Yes — but only if the BLS jurisdiction you apply through allows “Courier Return” OR allows someone else to pick it up with an authorization letter.
In Canada:
- Most BLS centres allow courier return (Purolator).
- If you choose Courier Return, once your OCI is printed and sent to the Consulate, BLS will courier it to the Canadian address you provided.
- Anyone at that address can receive it — you don’t personally need to be present.
If you choose
self-pickup, then:
- Some centres allow authorized pickupwhere your representative carries:
- A signed authorization letter from you
- Their own ID
- A copy of your passport
But courier is safer and simpler.
Yes. Once your friend/family receives the OCI booklet in Canada, they can courier it to you in India (FedEx, DHL, etc.). The OCI booklet itself is
not a passport, so there is no restriction on mailing it.
This part is tricky.
OCI is
not activated by FRRO.
You do
not need any “conversion” at FRRO.
But — to actually use OCI benefits — your next entry into India must be on OCI.
Meaning:
- You can receive the OCI card in India.
- You can stay inside India on your current visa (e-visa or regular tourist visa) until it expires.
- But OCI does NOT automatically change your visa status during that stay.
- When you next exit India and re-enter, you can use the OCI card.
What the FRRO can do:
- Update your address or passport in OCI records
- Handle emergency situations
What the FRRO cannot do:
- Convert a tourist visa into OCI status
- Activate OCI while you remain inside India
OCI becomes valid
only from your next entry using the card.
So what
Scenario:
- You apply for OCI in Canada
- Travel to India before it is granted
- Someone receives your OCI in Canada, then couriers it to you in India
- You stay in India for 1 year on your existing entry visa (e-visa or regular visa)
- When you next exit India and come back, you can use OCI for entry
