Applying for the OCI at the SFO consulate

Instructions for the OCI application process is somewhat confusing. I didn't find all the relavant in one place on any website. So, I thought that I will post the information that I have gathered. Hope it helps. Would love to hear your comments.


Documents to mail in the OCI application packet:

1. Two copies of Part A and Part B of the application form
   a. All documents should be submitted in two individual sets for all the applicants. Each set should comprise of Part A, Part B and supporting documents.
   b. Signature- The signature of the applicant should be WITHIN AND IN THE CENTER of the Signature box of Part A of the OCI Application form. For children who cannot sign or write their name, left hand THUMB IMPRESSION must be put within the signature box. Make sure it is a DARK PRINT. Parents should not sign for children in the signature box.
2. Two - (2" X 2") - size photographs
3. Current US/ foreign Passport in original
   a. In order to save dispatch time of US/foreign passport and OCI card, the applicants are requested to mail their passports in original along with OCI application. However, if the applicant is traveling or has any plan to travel while OCI application is in process, i.e. within 30 business days, kindly do not send US/foreign passport in original. Mail your US passport once the file number appears on http://www.cgisf.org/oc/granted_oci.html
   
4. Two self-attested photocopies of the first (second?) and last pages of the current US/ foreign passport for determining present citizenship of applicant (s).
   a. * Self attestation means- signing the photocopy of the required documents stating as "true copy of the original". In case of minors, documents should be attested by either of the parent.
5. Two photocopies of the birth certificate of US/foreign born children. This should be attested by either of the parent.
6. Last Indian Passport held in original (this needs to be sent with the application forms).
7. Two self-attested photocopies of the first two and last two pages of the Indian passport.
8. PIO card in Original and self- attested copy of PIO card, if applicable.
   a. The original PIO card be sent later, if needed.
9. A Self Addressed Stamped USPS Express Mail Envelop for Returning Documents.
   a. Please record with you the USPS tracking number for tracking documents when mailed by the Consulate.
10. Postal money order of $ 275 (two hundred and seventy five only) per applicant
    a. It should be payable to “Consulate General of India, San Francisco”
    b. One Postal money order for entire amount is sufficient
    c. Cash, Personal Cheques, credit cards or any other form of banking instruments are not accepted.
    d. A PIO card holder applying for OCI status will pay a fee of US$ 145/- by postal money order.

Mail the above documents to…· OCI Cell, Consulate General of India, 540 Arguello Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94118

Organizing the application packet:

• Always remember, 2 sets of application forms, signed/thumbprinted in original – for each applicant. And 2 sets of supporting documents - one for each application form. 
• For the documents to enclose, treat as if every family member was applying separately. This suggestion is for enclosures only, the application forms still remain only 2 sets for each applicant.
• Since each family member gets their own registration number when you register online, verification of documents in Delhi for each family member could potentially be done by different people.
• Therefore separate out the docs into separate sets, one "COMPLETE SET of enclosures" for each family member. e.g., for your kids, put another photocopy of your foreign and Indian passport in his/her set of enclosures also, since their requirements need proof of parents being eligible for OCI.
• Use a lot of paper clips

Tracking progress of your application

• Track progress of you application at http://ociindia.nic.in/ociindia/OnlineOCIenquiry.jsp
• Note that it take about 6-8 days for the consulate to acknowledge the application (after it's delivered)

Useful links for preparing the OCI application· http://www.cgisf.org/oc/oci_process.html#reservations
· http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=227390
· http://www.immihelp.com/nri/overseascitizenshipindia/oci-documents.html