OCI Application

[ELW 5]

We're ready to send off hubby's OCI Application tomorrow and were wondering how to put it together - loose papers in a folder? Stapled? Paper-clipped, butterfly-clipped or with the two-hole ACCO fasteners we used in the USCIS applications? The Application is only about 20 pages and apparently one copy at least will go to India so what would they prefer?

[Nikita2Charles 31]

Congratulations on your hubby getting the citizenship and done with USCIS. Things are constantly changing since we last filled out for the OCI, we don't recall printing out a 20 pages application, We filled out the OCI application online but you can't submit it online, at the end, we printed the summary, basically it has all the information you have entered, signed the application and mailed it, we also added a returned envelop priority envelop for the OCI card.

The timeframe they give out for the OCI varies quite a bit, so we had to call up the San Francisco Consulate office to get an update, and there was so many changes going on around that time, because they have outsourced the visa process, and i think OCI also don't count me on that it's been awhile, but you can check on the indian consulate website.even though the OCI was processed somehow they still had it there, so it wasn't until we call them up, they mail it out to us.

Another thing that's different, back then the Renunciation of Indian Citizenship/Surrender of last held Indian Passport was not required.

The OCI actually looks like an Indian Passport with Booklets.

We have flown to India once we it, once we clear custom that was in Bangalore, had to go through a secondary custom check for the OCI it took less than 2 minutes, nothing major.

[ELW 5]

Thanks for the info! Yes it's true, things are constantly changing. Pages we sent, besides the application itself, included a cover letter, the OCI Application checklist, copy of surrender certificate, copy of Naturalization certificate, copy of green card, copies of Indian and American passports, and a copy of drivers license (required). I ended up just paper-clipping it all together, they can do with it what they want! The SF Consulate says it might take two months and no one should attempt to call before 60 days have passed. Also there is an online list of granted OCI applications. They require our original US AND Indian passports so hopefully they will send it back without us calling them about it!I guess I'll have to re-read the Indian Consulate site to see if any further action is required after we see our name on the online granted list.

[Visa Grant 78]

Except for yr 2008, u have been filing Govt.forms right from 2006 to this year..

[ELW 5]

Yes but during 2008 I was collecting forms (and even practicing filling them out) to be used in 2009!

And from 1984-2005 I was constantly filling out visa forms several times a year during my long stay in India!

Hopefully 2012 will be my first year with no govt visa/immigration forms since 1983! If the world doesn't end first...

[Visa Grant 78]

Yes but during 2008 I was collecting forms (and even practicing filling them out) to be used in 2009!

And from 1984-2005 I was constantly filling out visa forms several times a year during my long stay in India!

Hopefully 2012 will be my first year with no govt visa/immigration forms since 1983! If the world doesn't end first...

ROFL..