- August 1, 2021
OCI online portal activated for uploading new passport, photo and details: Click to Read Procedures
By A Staff Reporter
LONDON July 30: The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) online portal has been updated with features for OCI services to be accessed online. OCI cardholder is required to upload Online a copy of the new passport and a latest photo each time a new passport is issued upto 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age. Necessary changes to upload documents in the OCI portal to facilitate the services has been done.
The uploading of these documents on the OCI portal may be done within three months of receipt of the new passport. The service will be provided on Gratis (no cost/free) basis.
In case the existing OCI card holder wishes to apply for re-issuance of OCI Card, application form, complete in all respects, along with all relevant enclosures and requisite fee may be submitted to the Indian Mission/Post/Office in whose jurisdiction the applicant is ordinarily residing irrespective of the fact whether the same Indian Mission/Post/Office has issued the original OCI documents or not.
In case the existing OCI card holder wishes to update/upload the latest information about his latest passport, Change in address/Occupation/Contact details, the OCI card holder can select the option/(s) as given below and upload the latest photograph and requisite documents. These details shall be updated into the OCI system records and an acknowledgement shall be shared with OCI card holder on his/her registered email ID. The services under these categories are gratis in nature.
To avail Miscellaneous Service, you must be an existing OCI Card Holder
In case the existing OCI card holder wishes to update/upload the latest information about his latest passport, Change in address/Occupation/Contact details, the OCI card holder can select the option/(s) as given below and upload the latest photograph and requisite documents.
These details shall be updated into the OCI system records and an acknowledgement shall be shared with OCI card holder on his/her registered email ID. The services under these categories are gratis in nature:
1. In case issuance of new Passport Details (each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age)
2. In case change in address/occupation/contact details.
These Misc services can be availed for re-issuance of OCI Card as well as updating the information time to time as mentioned in the MHA notification dated 16th April, 2021.
The re-issuance of new OCI card will be applicable for following categories:
1. In case of issuance of new passport (once a new passport is issued after completing 20 years of age.)
2. In case of change of personal particulars viz. name, father’s name, nationality etc.
3. In case of loss/damage of OCI registration certificate.
Click to visit the updated website
| NEW RELAXED RULES ON RENEWAL OF OCI (Updated on 19/7/2021) |
| Kindly refer to the following links for details:
https://ociservices.gov.in/MiscNew.pdf |
Procedure to apply for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card and for OCI Miscellaneous (Renewal) services
• APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO UPLOAD ALL THE DOCUMENTS WITH THE ONLINE APPLICATION. NO PHOTOCOPY OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS NEED TO BE SUBMITTED WITH THE APPLICATION.
APPLICANT CAN UPLOAD SINGLE OR MULTIPLE PAGE PDF IN LOW RESOLUTION IN SAME OR ANY OTHER SIMILAR CATEGORY AVAILABLE. AN APPLICATION WITHOUT ALL THE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS UPLOADED ONLINE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
• The applicant shall submit the application form online (https://ociservices.gov.in) and upload all the requisite documents, photograph and signature (in the case of minors who cannot sign, left hand thumb impression) along with the application.
• An application submitted online for more than 180 days cannot be accepted at VFS. In such case, applicants are required to refill the online application again.
• The applicant then submit duly signed application form (ensuring uploading of all supporting documents), 1 photograph, 2 pre-paid self addressed envelopes at nearest VFS centre with prior appointment only from link: https://www.hcilondon.gov.in/appointment/
• For the help of our diaspora, applications for any service can be accepted at any place, i.e., London, Birmingham and Edinburgh. So wherever you get an appointment, please go ahead and submit your application as per your convenience and choice, provided that application is registered and filled up for that particular jurisdiction/center e.g. GBRL registration is for London and will be accepted only in London, GBRB for Birmingham and GBRE for Edinburgh.
• All the Original documents except current passport need to be submitted alongwith the application. Fees will be charged by VFS (by Cash/Card) at the time of submission of application.
• After acknowledgement of application at High Commission, all the original documents submitted with application will be returned in one of the self-addressed envelope provided.
Photo Specifications: https://ociservices.gov.in/Photo-Spec-FINAL.pdf
Photo should be square shape of size not less than 51 X 51 mm (with 80% coverage of face). It should have plain light colour background (not white) without the border with front view of person’s head and shoulders showing full face in middle of the photograph. it should not be stapled and not have any signatures.
Signature – Height and width of the Signature Photo must have aspect ratio 1:3. If child below 5 years is unable to sign, then thumb impressions (left hand) with Blue/Black Ink only will have to be uploaded. Minor children who are able to sign/write their names should do so and it should be uploaded. Parents need to sign in the relevant space in the application form.
(Note: Photo submitted must be same as uploaded online with the application. Please also check if the signature printed on the OCI application are clear and of adequate size as per Sample Photo/Signatures below.)
Documents required for New/Fresh OCI
(Turnaround time: 4-6 weeks)
MANDATORY DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED ALONGWITH ALL THE NEW/FRESH OCI APPLICATIONS:-
| 1 | Current valid passport, with validity of minimum 6 months at the time of submission of application. (Upload online- Current passport category) |
| 2 | Registered Marriage Certificate (If married) or equivalent proof (Indian passport copy on which spouse name is endorsed) and current passport of spouse to endorse name of spouse in OCI card. (Upload online- Marriage Certificate Category) |
| 3 | Proof of employment with job description/Proof of own business/Student ID Card/Proof of last employment with job description. (Upload online- Employment Proof Category) |
| 4 | Address proof (Utility Bill/ Driving Licence copy or any other proof for current address.) (Upload online in similar or any available category) |
| 5 | Copy of appointment confirmation letter. |
IN ADDITION TO ABOVE DOCUMENTS, APPLICANT ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS DEPENDING UPON THE CATEGORY UNDER WHICH APPLYING FOR OCI
A. APPLYING ON OWN INDIAN ORIGIN- FORMER INDIAN PASSPORT HOLDER:
| 1 | Naturalization/Registration Certificate (Upload online) |
| 2 | Surrender/renunciation Certificate of Indian Passport. (Upload online) |
| 3 | Copy of Indian passport (1st and Last Page) (Upload online)
(i) Applicants who have obtained foreign nationality after May 2010, |
B. APPLICANT BORN IN INDIA AND NEVER HELD INDIAN PASSPORT AND TRAVELLED ON PARENTS INDIAN PASSPORT OR OWN FOREIGN PASSPORT:
| 1 | Birth Certificate clearly indicating names of parents. (Upload online- Relationship category) |
| 2 | Exit permit/stay visa issued after birth in India and Exit stamps on passport when first left India OR Notary affidavit in original from UK stating the fact and how he/she travelled to UK (Upload online- Indian visa category) |
| 3 | If born in India between 26 January, 1950 to 30 June, 1987: Birth Certificate issued by Indian Government. OR School Leaving Certificate (in original) (Matric and higher Board level Classes). |
| OR | Proof of Indian Origin of Applicant’s parents/Grand Parents/Great Grand Parents (Upload online) I. Being a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after the commencement of the Constitution i.e. 26.01.1950; or II. Being eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of commencement of the Constitution i.e. 26.01.1950; or III. Belonging to a territory that became part of India after 15th August, 1947. These could be: a. Copy of their Indian Passport; or b. Copy of the Domicile Certificate issued by the Competent Authority; or c. Copy of Nativity Certificate from the competent authority; or • OCI Card/ PIO card (first and last page) along with the supporting documents upon which the OCI/PIO card was issued. |
| Note | Recently issued birth Certificate (Post-dated birth certificates) should be duly certified by the District Magistrate/District Collector of the area, with name, stamp, seal and contact telephone numbers with area code for verification. Post-dated School Certificate/School Leaving Certificate from India should be authenticated by Director of Education/District Magistrate/District Collector of the area with name, stamp, seal and contact telephone numbers with area code for verification |
C. APPLICANT BORN OUTSIDE INDIA AND NEVER HELD INDIAN PASSPORT – APPLYING ON THE BASIS OF PARENTS/ GRAND PARENTS/GREAT GRAND PARENTS
| 1 | Birth Certificate clearly indicating names of parents (Upload online- Relationship Certificate category) |
| 2 | If applying on the basis of Grand Parents/Great Grand Parents, provide documents (Birth certificates or equivalent) to verify relationship among applicant, his/her Grand Parents/Great Grandparents. (Upload online- Relationship Certificate category) |
| 3 | Proof of Indian Origin of Applicant’s parents/Grand Parents/Great Grand Parents (Upload online) I. Being a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after the commencement of the Constitution i.e. 26.01.1950; or II. Being eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of commencement of the Constitution i.e. 26.01.1950; or III. Belonging to a territory that became part of India after 15th August, 1947. These could be: a. Copy of their Indian Passport; or b. Copy of the Domicile Certificate issued by the Competent Authority; or c. Copy of Nativity Certificate from the competent authority; or d. OCI Card/ PIO card (first and last page) along with the base papers/ documents upon which the OCI/PIO card was issued; |
D. APPLICATION IN CASE OF MINOR CHILD
| 1 | Mandatory documents and Documents mentioned in A/B/C above. |
| 2 | Current passport copy of BOTH parents (Upload online) |
| 3 | If parents are divorced: A Court order of dissolution of marriage and Child arrangement order which specifically mentions that the legal custody of the child is with the parent who is applying for the OCI card and that parent can take the child out of UK for any number of days. |
| 4 | If both the parents share joint custody of the child, a duly notarized consent letter from both the parents to apply for OCI for child OR a specific court order giving permission for issue of OCI to the child with one of the parent. (Upload online) |
| 5 | In case of Live-in, adopted child and Surrogacy, all relevant documents need to be submitted with the application. (Upload online) |
E. APPLICATION FOR OCI UNDER FOREIGN SPOUSE CATEGORY – AFTER AT LEAST 2 YEARS OF MARRIAGE- Turnaround time: 10-12 weeks
| 1 | Applicant’s own Birth Certificate confirming names of both parents. (Upload online) |
| 2 | Registered marriage certificate. (Upload online) |
| 3 | Current Passport of the spouse. (Upload online) |
| 4 | Copy of the Indian Passport/OCI/PIO (first and last pages) of Spouse. (Upload online) |
| 5 | Consent letter (duly signed and dated) from spouse to issue OCI on the basis of his/her own Indian origin duly signed/dated. (Upload online) |
| Note | Applicant applying under this category have to visit VFS centre along with his/her spouse for submitting the OCI application along with original documents and their copies. Interview in such cases will be taken over audio/video call by officer from High Commission after receipt of application. |
NEW RELAXED RULES ON RENEWAL OF OCI
Renewal is required only once when a new passport is issued after completing 20 years of age.
Old rules to renew the OCI card each time a new passport is issued and after completing 50 years of age scrapped (cancelled).
Government has permitted PIO Cardholders to enter/exit India till 31.12.2021. Kindly get your PIO card converted to OCI as soon as possible.
Refer: https://www.hcilondon.gov.in/page/pio-card/
Miscellaneous Services OCI
FOR UPDATION OF INFORMATION ONLY: In case the existing OCI card holder wishes to update/upload the latest information about his latest passport, Change in address/Occupation/Contact details, the OCI card holder can select the option/(s) as given below and upload the latest photograph and requisite documents. These details shall be
updated into the OCI system records and an acknowledgement shall be shared with OCI card holder on his/her registered email ID. The services under these categories are gratis in nature (NO FEES):-
1. In case issuance of new Passport Details (each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age).
2. In case change in address/occupation/contact details.
FOR RENEWED OCI BOOKLET WITH UPDATED INFORMATION: These Misc services can be availed for re-issuance of OCI Card as well as updating the information. The re-issuance of new OCI card will be applicable for following categories:
1. In case of issuance of new passport (once a new passport is issued after completing 20 years of age.)
2. In case of change of personal particulars viz. name, father’s name, nationality etc.
3. In case of loss/damage of OCI registration certificate.
Kindly check the links below for details.
https://ociservices.gov.in/MiscNew.pdf
https://www.hcilondon.gov.in/docs/1618897004Untitled_19042021_172708.pdf
RENEWAL OF OCI AND PIO to OCI
(Turnaround Time: 4-6 Weeks)
MANDATORY DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED ALONGWITH OCI APPLICATION:-
| 1 | Current valid passport, with validity of minimum 6 months at the time of submission of application. (Upload online- Current passport category) |
| 2 | OCI card or PIO Card (as the case may be) (First and Last Page) (Upload online). |
| 3 | Proof of employment with job description/Proof of own business/Student ID Card/Proof of last employment with job description. (Upload online- Employment Proof Category) |
| 4 | Address proof (Utility Bill/ Driving Licence copy or any other proof for current address.) (Upload online in similar or any available category) |
| 5 | Copy of appointment confirmation letter must be attached with each application. |
| 6 | Affidavit for change of Name/Appearance (if any) Original. (Upload online also). |
OTHER DOCUMENTS REQUIRED ON CASE TO CASE BASIS:-
• For applications of Minor children: Current passport copies of both parents (Upload online).
• For married applicants: Registered Marriage Certificate or equivalent proof (Indian passport copy on which spouse name is endorsed) AND current passport copy of spouse to endorse name of spouse in OCI card if not already endorsed in OCI card. (Upload online)
• Foreign Spouse Category OCI Cardholders: Consent letter from spouse if PIO/OCI was obtained on the basis of Indian Origin Spouse AND his/her current passport copy to verify signatures (Upload Online)
• For divorced applicants: Copy of Divorce order issued by relevant court (Upload online).
• Lost OCI Card: A copy of police report/crime reference number/Home Office letter is required along with the application with a declaration from the applicant stating the circumstance in which the documents were lost. (Upload online)
Note: In case the old passport bearing U-Visa sticker is lost or not available, it is not mandatory to provide its copy. The application will be charged as normal Miscellaneous application and not under Lost case category.
• If the parents are divorced (Application for Minor) : Court order of dissolution of marriage and Child arrangement order which specifically mentions that the full legal custody of the child is with the parent who is applying for the OCI card and that parent can take the child out of UK for any number of days.. If both the parents share joint custody of the child, duly notarized letter from both the parents giving their consent to apply for OCI for child or a specific court order giving permission for issue of OCI to the child with one of the parent. (Upload online)
Common Mistakes which may result in rejection/delay
1. Uploaded Photo/Signatures are not as per specifications.
2. All the supporting documents are not uploaded online.
3. Passport Number/Date of issue of passport is incorrect.
4. Name/place of birth/Date of birth is incorrect.
5. Full names of parents/Spouse are not mentioned.
6. Marital status/Spouse name not mentioned.
7. Part –B of application not signed/Part-B (Minor Child) is not signed by any one of the parent.
USEFUL TIPS TO MAKE FORM FILLING EASY AND AVOID MISTAKES
1. Please ensure you have all the supporting documents in pdf each less than 1MB of size and Photo/Signatures in JPEG format as per specifications before starting online form filling.
2. Fill all the details in the application very carefully and exactly as per documents. Please ensure that all the details like full names, date of birth, place of birth are exactly as per current passport.
3. Scan documents in pdf with low dpi (100-200 dpi) to reduce file size. Various mobile phone apps can also be used to create multiple page pdf of documents easily.
4. Photo/signatures can be easily resized to requisite specifications/size by using photo editing option in mobile phones/Paint brush software in computers.
5. Upload all the supporting documents under their correct category/equivalent category. (e.g. OCI card can be uploaded under Indian Visa category and birth certificate can be uploaded under Relationship category). If applicant are unable to find suitable category to upload the document, please upload all the remaining documents (including any legal document) under current passport category along with current Passport or in Indian visa/origin category along with OCI card first and last page or in any available category as a multiple page pdf with 100-200 dpi resolution.
MOST IMPORTANT IS TO UPLOAD ALL THE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
6. Kindly check all the details of the OCI application once printed. In case photo/signature and documents are not uploaded properly, these can be done easily by selecting appropriate option (Re-upload image/upload/re-upload documents) available on the website.
Please note that the file reference number required to re-upload photo/signature/documents is written vertically on left side and also below the bar code at the bottom of first page of application from submitted online.
7. In case any information is wrong, please refill the form again.
8. In case of any doubt on eligibility, kindly contact: E-mail: inf.london@mea.gov.in/ info.london@hcilondon.in Telephone No. : 00-44 (0) 20 8629 5950
Important links regarding OCI
HCI Link Q &A
https://www.hcilondon.gov.in/page/oci-card/
https://www.hcilondon.gov.in/page/pio-card/
Q & A on OCI
https://mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/9OCIcardholder_Miscservices_FAQs_15112019.pdf
https://mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/3OCIcardholder_FAQ s_15112019.pdf
Current OCI rules
https://mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/2OCIcardholder_Broc hure_15112019.pdf
Benefits of OCI
https://mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/1OCIcardholder_Introduction_15112019.pdf
Recent Circulars on OCI
https://www.hcilondon.gov.in/page/recent-circulars-on-oci/
Relaxation on renewal of OCI till 31.12.2021
https://www.hcilondon.gov.in/docs/16171792861.pdf
New Guidelines on Renewal of OCI
https://ociservices.gov.in/MiscNew.pdf
OCI Website for New OCI, renewal, PIO to OCI
https://www.hcilondon.gov.in/docs/1618897004Untitled_19042021_172708.pdf
Track status of OCI application
https://ociservices.gov.in/statusEnqury
India Govt Gazette Notification
https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/Notification_19032021.pdf
Photo Specifications
https://ociservices.gov.in/Photo-Spec-FINAL.pdf
VFS Appointment
https://www.hcilondon.gov.in/appointment/
Check your Jurisdiction
https://www.vfsglobal.com/india/uk/Jurisdiction.html
For the help of our Diaspora, applications for any service can be accepted at any place, i.e., London, Birmingham and Edinburgh. Applicants can submit their application irrespective of their jurisdiction as per his/her convenience and choice, provided that application is registered and filled up for that particular jurisdiction/ center e.g. GBRL registration is for London and will be accepted only in London and similarly GBRB is for Birmingham and GBRE for Edinburgh.