Here's my updated timeline till date:||Long post alert||
I called BLS and got some clarification on the application, here's my experience of submitting my application for OCI+Surrender application via Purolator :
Notes:
- Documents submitted for Passport Surrender (Toronto Jurisdiction):
- Checklist (signed on both pages)
- Surrender application completed online
- Pasted one 2"x2" photo
- Signed on both pages
- One extra 2"x2" photo (to be on safer side)
- Original Indian Passport
- Copy of Indian Passport (First and Last Page)
- Copy of Canadian Passport (Bio Page)
- Copy of Citizenship Certificate (Front Page)
- Copy of D/L (Address proof)
- Copy of CoPR
- $129.40 Bank Draft addressed to BLS International Services Inc.
- Documents submitted for OCI (Toronto Jurisdiction):
- Checklist (signed on all pages)
- OCI Application completed online
- Relationship with Root Indian -> SELF
- Uploaded these documents online:
- Copy of Previous Indian passport
- Copy of Current Canadian passport
- Copy of CoPR (Indian Visa)
- Copy of Marriage Certificate
- One 2"x2" photo
- Copy of Indian Passport (First and Last Page)
- Copy of Canadian Passport (Bio Page)
- Copy of Citizenship Certificate (Front Page)
- Copy of D/L (Address proof)
- Copy of CoPR (landing document)
- Copy of Marriage Certificate
- Copy of Spouse Documents (still Indian):
- Copy of Current Indian Passport
- Copy of PR Card (status in Canada)
- Copy of CoPR (Landing document)
- Bank Drafts:
- $345 addressed to Consulate General of India, Toronto
- $7.40 addressed to BLS International Services Inc.
- Copy of BLS Order Confirmation (Courier Fees)
Yes, the instructions are complex and makes it difficult/annoying to apply but we all have to go through it. Mark my words that once everything is submitted, you will definitely feel relieved and deserve a pat on your back
- I had self-attested all copies:
- First added the line ("This is a true copy of the original") and date on the bottom of all documents via Acrobat Reader DC.
- Printed all documents (grayscale) and signed the physical documents for including in respective file folders (one each for 'OCI' and 'Passport Surrender' applications).
- For uploading the 4 documents with OCI application, I added my signature via Acrobat Reader DC rather than scanning the documents again (I have a neat scanned copy of my signature for such purposes).
- Although I applied OCI as Self (not on the basis of Spouse or Parents), but BLS support told me that I will still need to provide these:
- Copy of Marriage Certificate (Upload + Physical)
- Copy of Spouse Documents (Physical)
- Photos:
- The photos don't need to be stamped (like Canadian PR/Passport photos). Just need to be neat and recent as per guidelines.
- I took a clean Photo myself and created 2"x2" image. Actually created a 4"x 6" Photo by added six of these 2"x2" images.
- You can print such 4"x6" photos for cheap (10-40 cents from Walmart, Staples, SDM). Cut them into six of 2"x2" images.
- I couldn't get any appointment for BLS, Toronto (very close to my place) and I understand the $90 Courier fees (1 pickup + 2 drop-offs) could have been optimized as suggested by others, but apparently these mail-in applications are processed in BLS, Brampton. It made more sense for me to go with this option rather than picking up from BLS, Brampton.
- I spoke to two BLS support persons, I have already mentioned the crux above but here are some points related to Courier Fees and Bank Drafts:
- First support person mentioned:
- $105 courier fees (I didn't pay for this order)
- 3 bank drafts (One for Surrender and two for OCI). I asked if I could club the BLS drafts and he said 'NO'.
- Second support person mentioned:
- $90 courier fees (I paid for this order)
- Two drafts instead of three i.e. BLS drafts can be clubbed to $136.40
- I ended up choosing the 3 bank drafts option as its free for my bank account. But most importantly I wanted to create two separate file folders.
- Purolator driver came with the envelope and it was big enough to fit both of the file folders. My application is delivered to BLS, Brampton and I will share the future timeline.
Special thanks to @sydcarton and @rajkamalmohanram
Passport Surrender (Completed):
10-Aug: Purolator: Picked-up (from home)
10-Aug: BLS Tracking - No records found
10-Aug: Passport Seva Tracking - Surrender Certificate application form has been submitted.
11-Aug: Purolator: Package delivered (at BLS)
11-Aug: BLS Tracking - Application Received
11-Aug: Passport Seva Tracking - Surrender Certificate application form has been submitted. (No Change)
17-Aug: BLS Tracking - Under process (Morning)
17-Aug: Passport Seva Tracking - Surrender Certificate application form has been submitted. (Morning - No Change)
17-Aug: BLS Tracking - In transit from BLS Center to Consulate General (Evening)
17-Aug: Passport Seva Tracking - Passport application along with fee details have been received. The same is under processing at the Embassy/Consulate. (Evening)
18-Aug: BLS Tracking - Processing at Consulate General
18-Aug: Passport Seva Tracking - Surrender Certificate application is under review at Indian Embassy/Consulate.
20-Aug: BLS Tracking - Processing at Consulate General (No Change)
20-Aug: Passport Seva Tracking - Surrender Certificate has been granted and is available for issuance.
03-Sep: BLS Tracking - In transit from Consulate General to BLS Center
03-Sep: Passport Seva Tracking - Surrender Certificate has been printed.
06-Sep: Purolator: Picked-up (from BLS)
06-Sep: BLS Tracking - Dispatched via Courier
06-Sep: Passport Seva Tracking - Surrender Certificate has been printed. (No Change)
07-Sep: Purolator: Package Delivered (at home)
OCI (Pending):
10-Aug: Purolator: Picked-up (from home)
10-Aug: BLS Tracking - No records found
10-Aug: OCI Services Tracking - No records found
11-Aug: Purolator: Package delivered (at BLS)
11-Aug: BLS Tracking - Application Received
11-Aug: OCI Services Tracking - No records found (No Change)
17-Aug: BLS Tracking - Under process
17-Aug: OCI Services Tracking - No records found (No Change)
24-Aug: BLS Tracking - Under process (No Change)
24-Aug: OCI Services Tracking - Under Process
15-Sep: BLS Tracking - Under process (No Change)
15-Sep: OCI Services Tracking - Document Printing Status Processed
