How to Schedule Your OCI Appointment in the UK | Visament
An OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card is issued by the government to individuals of Indian origin who are foreign citizens. It is a unique identity document and provides various benefits to the cardholder. It is a valuable document for people who have migrated from India or those who are married to an Indian citizen or have parents or grandparents of Indian origin.
You might have this doubt about how you can schedule your OCI appointment in the UK. Here is a step-by-step guide to follow to schedule your OCI appointment in the UK.
How to schedule an OCI appointment in the UK
Applying for an OCI card appointment involves the steps mentioned below:
1.) Fill out the application form
To start your OCI application, you will have to fill out an online form by visiting the VFS global website online. Make sure to choose the correct mission and OCI service and fill in accurate information without any errors. After filling out the form you need to take a printout of it.
You will have to upload some required documents online and also proof of the upload status to submit with the other supporting documents. Individuals are required to send the physical application form along with the supporting documents to the VFS application center.
2.) Book an appointment
After filling out the application form, you may now proceed to book an OCI appointment in London at their application centers. You will get a letter of appointment along with an appointment confirmation email after booking an appointment. You need to take these letters as hard copies on the day of your scheduled appointment.
Check out the required documents section on the website for the specific service you are applying for and make sure that your file is complete and that you have all the documents that are required.
3.) Wait for processing
Visit the nearest application center along with the application form, required documents, and the OCI application fee. They will accept your application after verifying it. It will take around 6-8 weeks for the processing of an OCI application.
When you apply for OCI card in UK you can keep checking the status of your application online through the VFS Global website by using the application reference number that is provided during the submission along with your date of birth to keep track of your status.
4.) Collect the OCI card
You will receive an email from VFS Global about your status update once your application is processed. If your application is approved you can return to the application center to collect your OCI card and British passport. You will then have an OCI card with which you can avail a lot of benefits using that card.
Conclusion
You should these step-by-step guidelines to successfully schedule an appointment and complete the OCI application. Apply without any error to get your application approved and make sure to keep track of the status of your application. You can experience various things in India with the help of an OCI card. Enjoy the benefits and convenience of this card as a lifelong Visa.
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Frequently Asked Question
Qus. What are the documents that are required to apply for an OCI card?
Ans. The documents that you need to submit with the application to get OCI Services UK are:
- Hard copy of OCI application form
- Declaration form with your signature
- Two photographs
- Copy of a valid British passport
- Employee letter or proof of last employment
- Bank statement
- Proof of Indian origin
- Relevant document to acquire British citizenship
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Qus. What are the benefits of having an OCI card?
Ans. The benefits that you will get when you apply for OCI in UK are:
- The OCI cardholder can visit India as many times as they want without applying for a visa every time.
- You don’t have to keep renewing your visa as it has a lifetime validity
- The cardholder can purchase any property in India except agricultural and plantation properties.
- They can get employment or can do self-employment without an employment visa in India.
- The OCI cardholders do not have to register at the police stations in India.
Qus. Do I have to submit my original passport to apply for an OCI card?
Ans. Yes, you have to submit your original passport initially with the application for verification. You will get your passport back after the verification process. When your status is shown as ‘processed’ you will have to resubmit your original British passport to collect your new OCI booklet.
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