Online application completed 06/10/23
Appointment at CGI: 03/11/23
CGI location: Birmingham
Receipt of Renunciation: Pending
My experience of renunciation application submission (Hope this helps
)
As per renunciation application checklist, I carried original and self attested documents (British passport, cancelled Indian passport, address proof - I took first page of bank statement, payment reciept of Rs8000, appointment confirmation, 1No. 2inchx2inch size photograph, naturalisation certificate and surrender certificate). Attended the CGI appointment 15min prior to the appointment time - As soon as I walked in, you get asked to either submit your phone at the reception in flight mode (they do not allow phones inside the consulate) or ask your family to take the phone with them. Only applicant is allowed in the CGI. A token no. is handed to you by the receptionist.
Once I got into the next room from the receptionist, I had to sign in a register to confirm my attendance. Then the token No. got called which was to go to a counter. I was then asked by the consulate officer to fill in the remaining blanks in my application form (I had not signed it prior to the appointment as it was clearly mentioned that these blanks are to be filled in front of the CGI officer) and my indian passport. I was asked to wait till my name was called again. After review, they called my name and returned my indian passport and application form (with their signature and seal added in green ink-Please make sure you get their signature and seal done). Delivery timelines I was told by the CGI officer was 30 to 35days. I was also told to not apply for the OCI unless I get the renunciation certificate (If OCI application is made prior, it will be put on hold without the renunciation certificate)
General info - any payments at the CGI are accepted only in the form of cash (I had made my payment online for this application)
After this step, all of the renunciation applicants were asked to go to the Birmingham VFS (
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PhjoBmExgeY49HPs6) for a walk in appointment to make the application submission there (This was a suprise as I didn't expect to have to go to VFS on the day). I drove straight away to the Birmingam VFS office which was a 10min drive from the CGI.
Once we got there at around 12ish, there was a huge queue of applicants (same queue for booked and walk in appointments). There is free parking available outside the building and on adjacent streets.
Once we got to the first counter (reception), the guy there is very efficient and guides you with what steps are to be taken. He checks what documents you have, gives you another one page application which needs filling in, along with a sticker to write the address where you need the renunciation certificate to be delivered. He also provides a token number and then there are seats to wait in the lobby. It was quite busy so families with little kids please consider this. There are toilets in the building.
Only 5 counters are available for various applications.
In around half an hour, I was asked to come to the appointment counter. All documents were submitted and a payment of £26 pounds had to made (Total for VFS application fee and courier fee). They keep the self attested copies and check the originals. Once done, that is the application complete.
I had enough and ran to the nearest Chennai Dosa restaurant for lunch (Again only cash form of payment accepted
