OCI: This may be useful for families of three, including those with a 12-month-old baby.
We had booked the Premium Lounge Service at the Surrey BLS Office. We visited twice, and both times the security guard informed us that the internet was down in the building. He gave new appointment dates to everyone and sent applicants back. Since both of us work, we had taken two days off solely for this purpose and had to plan for a third visit. On our second visit, after being sent back, I decided to complete the online OCI application for all three of us. I filled out the forms, printed the applications, and prepared all required documents - including photos, signatures, and thumb impressions for our minor child. During our third visit, I informed the receptionist that this was our third attempt and that we wished to proceed with the Premium Lounge Service. Although all four waiting rooms were full, we were called in within 10 minutes.
The processing officer reviewed our online OCI applications, confirmed there were no errors, and noted that I hadn’t uploaded all the documents online earlier. He asked for the copies, scanned all our documents, and used my portal credentials to upload everything himself. Within about 10 minutes each, all our applications were submitted successfully.
In total, the entire process took roughly 50 minutes, and we were able to return home and resume work shortly after.