Hello,
I am aplying for OCI and have a few questions. Would appreciate some help.

From what i understand here is the process:

1) Fill Part A online.
2) Print whole form (2 copies), take and paste pics, gather all required documents and go to vfs (brampton in my case), make DD, pay vfs fees etc
3) VFS will submit your application to CGI - Toronto
4) Toronto will verify your application and return documents.
5) vfs will notify when application is approved and when to submit canadian passport.
6) Submit Canadian passport
7) Receive OCI sticker on passport.

Please let me know if the process i understand is wrong.

Also i have a few specific questions:

1) How much time does it take from Step 1 to Step 7.
2) Do we have to personally go to vfs to submit documents in step 2.
3) Do we have to personally go to vfs to submit passport in step 6
4) How much time between when you submit all your original documents (step 2) and when you receive it (step 4)
5) Finally i am a little confused about the documents to submit.
I understand we have to submit all originals. Do we additionally alos submit copies. Here is my checklist (i am applying alone). Let me know if i am missing anything:

Application form 2 copies
pics
275 USD DD
Canadian passport
all other indian passports
record of landing
citizenship certificate


Am i missing any documents? Do we also have to submit copies of the application or just original is ok.

Thanks for all your help so far

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Live and Let Live

Good post, i was also looking for same info as the instructions on the Web-Site is not very clear.

Document checklist is given in Toronto consulate's website http://www.cgitoronto.ca/ovrseasreg/overseasregocichecklist.htm. It is up to whether you want to go to VFS personally or not. Otherwise, you will need to send by registered post (or something with tracking) and send with prepaid envelope. You have submit 2 copies of every document in the checklist. I read on this forum that VFS charges $1 each copy if you use their on premises photocopier.

There is an old thread in the forum where dimple2001 and others have posted their timelines. I would say it would take at least 3-4 months.

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Quote:

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Originally posted by chittesh
Answers within the original text.
Mercury

4) Toronto will verify your application and return documents.
In 5-8 business days original returned, go to VFS office after checking the website for pickup.

5) vfs will notify when application is approved and when to submit canadian passport.

U check on the website. The docs goes to MEA, New Delhi.
6) Submit Canadian passport
7) Receive OCI sticker on passport.

Please let me know if the process i understand is wrong.

Also i have a few specific questions:

1) How much time does it take from Step 1 to Step 7.

Standard ans 60-90 days. Depends case by case basis. Many have received in 3-4 weeks.

2) Do we have to personally go to vfs to submit documents in step 2.

Preferable, as putting the docs in order is a challenge.

3) Do we have to personally go to vfs to submit passport in step 6
4) How much time between when you submit all your original documents (step 2) and when you receive it (step 4)
5) Finally i am a little confused about the documents to submit.
I understand we have to submit all originals. Do we additionally alos submit copies. Here is my checklist (i am applying alone). Let me know if i am missing anything:

Application form 2 copies
pics
275 USD DD
Canadian passport
all other indian passports
record of landing
citizenship certificate (not necessary) you need oath certificate.



Am i missing any documents? Do we also have to submit copies of the application or just original is ok.

Thanks for all your help so far

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Hi chittesh


Have you applied for OCI yet ??

Please let me know, i am waiting for my canadian passport

After that i will apply.

Mean while, let me know what documents you carried and your experiece at VFS

Thanks

Thanks for all your replies, I have my passport but am planning a trip to US of A during their Thanksgiving. Will submit my application after that.. if you go before me let me know your experiences..

passport arrives exactly 5 days after applying..

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Live and Let Live

My OCI timeline from last year if it helps. PIO should be the same , I guess or maybe even faster than OCI.


OCI - Toronto Recent May 9 -2012 application

Date Of Acknowledgment : 09-MAY-2012

Photo/Signature at Mission :  Scanned  On 10-MAY-2012

Registration Status at Mission : Granted on 9-JUNE-2012

Documents Printing Status : Printed on 11-JUNE-2012

Dispatched From MOIA (OCI ):NEW DELHI -DISPATCHED on 13-JUNE-2012

Documents Received at CGI TORONTO On 28-JUNE-2012

^
Went and collected them on the same day , as I was in that area . everything was OK ..the lifetime U-Visa sticker on my Canadian PP and the OCI booklet

Surprisingly the process was smooth and transparent, and within the timeline. Gotta give credit , where credit is due , India seems to be improving in this regard.

Except for the red tape like making 4 trips to get my OCI , everything else was normal.
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