OCI Card

I recently got my OCI card renewed thru CKGS-CHICAGO- when my US passport was expired. You have to renew it even after you turn 50- They said the entire process from beginning to end would take about 45 days - and mine took about 48 days because I forgot to submit a document and that took a little bit longer. By the way they say at the beginning that Chicago NRI's do not need to send in their US passport until the Match up process begins, but that's not true, they claim the change was made and it says so in the instructions but I didn't see that, so I didn't send my US Passport at the beginning so I had to pay extra fees thru FedEx. Here's the timeline for my application process. I hope it helps someone. I know it's very irritating when filling the application but hang in there you will get through it. YES the Chicago NRI'S do have to send in their US passport with the application. Here's the timeline;

Application Status

Remarks

Date of Status

 Your AWB Number is 782727689418
To track the Progress of Your Shipment, log onto the FedEx site using your AWB Number on www.fedex.com 04/01/2016
 Your Documents have now reached CKGS application centre from the Embassy / Consulate.
Your document(s) is being sorted and will be ready for shipment shortly. Please continue tracking your application status online. 04/01/2016
 The Embassy / Consulate has reviewed your application and is currently is 'In Transit' to the CKGS Application Centre. Please continue tracking your application status online. 04/01/2016
 Your Passport Matchup is under process at the Embassy / Consulate. Please continue tracking your application status online. 04/01/2016
 Your Passport is in transit at the Indian Embassy / Consulate for Match-Up 03/30/2016
 Your passport has been received at CKGS for Match-Up 03/30/2016
 Your printed OCI Card is ready for match-up with your US Passport / Foreign Passport. Please complete the OCI match-up process and refer to the email sent to you from CKGS with further details.
To make sure you receive our alerts / updates, add [email protected] to your white list. Please continue tracking your application status online. 03/22/2016
 Your OCI card has been dispatched from India to the Embassy / Consulate. It will take 1 to 2 weeks before it arrives. Please continue tracking your application status online. 03/18/2016
 Application is under process at the Embassy / Consulate for further scrutinization and may take upto 6 to 8 weeks for next update. Please continue tracking your application status online. 03/07/2016
 Your Application is under process at the Embassy / Consulate. Please continue tracking your application status online. 02/24/2016
 Your application has been processed at the CKGS Application Centre and is in transit to the Indian Embassy/Consulate for decision making.
Please continue tracking your application status online. 02/24/2016
 We have received your incomplete / missing documents and we are verifying the same.
You will receive an update shortly on the progress of your application.
Please continue tracking your application status online. Received Additional Document 02/19/2016
 Your Application is on hold due to the incomplete / missing documents as mentioned under the REMARKS column. Only once the above documents are received by us at CKGS and post verification, will we be able to continue to process your application.
Please refer to our EMAIL sent to you from CKGS with further details.To make sure you receive our alerts / updates, add [email protected] to your white list / Approved / Safe Sender list. ORIGNAL U.S PASSPORT. ORIGNAL INDIAN PASSPORT. 02/12/2016
 We have received your payment and we are verifying the same. If the payment made is complete, you will receive a payment receipt shortly. If there is any further discrepancy, you will receive an update. Please continue tracking your application status online. 02/12/2016
 Your application has been received and is under process in CKGS. Please continue tracking your application status online. Your tracking id is USAC09BAM18 2/12/2016

A word of caution, their email alerts- always use funny Indian terms to let you know they didn't receive something or they need something else. I think they enjoy torturing us by these silly requests. I wouldn't worry. The Indian system really stinks! they're always trying to squeeze more money out of us. Shame on our people, they make it difficult for the tourist industry as well, who would want to visit our country with all these rules and regulations. We will never get it in this lifetime!!!

Good Luck on your applications!