OCI process

[royce110]

Hi All,
We are Indian passport holder parents in Toronto.
Applied for our Canadian born child's OCI.
Called BLS - they tricked us into buying their expensive courier service. Charged 104CAD.
I researched later and found out I could go to any purolator store and pay at store and ship the packet myself.
I called BLS today asking for refund, they said send email to ccsuport email ID and someone will refund the amount in few days.
The shipping label is generated by Purolator but I have not used the label yet.


They were overly excited on the phone today and offered another deal. They said someone overcharged you with 104CAD, instead we can give you the same service for 83CAD. I was like WTH is going on? Are you like flexing the customer how much you can get out of him?
I am sure they get some kickbacks from Purolator for the over charged fees. They were ready to charge me again for 83CAD with a promise that you will get the refund of 104CAD. I denied. This upset the agent bigtime. She didn't answer any further calls and hungup.

Questions from experts here -
1.) Do you think I will get any refund?
2.) If I get the refund, can I go to any purolator store, send the package myself to the brampton address of BLS. Also add another prepaid shipping label for the return of the OCI booklet, also thorugh purolator. Is that all they require?
3.) Do I have to worry about how BLS sends the docs to consulate for OCI printing and how they get it back? Who pays for that shipping cost?

Someone suggested, I can drop it in person and pick it up as well at the BLS Toronto office. But on the website they say no online appointments. Everything is via courier only.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Sorry to hear that. I am not even able to get a tracking # for them for the return package that I paid $88 for!! I wouldn't keep my hopes high for a refund!

Better contact your credit card company and file a dispute for refund, 99% of the time they will refund and will go after BLS for a refund.

 

[dineshrehab]

this is great, but I am based out of Vancouver. I wish they do the same here. People want to avoid BLS at all cost. hahaha....

Keep checking the consulate website press release like me lol

 

[funloving]

Keep checking the consulate website press release like me lol

You find this info from consulate website?

 

[dineshrehab]

You find this info from consulate website?

Yes, still waiting for surrender certificate for OCI.
They forced me into getting entry visa (100$) now again OCI

 

[dineshrehab]

What does this mean? Will this result in a faster process for surrender? I have an appointment on March 12, which I intend to use for Surrender + Visa. Should I cancel and go here instead? My concern is that I lose a week and this notice for Consular Camp says they will only accept Surrender applications (no mention of visa).

Apparently u could by pass BLS or just by pass their appointment system. They still make you pay BLS fee though.
Try it.

 

[tfox72]

Apparently u could by pass BLS or just by pass their appointment system. They still make you pay BLS fee though.
Try it.

I already have an appointment with BLS for 1 week earlier. What is the benefit of bypassing? Speed? Cost? Reliability?

 

[royce110]

Hi guys, worse case scenario if they dont provide a tracking # and the package is returned because nobody was at home to sign and collect - What are the options?

Does the application get sent back to Brampton and can we collect it from there directly by walk in?!

Thanks

I literally had a sleepless night because of BLS. Infuriated that they charged so much for the labels and knowing where my passport and bank draft is, still no tracking number from them after writing to them and calling them. I work from the office so definitely nobody at home to collect the package if Purolator comes. What are my options here?

 

[dineshrehab]

I already have an appointment with BLS for 1 week earlier. What is the benefit of bypassing? Speed? Cost? Reliability?

I dono , there are many struggling and fed up with BLS so they might find this helpful. Mind you you still got to deal with Bureaucracy

 

[royce110]

I already have an appointment with BLS for 1 week earlier. What is the benefit of bypassing? Speed? Cost? Reliability?

Just read the nightmarish experiences people have been having with BLS in this thread and you will get it.

 

[tfox72]

Just read the nightmarish experiences people have been having with BLS in this thread and you will get it.

Most of it is around being overcharged. My concern is not so much money, but speed. I want a way to visit India ASAP in case there is any emergency.

Also, that circular from Consulate omits Visa and OCI applications. Will they accept those anyway? The circular for the Feb 26th Consular Event did mention Visa and OCI applications being accepted.

What if I need to go to BLS anyway for Visa application? I have a March 12 appt, dont even know when I will get next one.

Is there any indication that Consular Event folks will accept Surrender + Visa or Surrender + Visa + OCI together?

Also, do they take photos on the spot like BLS does?

 

[dineshrehab]

Most of it is around being overcharged. My concern is not so much money, but speed. I want a way to visit India ASAP in case there is any emergency.

Also, that circular from Consulate omits Visa and OCI applications. Will they accept those anyway? The circular for the Feb 26th Consular Event did mention Visa and OCI applications being accepted.

What if I need to go to BLS anyway for Visa application? I have a March 12 appt, dont even know when I will get next one.

Is there any indication that Consular Event folks will accept Surrender + Visa or Surrender + Visa + OCI together?

Also, do they take photos on the spot like BLS does?

I think you are jumping the line, attend your BLS appointment . Surrender and entry visa can be done at same time.
Unfortunately if they manage to send you home for any reason attend the Consular camp.
Either way good luck.

 

[Hot2Cold]

Can you use the same photo that you took for Surrender certificate?

Yes. I believe you can.

Remember that the photo you upload for the OCI should be the same as that which is attached to the paper application, so ask for a soft copy of the photo to be emailed to you, or keep a physical copy to scan and upload to the OCI Application.

 

[AKT]

Organization of Consular Camp on Saturday, 19 March, 2022
Any one in GTA area dont want to deal with BLS can visit this camp for passport surrender and other pending consular services.

Hindu Heritage Centre


6300 Mississauga Road


Mississauga, ON L5N 1A7

10am-1.30pm
Good luck

@royce110 @funloving

Seems like they will not be accepting OCI application on this Camp. is it the case?

 

[richieP]

Yes, we applied at Calgary office (under Vancouver jurisdiction). Yes, we started the process on Feb 1, 2022. Yes, you'll need to send the Canadian passport for visa stamping. No, for OCI they don't need original passport. OCI used to be an actual stamp in your passport but not anymore. It is a small booklet that looks similar to passport.

It seems you should get OCI by the time your travel comes up.

Thanks for the reply! I am guessing the reason why your timeline was fast is because you have applied under Vancouver jurisdiction. Here in Toronto jurisdiction, it seems like nightmare. BLS is not answering when we call and their answer is sometime so vague. I saw someone from toronto has similar message like I do on passport seva portal, and it took month more to get his surrender certificate after he saw this message If people think they can reach out to Consulate general and get service done faster it is also not possible. Funny thing is when entire Canada is lifting restrictions and opening up our Consulate general of India still thinks they are under covid lock down and are not open for general public.

 

[kdham]

I just submitted OCI application for my kids at Brampton BLS office. I had a prior appointment and it took 30 mins total for the whole process (including the waiting time). Overall it was pretty smooth.
I also asked the officer regarding India tourist visa and here are the options that she gave.
Tourist visa - 30 days eligibility, takes 1 month to process
Entry visa - 6 months eligibility, takes 10 business days to process
Both of these visa applications can be submitted along with passport surrender application when coming for in person appointment (or via mail).

Passport surrender and OCI can only be done using mail process, this is not accepted in person.