1. Do I have to fill all columns when filling up the application online?
- Yes. It is mandatory that no column is left unanswered.
2. Are laminated documents accepted for submission?
3. Are 'Empire of India' Passports issued by the British authorities in India prior to Indian Independence accepted as a proof of Indian Origin?
- No, if they state the National Status of the holder as British subject by birth.
- Yes, if they state the National Status of the holder as person of British Protectorate, originally a citizen of a place in India.
4. Can I submit my OCI application through an agent?
- No. For security reasons, OCI applications are accepted at the Counter from the applicants only and not through third party.
- Those who cannot come may send applications by post along with self-addressed envelope for sending back documents if required.
- Passport submitted through agents would be confiscated.
5. Is there an emergency service for OCI?
- No. If you are travelling in the near future and have an emergency, please apply for visa.
6. I am an OCI holder. What documents should I carry while travelling to India?
- OCI holders should carry the OCI booklet.
- If the Passport has expired, there is no need to transfer 'LIFE LONG' Visa to the new Passport, but the new Passport must be carried.
- Applicants are welcome to apply for transfer, but it will take the same 5-6 weeks as in the case of fresh applications.
7. The status of my OCI document in the online status enquiry is 'Granted' but has not been printed even after a week. What is the problem?
- This means that the photograph uploaded could not be printed in Delhi.
- To rectify this, please take a copy of the status report and paste a fresh photograph (51x51mm with 80% coverage of face) on the left hand below the status report copy & sign (thumb impression in case of infants) on the right hand side opposite to the photo.
- Submit it at the token counter of High Commission. This will be scanned and uploaded again.
- This process is likely to take a further period of up to two weeks and the progress can be watched through status enquiry.
8. Facing problems relating to access to online registration for fresh application or transfer through miscellaneous registration. What should I do?
- Please read all instructions contained in the Ministry of Home Affairs Website: http://passport.gov.in/oci/ with special attention to items: BROCHURE, F.A.Q. & F.A.Q. OCI MISCELLANEOUS, etc, therein.
- If problems persist, please contact Dr. B. N. Shetty by email (shettybn@nic.in) to sort out problems faced.
- The High Commission is an end-user like any other applicant and cannot assist in this regard.
9. Can OCI applications be made in India?
- Yes. Any applicant wishing to apply in India may see details at Item no.6 at the Ministry of Home Affairs website http://passport.gov.in/oci/.
10. Status Report: How can I track my OCI application?
- Applicants are expected to track the progress of the OCI application at http://passport.gov.in/oci/ after 3-4 weeks of submission of application.
- To check the online status, you have to mention your passport number along with Online Registration number or Reference / Acknowledgement number.
