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OCI Card
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Process to obtain new Indian OCI card process through VFS Global for Minors
Hello All - the new process for applying for OCI card for minors in the US. Recently, the Indian embassy in the US changed the vendor from CKGS to VFS and the process was confusing as I couldn't find the information properly and had to search a lot and did back and forth with VFS/embassy to get things right. So we have put a small effort to create some clarity in this space and hoping it would be useful to Indian parents in the US who are trying to apply for OCI card for their children.
All Replies (3)
Adult OCI NYC-Experience
Please post the comment if anyone is in same boat.
I had applied for oci card on December 21st,2020
recieved acknowledgement on January 5th,2021
forwarded my oci card to embassy on same day.
January 14th:I got my passport back.
January 29th:Oci card printed and sent back to CGI.NY
after that till now I have sent numerous email and phone calls they say they will send it and its under processing.
any idea when do you usually get the oci card back once it comes back from Delhi?
I am so tired of their service.
Any input will be appericiated..
I had applied for oci card on December 21st,2020
recieved acknowledgement on January 5th,2021
forwarded my oci card to embassy on same day.
January 14th:I got my passport back.
January 29th:Oci card printed and sent back to CGI.NY
after that till now I have sent numerous email and phone calls they say they will send it and its under processing.
any idea when do you usually get the oci card back once it comes back from Delhi?
I am so tired of their service.
Any input will be appericiated..
All Replies (4)
OCI for Minor - US Naturalization Certificate
My daughter is a US citizen who is eligible to apply for OCI card. One of the document that needs to be submitted is her US naturalization certificate. I have her US naturalization certificate but it contains country of birth instead of former nationality. She is a minor and could any one please let me know what alternative document that I can submit with the application for a new OCI card?
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New OCI, adult, NY
Here is my experience so far
1/25/2021 Sent via FedEx to VFS NY
1/26/2021 FedEx delivered to VFS NY
2/10/2021 VFS acknowledged, sent text message and VFS site shows application is being processed
15 days to acknowledge receipt of application.
1/25/2021 Sent via FedEx to VFS NY
1/26/2021 FedEx delivered to VFS NY
2/10/2021 VFS acknowledged, sent text message and VFS site shows application is being processed
15 days to acknowledge receipt of application.
All Replies (9)
Photo - New OCI Application
Can Someone help me with the following information. VFS calling did not help.
1. Do I need to paste PHOTO in the application Form. When I print the Government application form in color, the photo and signature is already there.
2. When I go to VFS website to create account, it asks for Father's name as in passport, US passport does not have Father's name. Is it ok to put father's name anyway
Would appreciate if someone can share their experience to get me answer for above question.
Thanks
1. Do I need to paste PHOTO in the application Form. When I print the Government application form in color, the photo and signature is already there.
2. When I go to VFS website to create account, it asks for Father's name as in passport, US passport does not have Father's name. Is it ok to put father's name anyway
Would appreciate if someone can share their experience to get me answer for above question.
Thanks
All Replies (4)
OCI renewal for adult
OCI renewal Experience and timelines
1. Jan 13th - Application shipped to vfs
2. Jan 14th - Application received by vfs
3. Jan 16th – Received e-mail from vfs regarding photograph issue. (Photograph : Has to have 2 x 2 and clear white background.(no shadows, blurry). Shoulder have to be visible. Please send to VFS Center.)
4. Jan 19th – Updated photographs received by vfs
5. Jan 22nd – Application received by Houston consulate
6. Feb 6th – Document printed and dispatched from MEA and received at Houston
7. Feb 9th – vfs dispatched documents using return label.
Steps/Suggestions:
1. Start from this link https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-oci-services. Follow the step-by-step instruction on this site.
2. Refer to instructions document is available on vfs site under step-by-step instructions. Please carefully review the requirements for digital copy of your photo, signature and any other required documents as per the instructions in this document.
3. https://ociservices.gov.in/welcome. This is the Link for OCI application site. Use "OCI Miscellaneous Services" option for OCI renewal. You will have to submit your application on this government website and then print a copy of the application and submit it to vfs services along with other required documents. All digital copies of the documents should be uploaded here. I had to upload my photo, signature, new passport copy and driver’s license (for address change).
Keep following documents handy
a. Your old passport, new passport and OCI card
b. Your surrender certificate
c. Your naturalization certificate (You may need this to find date on when you became US citizen)
d. Your driver's license (If address has changed)
e. OCI cards of all family members - You need to enter some of the information about your family members in one section of the form
1. Jan 13th - Application shipped to vfs
2. Jan 14th - Application received by vfs
3. Jan 16th – Received e-mail from vfs regarding photograph issue. (Photograph : Has to have 2 x 2 and clear white background.(no shadows, blurry). Shoulder have to be visible. Please send to VFS Center.)
4. Jan 19th – Updated photographs received by vfs
5. Jan 22nd – Application received by Houston consulate
6. Feb 6th – Document printed and dispatched from MEA and received at Houston
7. Feb 9th – vfs dispatched documents using return label.
Steps/Suggestions:
1. Start from this link https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-oci-services. Follow the step-by-step instruction on this site.
2. Refer to instructions document is available on vfs site under step-by-step instructions. Please carefully review the requirements for digital copy of your photo, signature and any other required documents as per the instructions in this document.
3. https://ociservices.gov.in/welcome. This is the Link for OCI application site. Use "OCI Miscellaneous Services" option for OCI renewal. You will have to submit your application on this government website and then print a copy of the application and submit it to vfs services along with other required documents. All digital copies of the documents should be uploaded here. I had to upload my photo, signature, new passport copy and driver’s license (for address change).
Keep following documents handy
a. Your old passport, new passport and OCI card
b. Your surrender certificate
c. Your naturalization certificate (You may need this to find date on when you became US citizen)
d. Your driver's license (If address has changed)
e. OCI cards of all family members - You need to enter some of the information about your family members in one section of the form
All Replies (13)
New OCI card for minor
After a grueling wait of two months, the OCI card has finally arrived!
Embassy: Washington DC
12/05/2020 - Mailed docs to VFS through FedEx
12/07/2020 - VFS received the application
12/15/2020 - VFS acknowledged the application
12/16/2020 - VFS processed and sent the application to DC Embassy
12/17/2020 - Embassy acknowledged the application and under process.
12/19/2020 - Original US Passport was returned using FedEx return shipping label that I sent in the application package.
1/14/2021 - OCI Printed
1/15/2021 - OCI dispatched from MEA Delhi and received at Washington DC embassy
01/27/2021 - Received an email from VFS to electronically pay $15 to ship OCI card and to send an email to a specific VFS inbox with payment receipt and mailing address.
02/05/2021 - OCI dispatched from VFS Washington DC through Fedex.
02/08/2021 - Received OCI card
My suggestions:
1) Talking to VFS paid customer service is useless.
2) Emailing to VFS is also useless as you will not get the information you are looking for.
3) Do not send $15 money order or cashier's check for return shipping as VFS will simply send it back and will ask you to pay $15 electronically. Sending a return label of FedEx or UPS seems to be an alternate option as I read from other member experiences. Keep in mind, some VFS locations prefer UPS labels and while most of their locations prefer FedEx.
4) VFS may not provide you the return shipping tracking number. This happened in my case and because I had my address registered in FedEX delivery manager, i got automatic email notifications from Fedex with the tracking number. In my case, the actual shipment was delivered to a nearby FedEx store and I went there to collect it. Had I not known the tracking number, the OCI package would have remained at the FedEx store for 5 days and would have been sent back to the shipper VFS.
Embassy: Washington DC
12/05/2020 - Mailed docs to VFS through FedEx
12/07/2020 - VFS received the application
12/15/2020 - VFS acknowledged the application
12/16/2020 - VFS processed and sent the application to DC Embassy
12/17/2020 - Embassy acknowledged the application and under process.
12/19/2020 - Original US Passport was returned using FedEx return shipping label that I sent in the application package.
1/14/2021 - OCI Printed
1/15/2021 - OCI dispatched from MEA Delhi and received at Washington DC embassy
01/27/2021 - Received an email from VFS to electronically pay $15 to ship OCI card and to send an email to a specific VFS inbox with payment receipt and mailing address.
02/05/2021 - OCI dispatched from VFS Washington DC through Fedex.
02/08/2021 - Received OCI card
My suggestions:
1) Talking to VFS paid customer service is useless.
2) Emailing to VFS is also useless as you will not get the information you are looking for.
3) Do not send $15 money order or cashier's check for return shipping as VFS will simply send it back and will ask you to pay $15 electronically. Sending a return label of FedEx or UPS seems to be an alternate option as I read from other member experiences. Keep in mind, some VFS locations prefer UPS labels and while most of their locations prefer FedEx.
4) VFS may not provide you the return shipping tracking number. This happened in my case and because I had my address registered in FedEX delivery manager, i got automatic email notifications from Fedex with the tracking number. In my case, the actual shipment was delivered to a nearby FedEx store and I went there to collect it. Had I not known the tracking number, the OCI package would have remained at the FedEx store for 5 days and would have been sent back to the shipper VFS.
All Replies (3)
NEW OCI for Minor Application - VFS SFO
TIMELINE (TILL 02-08-2021) :
12-24-2020: APPLICATION COURIER to VFS SF
12-28-2020 : APPLICATION RECEIVED
12-30-2020 : ACKNOWLEDGEMENT EMAIL BY VFS :
[your package has been received at the VFS application Centre. Our current processing times are longer than usual. Your application will be reviewed with 48-72 business hours. You are requested to track the status of your application after 2-3 business days.]
01-06-2021 : ADDITIONAL DOCUMENT REQUEST BY VFS : Name change documentation : SUBMIT COURT ORDER FOR NAME CHANGE OR NOTARIZED NAME CHANGE FOR BOTH PARENTS
01-07-2021: REQUESTED DOCUMENT SENT BY FedEx
01-08-2021: DOCUMENT REACHED VFS SFO
01-10-2021: VFS PUBLISHED NOTICE ON THEIR WEBSITE ABOUT CLOSURE OF VFS SFO CENTRE
01-18-2021: NEW NOTICE ON VFS WEBSITE: WE HAVE RESUMED OUR OPERATIONS AT THE SAN FRANCISCO CENTRE WITH LIMITED CAPACITY.
01-21-2021: ORIGINAL PASSPORT RETURNED AND RECEIVED
01-27-2021: STATUS CHANGED TO ‘YOUR APPLICATION IS UNDER PROCESS AT THE VFS CENTRE’
01-28-2021: STATUS CHANGED TO ‘YOUR APPLICATION HAS BEEN FORWARDED TO THE EMBASSY’
02-01-2021 : STATUS ON GOVT SITE : UNDER-PROCESS
02-01-2021 : STATUS ON VFS SITE : YOUR APPLICATION HAS BEEN REACHED THE EMBASSY
Now still waiting for next status update. Do they change status once application sent to New Delhi for Printing..?
12-24-2020: APPLICATION COURIER to VFS SF
12-28-2020 : APPLICATION RECEIVED
12-30-2020 : ACKNOWLEDGEMENT EMAIL BY VFS :
[your package has been received at the VFS application Centre. Our current processing times are longer than usual. Your application will be reviewed with 48-72 business hours. You are requested to track the status of your application after 2-3 business days.]
01-06-2021 : ADDITIONAL DOCUMENT REQUEST BY VFS : Name change documentation : SUBMIT COURT ORDER FOR NAME CHANGE OR NOTARIZED NAME CHANGE FOR BOTH PARENTS
01-07-2021: REQUESTED DOCUMENT SENT BY FedEx
01-08-2021: DOCUMENT REACHED VFS SFO
01-10-2021: VFS PUBLISHED NOTICE ON THEIR WEBSITE ABOUT CLOSURE OF VFS SFO CENTRE
01-18-2021: NEW NOTICE ON VFS WEBSITE: WE HAVE RESUMED OUR OPERATIONS AT THE SAN FRANCISCO CENTRE WITH LIMITED CAPACITY.
01-21-2021: ORIGINAL PASSPORT RETURNED AND RECEIVED
01-27-2021: STATUS CHANGED TO ‘YOUR APPLICATION IS UNDER PROCESS AT THE VFS CENTRE’
01-28-2021: STATUS CHANGED TO ‘YOUR APPLICATION HAS BEEN FORWARDED TO THE EMBASSY’
02-01-2021 : STATUS ON GOVT SITE : UNDER-PROCESS
02-01-2021 : STATUS ON VFS SITE : YOUR APPLICATION HAS BEEN REACHED THE EMBASSY
Now still waiting for next status update. Do they change status once application sent to New Delhi for Printing..?
All Replies (8)
OCI renewal for Minor
We are applying for the renewal of our son’s (6 years) OCI card since he has received a new US passport. We (parents) are Indian passport holders and on H-1B and H4 visas. Can someone please share his/her recent experience with VFS on OCI renewal for minor, the documentation requirements, and answer few questions?
I know that we will have to follow the Misc. Checklist and fill out Govt. form first, upload the 2 x2 picture, signature and documents .
Documents to be uploaded (?)
1. Color photo (2 x 2)
2. Signature of minor
3. Proof of address (parents Drivers’ license/ State ID)
4. Passport (US)
5. Scanned copy of Notarized parental authorization
6. Previous OCI card (in Indian Visa section)
7. Birth certificate (?)
Documents to be sent to VFS
1. Copy and Original OCI
2. Copy of minor’s US passport
3. Photo (two)
4. Notarized parental authorization
5. Copy of Parent’s Indian passports (need to be uploaded too?)
6. Copy of parent's address proof
7. Copy of minor's (US) Birth certificate
8. Parents legal presence in USA: approved copy of I-797 ( Is this document to be uploaded also?)
9. Affidavit in lieu for originals (including the list minor’s passport, parents passport, address proof, birth certificate)
10. Check list
Questions :
1. Signature: How can we manage to have uniform signature by a minor (6 years old) on the US passport and on the different documents for OCI applications as required by the Indian Consulate?
2. Do we need to self attest (by parents or by the minor) on each documents that we send
3. Parental authorization, affidavit, and other documents: Did you handwrite (Blue or Black ink?) or type on the pdf?
4. Did anyone checked “Proof of Particular Change” box on the check list? It includes some strange questions as appearance change (over age it changes from infant to kid), change of signature (it used to be a thumb print now it will be full name); passport particular (obviously passport number changed, that why we are applying anyway).
5. Am I missing any document?
We will really appreciate your response..
I know that we will have to follow the Misc. Checklist and fill out Govt. form first, upload the 2 x2 picture, signature and documents .
Documents to be uploaded (?)
1. Color photo (2 x 2)
2. Signature of minor
3. Proof of address (parents Drivers’ license/ State ID)
4. Passport (US)
5. Scanned copy of Notarized parental authorization
6. Previous OCI card (in Indian Visa section)
7. Birth certificate (?)
Documents to be sent to VFS
1. Copy and Original OCI
2. Copy of minor’s US passport
3. Photo (two)
4. Notarized parental authorization
5. Copy of Parent’s Indian passports (need to be uploaded too?)
6. Copy of parent's address proof
7. Copy of minor's (US) Birth certificate
8. Parents legal presence in USA: approved copy of I-797 ( Is this document to be uploaded also?)
9. Affidavit in lieu for originals (including the list minor’s passport, parents passport, address proof, birth certificate)
10. Check list
Questions :
1. Signature: How can we manage to have uniform signature by a minor (6 years old) on the US passport and on the different documents for OCI applications as required by the Indian Consulate?
2. Do we need to self attest (by parents or by the minor) on each documents that we send
3. Parental authorization, affidavit, and other documents: Did you handwrite (Blue or Black ink?) or type on the pdf?
4. Did anyone checked “Proof of Particular Change” box on the check list? It includes some strange questions as appearance change (over age it changes from infant to kid), change of signature (it used to be a thumb print now it will be full name); passport particular (obviously passport number changed, that why we are applying anyway).
5. Am I missing any document?
We will really appreciate your response..
All Replies (3)
Emergency visa
Has anyone tried emergency visa? What is considered emergency? My sons oci is under process but taking long time and I have to go to India for an important medical procedure for a family. Is that possible to get emergency visa in this case ?
All Replies (6)
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