Top Reasons Why OCI Application Is On Hold

If you are applying for an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card, it looks like a simple application process. However, many applicants face an application-on-hold problem due to incorrect information or missing documents. 

Due to these NRIs, or foreign nationals of Indian origin, face a lot of issues while applying for an OCI application through the Indian consulate of VFS.

In this blog, we will see the top reasons for OCI application put on hold, and how to avoid your OCI application from being put on hold. 

1. Missing Parent's Signature 

This is the most common error in the OCI application for minors: omitting the parents' signatures on the OCI application form.

According to the OCI guidelines:

• Both parents must have their signatures on the declaration form.
• The signature should match the documents, such as the parents' passports.

2. Birth Certificate without Apostille

Applicants who apply for the OCI application outside India and submit a birth certificate that is not apostilled will have their application put on hold.

• Applicants with no apostilled birth certificate are not accepted.
• Make sure you have apostilled from the correct authority.

3. No Signature of Parents on the OCI Undertaking Form

Most of the applicants' parents forgot to sign the undertaking form for the minor OCI application. It results in the OCI application being on hold. 

Make sure that:

• Both parents have signed the parents' undertaking form.
• Signature should match the supporting documents.

4. Apostilled Marriage Certificate Missing

For the OCI application based on the spouse, you need to provide a valid, apostilled marriage certificate. However, if you failed to do so, then your application will be put on hold.

• If you are applying for an OCI application abroad, then you need to submit an apostilled marriage certificate.

5. Wrong VFS Address

Most of the applicants made a simple mistake by selecting the wrong VFS mailing address. This results in their OCI application being put on hold.

• So make sure you choose the right jurisdiction for your OCI application.
• Double-check your application address before submitting it.

6. Not Submitting Notarised Documents

Some applicants also face their application being put on hold due to not submitting the notarised documents that they sent to the VFS.

• Make sure all your documents are properly notarised and legally valid.

7. Submitting Mismatch Photos

If you provide a mismatched photo for your OCI application, then your application can be put on hold.

To avoid this, you must submit:

• A clear photo with the approximate size and ratio defined in the OCI photo specifications.
• Avoid submitting blurry or low-quality photos.

8. No Parent's Signature on Passport

If there is a parent's signature on the passport for a minor's OCI application, your application will be put on hold.

• This can lead you to flag your OCI application, which can provide issues in future applications.
• You may need to again re-submit your OCI application.

9. No Birth Certificate of Parents

Applicants who forget to upload their parents' birth certificates, which are essential proof of Indian origin, will have their applications put on hold.

• It is important to provide parents' birth certificates as proof of Indian origin.
• Failing to provide the parents' birth certificates will delay the processing of your OCI application.

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10. Missing Name of the Spouse in the Passport

The applicant's name should be listed on the spouse's passport. If it is not, your OCI application may be rejected or put on hold.

• The applicant's name must appear on the spouse's passport.
• If you don't have your spouse's name on the passport, then you need to provide an additional document.

11. Incomplete Application Form 

Many applicant like NRIs, Foreign national submit their OCI application, filing it completely. This later led to the OCI application being put on hold or returned to the applicant for correction.

• Always provide all the complete information in the OCI application.
• Check for spelling mistakes, passport details, and missing errors.

12. Expired or Blurred Passport Copy

If you provide any passport that has expired, or a copy of a passport that is not in the correct format, or a blurred image. Then your OCI application will be put on hold.

• Submitting blurry passport images can result in a hold or even rejection of the OCI application.
• Do not provide an expired passport for the OCI application.

13. Wrong Format or Size of Documents

Submitting documents in the incorrect or wrong format can lead to your application being held.

• Submitting an incorrect file format, such as PDF or JPEG, may cause issues.
• Documents are not being submitted in accordance with the OCI guidelines.

14. Improper Signature or Thumb

If you submit an improper signature or thumbprint, your OCI application may be put on hold, and you will need to resubmit your application. 

• You need to do a correct signature and submit your thumbprint for OCI application verification. 
• Your signature should match the supporting documents. 

15. Proof of Indian Origin Missing

An applicant who failed to provide proof of Indian origin, resulting in rejection or a hold on

their OCI application. 

For the proof of Indian origin, you can submit: 

• Your old Indian passport. 
• Domicile certificate. 

16. Mismatched Name in Documents 

If you provide documents with mismatched information, then your application will be put on hold. 

You need to provide: 

• Correct documents with the same name in every document, such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, and passport. 
• Check all document names to avoid issues with your OCI application. 

17. Surrender Certificate Missing

If you have held an Indian passport previously, and fail to provide the surrender certificate can lead to your OCI application being put on hold or rejected. 

• A Surrender passport is mandatory for the OCI application. 
• If you failed to provide your surrender certificate, then your OCI application will be delayed, rejected, or put on hold. 

18. Wrong Documents for Minor OCI 

Submitting wrong or fake documents for your minor OCI application can result in your OCI application being put on hold. 

• You need to provide valid passports for the minor's parents. 
• Provide a consent letter for your parents' OCI application. 

19. Jurisdiction Issues 

Applying for an OCI at the wrong consulate, jurisdiction, or VFS results in an OCI application being on hold. 

• Submitting your application at the wrong application centre leads to your OCI being put on hold. 

20. Pending Document Verification

Due to submitting wrong information in the OCI application, your verification of documents might be delayed, which could cause the OCI application to be put on hold. 

Methods to Avoid OCI Application Delays 

Here are some points below on what to do after OCI goes on hold, or how to avoid getting your application put on hold.

• You need to double-check your application before submitting it. 
• Check the signature on all documents and ensure it matches the signatures on your supporting documents. 
• Select the correct VFS application center ot Jurisdiction for your OCI application. 
• Make sure all your documents are notarised and apostilled before submitting. 
• You need to upload a passport-size photo with a plain white background. 

Conclusion

An OCI application can be put on hold for many reasons, which can affect processing time. To overcome this, you need to provide all the correct information in the OCI application, along with the required documentation. 

For more assistance, you can turn to the Visament website, which provides highly skilled agents to help you at every step of the application process. With the help of Visament, you will have a smooth, easy application process without delays or rejections. Additionally, you can contact our Visament website, where our agents will provide you with all the information related to the OCI application.