now and can finally put this all behind us

[Vish15]

I would like to share my experience about OCI application at London Goswell Road.
It was straight forward submission took about 20mins with appointment. Appointment was for 10.45 but called at 11.30.
OCI Application - 1 infant and 1 child (registered as British under section 3(1)) both parents indian
VFS Centre: Goswell Road, London
Application Date: 27/11/2018
Date of acknowledgement: 28/11/2018
Original docs Received: 05/12/2018
Documents Printing Status: PROCESSED ON 19/12/2018
Dispatched From New Delhi: ?
Document received at London : ?
Passport submitted in person: ?
Passport and OCI card received: ?

I will update you when everything comes through.

[jfrusc]

My final update, hope it helps others in the future to gauge timeline for Spouse (Non Inidian Origin) application, as there isn't much recent info on this:

OCI Application - Spouse of non Indian Origin (I'm British with OCI card)
VFS Centre: Goswell Road, London
Application Date: 09/11/2018
Date of acknowledgement: 09/11/2018
Documents Printing Status: PROCESSED ON 12/12/2018
Dispatched From New Delhi: 12/12/2018
Document received at London : 12/12/2018
Passport submitted in person: 14/12/2018
Passport and OCI card received: 20/12/2018

41 Days in Total from Application to receiving OCI card in hand. 6 Days from submitting PP and receiving it and the OCI card back in post. I submitted the Application to Goswel Rd, but the PP was submitted to Hounslow.

[mdk123]

My final update, hope it helps others in the future to gauge timeline for Spouse (Non Inidian Origin) application, as there isn't much recent info on this:

OCI Application - Spouse of non Indian Origin (I'm British with OCI card)
VFS Centre: Goswell Road, London
Application Date: 09/11/2018
Date of acknowledgement: 09/11/2018
Documents Printing Status: PROCESSED ON 12/12/2018
Dispatched From New Delhi: 12/12/2018
Document received at London : 12/12/2018
Passport submitted in person: 14/12/2018
Passport and OCI card received: 20/12/2018

41 Days in Total from Application to receiving OCI card in hand. 6 Days from submitting PP and receiving it and the OCI card back in post. I submitted the Application to Goswel Rd, but the PP was submitted to Hounslow.

Thanks for updating the info. Not sure if you was lucky. im still waiting

[jfrusc]

Thanks for updating the info. Not sure if you was lucky. im still waiting

NP, hope yours gets done soon.

You might want to email HCILondon to query it. Sure you'll get the standard response, but it can't hurt to give them a kick

Wouldn't bother calling HCILondon. They keep you on hold for an hour telling you your call is very important. Then cut you off :/

[spartanking_007]

Hello All,

Can some one help me understand what does "Original docs received" mean in the tracking info table below, is this related to return of the surrender certificate and/or other supporting documents submitted along with the OCI application.

I have submitted my OCI application on 19 Dec 2018 and received ACK text on 21 Dec 2018 (that my application has been dispatched to High commission) and also received text from Dx delivery and surrender certificate via DX on 21 Dec 2018.

Is this normal to receive the surrender certificate back in 2 days ?

Type : Adult Application
Delivery Service : DX
VFS centre : VFS Hounslow, London

Timeline
Application date: 19 Dec 2018
Date of acknowledgement: 21 Dec 2018
Original docs received (Surrender Certificate): 21 Dec 2018
Documents Printing Status: Processed On:
Dispatched From MOIA (OCI ) NEW DELHI:
Document received At London:
PASSPORT SUBMITTED IN PERSON at VFS:
Passport & OCI documents received:

Thanks

[Vish15]

Hello All,

Can some one help me understand what does "Original docs received" mean in the tracking info table below, is this related to return of the surrender certificate and/or other supporting documents submitted along with the OCI application.

I have submitted my OCI application on 19 Dec 2018 and received ACK text on 21 Dec 2018 (that my application has been dispatched to High commission) and also received text from Dx delivery and surrender certificate via DX on 21 Dec 2018.

Is this normal to receive the surrender certificate back in 2 days ?

Type : Adult Application
Delivery Service : DX
VFS centre : VFS Hounslow, London

Timeline
Application date: 19 Dec 2018
Date of acknowledgement: 21 Dec 2018
Original docs received (Surrender Certificate): 21 Dec 2018
Documents Printing Status: Processed On:
Dispatched From MOIA (OCI ) NEW DELHI:
Document received At London:
PASSPORT SUBMITTED IN PERSON at VFS:
Passport & OCI documents received:

Thanks

It is normal. They do not keep any original documents.
Now they will process your OCI application should get OCI in 3-6 weeks from 21st December.

[gladiator939]

My final update here - hope this helps individuals planning their applications for their little one(s) or from a tertiary VFS centre such as Belfast.

OCI Timeline - 1 Minor
VFS Centre: Belfast (London jurisdiction)
Application Date: 19/11/2018
Date of acknowledgement: 22/11/2018
Original docs Received: 27/11/2018
Documents Printing Status: PROCESSED ON 12/12/2018
Dispatched From New Delhi: 13/12/2018
Document received at London : 13/12/2018
Passport submitted in person: 14/12/2018
Passport and OCI card received: 22/12/2018

As you can see the whole process has taken a month and 3 days end-to-end, which is frankly fantastic given the holiday season rush and Belfast location. Hope this helps someone looking for a tentative timeline.

[Rumkitchen]

Hi Guys need some help from you,
I applied OCI card on 15 November 2018.
But till today it shows
Registration status at mission: London
Documents printing status: under process
How much more time it will take
Date of acknowledgement is 16 November 2018.

[spartanking_007]

Hello All,

Can some one help me understand what does "Original docs received" mean in the tracking info table below, is this related to return of the surrender certificate and/or other supporting documents submitted along with the OCI application.

I have submitted my OCI application on 19 Dec 2018 and received ACK text on 21 Dec 2018 (that my application has been dispatched to High commission) and also received text from Dx delivery and surrender certificate via DX on 21 Dec 2018.

Is this normal to receive the surrender certificate back in 2 days ?

Type : Adult Application
Delivery Service : DX
VFS centre : VFS Hounslow, London

Timeline
Application date: 19 Dec 2018
Date of acknowledgement: 21 Dec 2018
Original docs received (Surrender Certificate): 21 Dec 2018
Documents Printing Status: Processed On:
Dispatched From MOIA (OCI ) NEW DELHI:
Document received At London:
PASSPORT SUBMITTED IN PERSON at VFS:
Passport & OCI documents received:

Thanks

It is normal. They do not keep any original documents.
Now they will process your OCI application should get OCI in 3-6 weeks from 21st December.

Many thanks for the response.

[Vish15]

Hi Guys need some help from you,
I applied OCI card on 15 November 2018.
But till today it shows
Registration status at mission: London
Documents printing status: under process
How much more time it will take
Date of acknowledgement is 16 November 2018.

First thing you will get your documents back or you should have got it back by now.
After that they will process your application and depends on your application complexity should get OCI in 4-6 weeks from application date.

[Rumkitchen]

Which documents I should get back. Bcoz I got my surrender certificate after 7days of applying. I'm a bit confused now. Should I go and enquire in VFS global at vistacenter Hounslow??

[Rumkitchen]

Is my application still in VFS global London? Have they not send my application to India for processing?

[Vish15]

Is my application still in VFS global London? Have they not send my application to India for processing?

Each and every applicant submit different documents according to their connection to India and VFS keep documents according to guideline given by Indian Embassy.
So in your case they kept surrender certificate and you got it back withing 7 days as usual in most cases.
Now you need to wait patiently for 3-6 weeks to get your OCI.
You done your bit now it is their turn to do their bit by issuing OCI

[satishdesai]

I recently renewed my wife’s passport and applied for transfer of OCI and was charged £59.48 by Birmingham VFS. I also wrote to the High Commission in Birmingham and was told that there should only be one Courier envelope charge of £14.80. I have obtained a refund from VFS. I urge anybody who has been charged for two Courier envelopes should apply to VFS and obtain a refund of £14.80.

The person to contact at Birmingham VFS is xxxxxx (xxxxx@vfsglobal.com).

Also please write to the Indian Consulate that the customer should also have the option to use a cheaper Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope alternative.
Regards.

Satish

[CR001]

I recently renewed my wife’s passport and applied for transfer of OCI and was charged £59.48 by Birmingham VFS. I also wrote to the High Commission in Birmingham and was told that there should only be one Courier envelope charge of £14.80. I have obtained a refund from VFS. I urge anybody who has been charged for two Courier envelopes should apply to VFS and obtain a refund of £14.80.

The person to contact at Birmingham VFS is xxxxxx (xxxxx@vfsglobal.com).

Also please write to the Indian Consulate that the customer should also have the option to use a cheaper Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope alternative.
Regards.

Satish

Do not name people and their email addresses on the forum. They also have the right privacy and their details being published on a public Internet forum page.

[jfrusc]

I recently renewed my wife’s passport and applied for transfer of OCI and was charged £59.48 by Birmingham VFS. I also wrote to the High Commission in Birmingham and was told that there should only be one Courier envelope charge of £14.80. I have obtained a refund from VFS. I urge anybody who has been charged for two Courier envelopes should apply to VFS and obtain a refund of £14.80.

The person to contact at Birmingham VFS is xxxxxx (xxxxx@vfsglobal.com).

Also please write to the Indian Consulate that the customer should also have the option to use a cheaper Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope alternative.
Regards.

Satish

According to the VFS website it should be £21 + any operational fees. So how much did you pay in the end? £21 + £14.80 (for courier fee)?

My daughters passport expires next year, so I will be in the same position unfortunately. Hoping not to get fleeced again