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By Vipul Jain | 20 Jan, 2025
Did you know that more than a thousand Indians reside in the US as a result of Indian emigration? The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status allows them to travel to and from India. However, the process of getting an OCI card is lengthy, as is its timeline. An OCI application timeline generally includes completing the application form online, gathering all the required documents, booking a biometric appointment with an Indian consulate, and then waiting for the process, which typically takes 5–6 weeks.
If you are applying for an OCI card and wondering about the application timeline in the US, then this blog is for you. It contains all the relevant information. So, let’s begin reading it.
At the OCI center, you can expect the following things during the OCI card application process:
After filling out the OCI application form online, you need to take a printout of the form and gather all the mentioned documents, along with their photocopies, for physical submission at the VFS Global Application Center, along with the OCI application fee. The following are the documents required during the process:
After submitting the documents, you’ll need to book a biometric appointment at your nearest Indian embassy or consulate. Here, they’ll take your photo and fingerprints.
The general OCI processing time in USA for new card applications is around 5–6 weeks. However, depending on individual circumstances and the consulate, the processing time may vary. The following can assist you in understanding the OCI application timeline and the essential steps included in the process:
Well, when it comes to processing the OCI card and the passport, several factors come into play. It includes the number of business days and the time taken by the courier company to deliver the passport for the process. With this, these are the following things that you can expect at the OCI Application Center. Moving forward, let’s explore the OCI application timeline in the US through some examples.
Have questions? Our experts guide you through every step of the OCI process – no confusion, no delays.
Consult an Expert TodayLet’s get an idea of the OCI application timeline in the United States through examples:
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| Oct 12, 2024 | Application submitted online (OCI Website) |
| Oct 14, 2024 | Application sent to VFS by FedEx |
| Oct 15, 2024 | Application received by VFS (Acknowledged by Email) |
| Oct 15, 2024 | Application sent to Consulate, Atlanta (Same day) |
| Oct 16, 2024 | Application received by Consulate (Acknowledgement on OCI website) |
| Nov 06, 2024 | OCI processed and printed |
| Nov 07, 2024 | Dispatched from MEA (New Delhi) |
| Nov 12, 2024 | Document received at Consulate Atlanta |
| Nov 12, 2024 | Received an email from VFS that they received the document and dispatched it via a selected courier |
| Nov 12, 2024 | Document dispatched via FedEx |
| Nov 13, 2024 | OCI received in hand |
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| Feb 15, 2025 | OCI application submitted online via the official OCI website |
| Feb 17, 2025 | Application sent to VFS Global via FedEx |
| Feb 18, 2025 | Application received by VFS and forwarded to the Consulate in Atlanta |
| Feb 19, 2025 | Application received by the Consulate (Acknowledged on the OCI website) |
| Mar 10, 2025 | OCI processed and printed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), New Delhi |
| Mar 11, 2025 | Document dispatched from MEA; received at the Consulate on Mar 14, 2025 |
| Mar 15, 2025 | Dispatched via FedEx by VFS; OCI received in hand on Mar 17, 2025 |
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| April 15, 2024 | Sent the documents via FedEx |
| April 19, 2024 | Delivered at VFS Chicago |
| April 20, 2024 | Received an email and text from VFS stating your application has been received |
| April 22, 2024 | I received an email from VFS stating your application is now under process at the Chicago office. |
| April 22, 2024 | The status in VFS tracking indicates that your application is being verified and is currently being processed at the VFS India Consular Application Centre. |
| April 26, 2024 | The status in VFS tracking indicates that your application has been processed at VFS and is currently in transit to the Embassy for a decision. |
| April 26, 2024 | I received a text and email from VFS stating your application has been processed at VFS and is in transit to the Embassy. |
| Apr 26, 2024 | The status in VFS tracking indicates that your application has reached the Embassy/Consulate and is currently under review. |
| April 27, 2024 | Indian government website shows the Date of Acknowledgment |
| May 21, 2024 | Documents printing status-Processed, dispatched from MEA OCI New Delhi on the Indian Gov Website. |
| May 26, 2024 | Received an email and text from VFS stating your OCI application in the USA has been reviewed by the Embassy and will be dispatched via courier |
| May 26, 2024 | VFS website status update: Your application has been reviewed by the Embassy of India and will be dispatched using the courier service you selected. |
| May 26, 2024 | FedEx delivered the OCI card |
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| Sep 19, 2024 | Sent the documents via FedEx |
| Sep 22, 2024 | Application received at VFS. |
| Sep 24, 2024 | Notice sent to resubmit "Parental Authorization" with physical signatures (e-signatures or e-notary not accepted). |
| Sep 27, 2024 | Application received and under process at VFS Chicago, awaiting submission to the Mission for review. |
| Sep 28, 2024 | The application has been processed at the VFS India Consular Application Centre and is in transit to the Embassy of India/Consulate General of India for a decision. |
| Sep 29, 2024 | Acknowledgment of receipt on the OCI Government website. |
| Oct 10, 2024 | The application was reviewed by the Embassy of India/Consulate General of India and dispatched using the chosen courier service. |
| Oct 10, 2024 | Documents dispatched via return label provided or purchased by you. For the VFS courier, track through emails. |
| Oct 11, 2024 | Documents received. |
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| Oct 4, 2024 | OCI application mailed |
| Oct 5, 2024 | VFS receipt date |
| Oct 7, 2024 | Embassy/Consulate Acknowledgment date |
| Nov 30, 2024 | OCI processed date |
| Dec 8, 2024 | OCI booklet received |
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| Nov 16, 2024 | Sent the documents via FedEx |
| Nov 16, 2024 | Delivered at VFS Houston |
| Nov 18, 2024 | Notice issued that the photo didn't meet specifications; required to resend |
| Nov 19, 2024 | New photo uploaded on the OCI website; signed updated application with new photo sent to VFS via UPS, along with a copy of the email from VFS |
| Nov 24, 2024 | Documents received at VFS |
| Nov 26, 2024 | Application processed and submitted to Mission for decision |
| Nov 30, 2024 | Application status updated to "Under Process" on the OCI website |
| Dec 8th, 2024 | Status updated to "Processed" and dispatched from New Delhi |
| Dec 11th, 2024 | Application dispatched via selected courier service |
| Dec 13th, 2024 | OCI card received via FedEx |
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| Nov 8, 2024 | Application sent via FedEx to VFS India Consular Application Centre |
| Nov 9, 2024 | Application received at the VFS India Consular Application Centre |
| Nov 12, 2024 | Application status updated to "Under Process" at VFS New York, ready for submission to the consulate. |
| Nov 13, 2024 | Application in transit to the Embassy of India/Consulate General of India for decision-making |
| Dec 4, 2024 | Document processing completed, status updated to "Processed" |
| Dec 06, 2024 | Application reviewed by the Embassy of India/Consulate General of India and ready for dispatch |
| Dec 09, 2024 | Application delivered to the applicant (FedEx tracking confirms delivery) |
| Total Duration | Approx. 1 month |
| Date | Status / Action |
|---|---|
| 18 March 2025 | Application sent via FedEx |
| 19 March 2025 | Application received at VFS |
| 22 March 2025 | Application under process at VFS, New York |
| 23 March 2025 |
Application processed at VFS and in transit to the Embassy/Consulate
|
| 13 April 2025 | Documents printing status: PROCESSED |
| 15 April 2025 |
Reviewed by Embassy/Consulate; dispatched via courier
|
| 19 April 2025 | Delivered as per FedEx tracking |
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| Mar 3, 2024 | FedEx OCI application sent to VFS SFO |
| Mar 4, 2024 | FedEx delivered the OCI application to VFS SFO |
| Mar 10, 2024 | OCI application processing at VFS |
| Mar 11, 2024 | OCI application in transit to Consulate General of India, San Francisco (CGISF) |
| Mar 14, 2024 | OCI application reached CGISF |
| Mar 15, 2024 | OCI application under process at CGI |
| April 07, 2024 | OCI number generated and document printing processed |
| April 08, 2024 | OCI dispatched from MEA |
| April 13, 2024 | OCI document received at CGISF |
| April 13, 2024 | OCI card dispatched from VFS via FedEx |
| April 14, 2024 | Received OCI Card!!! |
You May Also Like to Read:- Updated Rules and Regulations for OCI Card Holders (Latest)
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| Oct 4, 2024 | OCI application mailed |
| Oct 5, 2024 | VFS receipt date |
| Oct 12, 2024 | Embassy/Consulate acknowledgment date |
| Nov 4, 2024 | OCI processed date |
| Nov 11, 2024 | OCI booklet received |
Also Want to Know About OCI Application Timeline in the UK Check Now!| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| April 29, 2024 | Sent package to VFS Seattle Centre |
| April 30, 2024 | The package reached as per FedEx tracking |
| May 7, 2024 | Confirmation that VFS received the application and is in process |
| May 9, 2024 | Application processed at VFS and forwarded to the consulate |
| June 6, 2024 | Document dispatched |
| June 07, 2024 | Document received |
Also Want to Know About Apostille US Birth & Apostille US Marriage Certificate for OCI Card Check Now!The process of applying for an OCI card is not an easy task in the US, as it requires a significant amount of paperwork and a thorough understanding of the OCI application timeline. However, having an expert like Visament makes things simple for you. We help in navigating the OCI process easily. Through our expertise in the process, we ensure that you obtain your OCI card effortlessly, without the need for multiple visits to the application center. With Visament, you are not selecting a service provider, but rather choosing a partner who understands the importance of your connection to India and works diligently to maintain it.
No, typically there is no requirement for a standard interview for an OCI card application in the USA. However, in specific cases like filling application under the category of the foreign spouse, a personal interview with the applicant and his/her partner might be important at the Indian embassy/consulate.
Yes, you can travel to India from the US while waiting for your OCI card. However, during this, you need to apply for a regular Indian visa to enter the nation. In this case, you cannot use your pending OCI application until it is approved or you get your OCI card.
Yes, an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) can buy commercial and residential property in India. However, they do not have the authority to buy plantation property like farmhouses, or agricultural land in India.
The OCI card application fee in the USA is $275 per applicant. This cost includes a $275 consular fee, a $3 Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) cost, a $15.90 VFS Global service fee, and optional fees for SMS, courier, and other services.
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