OCI & Overseas Citizenship

Mistakes to Avoid While Filing an OCI Card

autohr img By Vipul Jain | 03 Nov, 2025

Mistakes to Avoid While Filing an OCI Card

As you know, it is not cheap to apply for the OCI card, and the fees for the online OCI application are non-refundable. The errors/mistakes in form filling can lead to delay or even rejection. So, to avoid all this chaos, it is very important to know about these errors beforehand so that you don't make them. 

In this guide, we will discuss these common errors that applicants make while filling out their application for the OCI card and how you can avoid them. 

Key Takeaways

  • Mistakes in the OCI application can lead to rejection or delay.
  • Upload all the correct documents, properly scanned.
  • The photo should be recent and have a clear view of the face.
  • The information should match the documentation. 
  • Apply at the official VFS Global website. 

Common OCI Card Application Mistakes

Some of the common OCI card application mistakes are given below:

1. Uploaded Bad-quality Photos and Signature

It is a part of the OCI application process that you have to upload your photograph and signature. They will be printed on your OCI card. Many applications get rejected because of the bad quality of the photo and signature you have uploaded.

There can be printing issues because of the deviation from the required specifications, and your application may be rejected. You can also refer to the specification guidelines for the photo provided by the International Standards Organization ISO and ICAO. 

The photo file that you upload while applying for the OCI card should be in JPG format. The orientation of the photo should be vertical, and the orientation of the signature should be horizontal. Also, the photo you upload online and the photo you affix on the form should be identical.

2. Applied at the Wrong Place 

The only authorized service provider for the Indian Embassy and its Consulates is VFS Global. You should only apply through the links mentioned on the VFS Global website. The applicants have to submit the application form according to the relevant visa center. Regardless of the jurisdictions, the applicants can submit the application as per their choice.

To begin your OCI card application, you should not directly visit the Indian government's online website. You will be guided to the correct website through links by VFS Global at the appropriate steps. Consulates/Embassies do not take direct applications from applicants by walk-in or post/mail. You need to make the prior bookings at the visa center after preparing your application. 

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3. Provided Incorrect/Mismatched Information

When the applicant fills out the visa application form, then he/she should take care they include all the required information. It should be filled in the indicated format, and the information should match your documents. 

If you fill out the incorrect details on your online OCI application form or make spelling mistakes, then it can lead to rejection. Write the passport number and date of birth, the same as in your passport

One of the common errors is that people often write inconsistent information in their applications, which does not match their official documents or identity proof. 

The information in your documentation and OCI application should be identical. You cannot make any corrections or edits in the application by visiting the visa centers. Your rejected application will be sent back to you, and you have to redo the entire process. 

4. Not Applied on Time

There is a rule that you have to submit your OCI application within 90 days of filling out the online form. If you try to submit your application after that, then it will not be accepted, and the fees that you paid will not be refunded. 

5. Left Some Supporting Documents

Your OCI card application will not be accepted by the officials if you submit it without uploading all the required documents. You should check out the list of documents provided by the VFS Global and upload all of them. The documents should be clearly scanned. 

When you print your application form, ensure that you don't leave anything. Every page of the application form should be printed clearly. Print them on single-sided paper, as the double-sided ones can cause delay or refusal. 

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How Can Visament Help?

The application form for the OCI card is not that simple to fill out. There are many potential mistakes one can make, and their applications can get rejected. If you want to avoid all these complications, then you can use the expert assistance from Visament. Our experts have 30+ years of experience, and they can fill out your application forms without any mistakes.

With Visament, the application process seems to be quite easy. You will also get 24/7 Customer service, and there will be no need to visit any Embassy physically. We also provide fast approvals with our expertise. 

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have provided some false information or material information in the application, and the government found out, then your OCI will be canceled by an order. You might also be blacklisted for further entry in India.

The photo for the OCI application should be recent and taken within the past six months.

The Refugees/Stateless individuals of any country are not eligible to apply for the OCI card, and they cannot register themselves as OCI cardholders on a spouse basis.

You can check the status of your OCI application by visiting the official website for OCI services and clicking on "Status Inquiry" or "Check Status".

You should have a neutral expression during the photo session for the OCI application. There should not be any smiling or frowning, and your mouth should be closed.

The photo should be taken in a colored attire, and there should not be any patterns or textures. There should not be any distracting shadows on the background or face.

Yes, you should update the details of your OCI card if you have a new passport by using the OCI miscellaneous services.

The photograph for the OCI should be in color, and the size of the photo should be 2x2 inches. The tone quality of the photo should be continuous, and the photo print should be clear. It should have a full and front view of your face, and your eyes should be wide open.

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