OCI process

[chenn2can]

Hello Everyone,

My Postal OCI application was returned today due to incorrect passport expiry date. Now the question is, to send it back do I have to pay for Pick-up and Drop-Off or just for Pick-up?
Asking because since they sent me the incorrect application back, one delivery is already done which I paid for. So now do I have to opt for Pick-up& Delivery or just Pick-up?

 

[kingmourya]

Applying for fresh OCI for minors at HCI Ottawa. My kids are US citizens. I have their original birth certificates.
Is it a must to get birth certificate attested by US consulate in Canada? There are no notary appointments available at the US consulate until end of August!

 

[kingmourya]

Hey guys.
Has anyone here applied for OCI for a foreign spouse?
My spouse is a US citizen. Does her birth certificate need to be notarised by the US embassy?

Did you need her birth certificate notarized by US consulate/embassy?

 

[kingmourya]

I did via mail. I sent 4 items.

1. Application with all relevant documents
2. Draft for CGI $425
3. Draft for BLS $7.40
4. 2 prepaid return envelops from Canada Post. I wasn't sure how many should I send. So safer side, I included 2 return envelops.

Now I am stuck with below ask from CGI.
"Require Birth certificate to be attested by Ministry of Ontario and then CGI toronto "

Were you able to get the attestation?

 

[Ani_Canada]

Will anybody able to confirm that picture with white background works for OCI or not ?

 

[navid2014]

Will anybody able to confirm that picture with white background works for OCI or not ?

the OCI Photo must present the candidates full face, front perspective, with eyes open. The Background of the OCI photo must be plain or white shaded without borders with colored garments that are not white garments.

https://www.blsindia-canada.com/photo_spec.php

 

[Ani_Canada]

the OCI Photo must present the candidates full face, front perspective, with eyes open. The Background of the OCI photo must be plain or white shaded without borders with colored garments that are not white garments.

https://www.blsindia-canada.com/photo_spec.php

Thanks for the information but when you start filling the form , it says :

Photograph to be affixed on the application should be a square shape of size not less than 51*51mm (with 80% coverage of face). It should have plain light color background (not white) without the border with front view of person's head and shoulders showing the full face in middle of the photograph. It should not be stapled and not have any signature.

That's why I asked is white background allowed ?

 

[navid2014]

Thanks for the information but when you start filling the form , it says :

Photograph to be affixed on the application should be a square shape of size not less than 51*51mm (with 80% coverage of face). It should have plain light color background (not white) without the border with front view of person's head and shoulders showing the full face in middle of the photograph. It should not be stapled and not have any signature.

That's why I asked is white background allowed ?

When I did OCI for my kids I went with White background and their BLS website clearly says either plain white or off-white.

https://www.blsindia-canada.com/photo_spec.php

 

[Ani_Canada]

When I did OCI for my kids I went with White background and their BLS website clearly says either plain white or off-white.

https://www.blsindia-canada.com/photo_spec.php

You are right. I also always use picture with white background for anything related to BLS. But the above line which I have mentioned confused me a bit . And with BLS , you never know .

 

[Ashik Canada]

In regards to marriage certification - should we need to submit originals to BLS or just an attested photocopy?
Also is there any original document to be submitted to BLS with OCI application?

 

[rvche]

Hi everyone, detailing my experience of submitting my application for surrender and OCI together via post, for anyone who may find it helpful.

1. I called BLS Toronto (416-307-2237) multiple times till I finally got through. I had my credit card on hand, and the BLS rep sent me three links to pay for a Purolator service: a) Pick-up of documents b) Return of cancelled passport and surrender certificate c) Return of OCI. Each service costs $30, so $90 in total for delivery and pickup. You will receive a shipping label to print and attach to the Purolator envelope.
   
   
2. Make sure to check what day/time the Purolator pickup will be and make sure to ask for an envelope.
   
   
3. Documents for surrender I was asked to include:
   1. Surrender application form completed online,
   2. 1 photo,
   3. Original Indian passport and photocopy,
   4. Canadian passport photocopy,
   5. Photocopy of citizenship certificate,
   6. Address proof,
   7. Photocopy of COPR.
      All photocopies have to be self attested ("This is a true copy of the original"), signed, and dated.
   8. Fees for surrender: $250.4 (addressed to BLS International Services Inc.)
4. Documents for OCI I was asked to include:
   1. OCI application form completed online,
   2. 1 photo,
   3. Original Indian passport and photocopy,
   4. Canadian passport photocopy,
   5. Photocopy of citizenship certificate,
   6. Address proof,
   7. Photocopy of COPR,
   8. One written declaration stating I am single and have never married addressed to the consulate general of India.
      All photocopies have to be self attested ("This is a true copy of the original"), signed, and dated.
   9. Fees for OCI: $425 (addressed to The Consulate General of India - Toronto) AND $7.4 (addressed to BLS International Services Inc.)
5. The documents I uploaded for my OCI application included self-attested copies of: My Indian passport, my Canadian passport, and my COPR.
   I also included the checklists for both the OCI and Surrender applications as well.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

Hi, great work in listing out the exact process here, appreciate your efforts. How long did the whole process take to get the passport surrender certificate and OCI together?

 

[wonderclicks]

In regards to marriage certification - should we need to submit originals to BLS or just an attested photocopy?
Also is there any original document to be submitted to BLS with OCI application?

Just attested copy, no originals required.

 

[Ashik Canada]

Just attested copy, no originals required.

Thank you.

 

[sydcarton]

Hi, great work in listing out the exact process here, appreciate your efforts. How long did the whole process take to get the passport surrender certificate and OCI together?

Hi!
Total time was 6 weeks for OCI and closer to 9.5 weeks for surrender.
I detailed my timelines here as well https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/oci-process.254662/post-9326975

 

[knowknowledge]

Does anyone know how long it takes to receive the OCI card. The status has been

(Counter Delivery to BLS Centre after OCI stamping) since 2 months.