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Overview of OCI Application Timeline in the UK
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Having an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is essential for people of Indian origin living in the UK. It provides several benefits, such as the ability to visit India without applying for a visa and the right to property ownership. However, the application process for an OCI card is quite lengthy, as is its timeline. It includes filling out the OCI application form, submitting the requested documents, scheduling a biometric appointment at VFS, and then waiting for the OCI card to be processed, which generally takes 5-6 weeks. This time may also vary and take longer to process, especially for a foreign spouse. Are you also applying for an OCI card and thinking about the OCI processing time in the UK? If yes, then you are at the right place. This blog covers all the information on the OCI timeline in the UK. Read on for your answers.
What to Expect at an OCI Center in the UK?
At the OCI Center in the UK, you can expect the following things:
Document Submission
After completing the OCI application form and submitting the online documents, you need to book an appointment at VFS for your biometrics and the physical submission of the application and the requested documents. Here is the list of documents that you need to carry during the physical submission of your OCI application in the UK:
- Proof of current citizenship
- OCI application form
- Birth certificate
- Proof of Indian origin
- Passport-size photographs
- Residency proof in the UK
- Passport
Biometrics
After submitting your OCI application, you need to provide your photographs and fingerprints at the biometrics centre.
Fee Payment
If you have not paid the OCI application fee during your online OCI application, you are likely to pay the fee at the VFS centre along with the VFS Global charges.
OCI Processing
Once you provide your biometrics and submit the application in person with the requested documents, wait patiently for the High Commission of India to process it. Generally, within 5-6 weeks, you get your OCI card in the UK. With this application number, you can track your OCI application and check the current OCI status online.
Collect Your Passport and OCI Card
Once your OCI application is processed further, VFS Global will inform you of your current OCI status via email. If your OCI application gets approved, you can collect your passport and OCI card from the VFS Global Application Centre.
These things are included in the application process and impact your OCI card processing time. However, the processing time for the OCI card may vary due to factors such as increased OCI application volume, individual circumstances, and the need for additional documents.
Moving ahead, let's look at the OCI application timeline across different parts of the UK.
Current OCI Application Timeline in the United Kingdom
To provide you with an idea, here is the current OCI application timeline in the different cities of the UK:
1. OCI Application Timeline in Birmingham VFS Center
The table below represents the OCI application timeline in the Birmingham VFS Center
| Date | Status / Action |
|---|---|
| 3-Dec-2025 | OCI application submitted online on the Government of India OCI portal |
| 4-Dec-2025 | Appointment booked and document checklist prepared |
| 6-Dec-2025 | Documents submitted at VFS Birmingham |
| Dec 9, 2025 | Application forwarded from VFS Birmingham to CGI Birmingham |
| Dec 10, 2025 | Application received at Consulate (Status updated on OCI portal) |
| 23 Dec 2025 | OCI application processed and OCI number assigned |
| 3 Jan 2026 | VFS email received confirming document dispatch |
| 3 Jan 2026 | OCI card dispatched |
| 6 Jan 2026 | OCI card delivered to applicant |
Case: 1
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| 5 Sep 2024 | Online application submitted |
| 7 Sep 2024 | Documents submitted |
| 09 Sep 2024 | Application acknowledged |
| 04 Nov 2024 | OCI processed and OCI number assigned |
| — | (No message from MEA dispatch) |
| 10 Nov 2024 | Message from DX delivery |
| 11 Nov 2024 | OCI card received |
Case: 2
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| 25 Oct 2024 | Online application submitted |
| 27 Oct 2024 | Documents submitted |
| 31 Oct 2024 | Application acknowledged |
| 20 Jan 2025 | OCI processed and OCI number assigned |
| 25 Jan 2025 | Message from DX delivery |
| 26 Jan 2025 | OCI card received |
Case:3
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| February 6, 2025 |
Application sent via FedEx to VFS Global UK
|
| February 7, 2025 |
Application delivered to VFS UK
|
| February 11, 2025 |
Received initial confirmation from VFS UK
|
| February 11, 2025 |
Status update: Missing Documents
|
| February 13, 2025 |
Missing documents sent
|
| February 21, 2025 |
Application processed by VFS and forwarded to the Indian High Commission / Consulate
|
| March 20, 2025 |
Government tracker updated to Processed
|
| March 24, 2025 |
OCI documents dispatched
|
| March 25, 2025 |
OCI documents received
|
Case:4
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| 09 May 2025 | Documents submitted at Birmingham VFS |
| 13 May 2025 | Application date shown online (Under Process) |
| 10 June 2025 | Status changed to "Granted" |
| 12 June 2025 | Dispatched from the Embassy |
| 17 June 2025 | Message received from DX Delivery |
| 18 June 2025 | OCI card received |
Case:5
| Date | Status / Action |
|---|---|
| 3 Feb 2026 |
OCI application submitted online on the Government of India OCI portal
|
| 4 Feb 2026 |
Appointment booked and document checklist prepared
|
| 6 Feb 2026 |
Documents submitted at VFS Birmingham
|
| 9 Feb 2026 |
Application forwarded from VFS Birmingham to CGI Birmingham
|
| 10 Feb 2026 |
Application received at Consulate
|
| 24 Feb 2026 |
OCI application processed and OCI number assigned
|
| 5 Mar 2026 |
VFS email received confirming document dispatch
|
| 5 Mar 2026 |
OCI card dispatched
|
| 8 Mar 2026 |
OCI card delivered to applicant
|
2. OCI Application Timeline in Edinburgh VFS Center
The OCI application timeline in the Edinburgh VFS Center is as follows:
Case: 1
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| 18 Jan 2025 | Online application submitted |
| 31 Jan 2025 | Documents submitted |
| 01 Feb 2025 | Application acknowledged |
| 02 Feb 2025 | Message from DX delivery about original documents return |
| 03 Feb 2025 | Original documents received |
| 24 Feb 2025 | OCI processed and OCI number assigned |
| 27 Feb 2025 | Dispatched from MEA (OCI), New Delhi |
| 03 Mar 2025 | Document received at Edinburgh |
| 03 Mar 2025 | Message from DX delivery |
| 06 Mar 2025 | OCI card received |
Case: 2
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| 3 Mar 2025 | Application submitted |
| 7 Mar 2025 | Application acknowledged |
| 10 Mar 2025 | Original documents received back |
| 05 Apr 2025 | Documents printing status updated |
| 6 Apr 2025 | Dispatched from New Delhi |
| 13 Apr 2025 | OCI card received |
Case: 3
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| 15 May 2025 |
Application submitted at VFS Hounslow
|
| 15 May 2025 |
Text from VFS: Documents dispatched to High Commission
|
| 19 May 2025 |
Date of acknowledgement
|
| 19 May 2025 |
Originals returned immediately at submission
|
| 20 May 2025 |
Documents Printing Status updated
|
| 20 May 2025 |
Dispatched from MEA (OCI) New Delhi
|
| 20 May 2025 |
Document received in London
|
| 23 May 2025 |
Passport submitted in person at VFS
|
| 26 May 2025 |
Text from VFS: Documents couriered
|
| 27 May 2025 |
Passport and OCI card/document received
|
Case: 4
| Date | Status / Action |
|---|---|
| Nov 04, 2025 |
OCI application submitted online (Government of India OCI website)
|
| Nov 06, 2025 |
Application sent to VFS Edinburgh via courier
|
| Nov 07, 2025 |
Application received by VFS Edinburgh – acknowledgement email received
|
| Dec 06, 2025 |
OCI card dispatched from MEA, New Delhi
|
| Dec 10, 2025 |
OCI card received at Indian High Commission, London
|
| Dec 11, 2025 |
Email from VFS confirming dispatch via courier
|
| Dec 12, 2025 |
OCI card and passport dispatched via courier
|
| Dec 13, 2025 | OCI card received by applicant |
Case: 5
| Date | Status / Action |
|---|---|
| Jan 05, 2026 |
OCI application submitted online through the Government of India OCI portal
|
| Jan 07, 2026 |
OCI application package sent to VFS Edinburgh via courier
|
| Jan 08, 2026 |
Application received at VFS Edinburgh Centre and acknowledgement email received
|
| Jan 12, 2026 |
Application forwarded by VFS Edinburgh to the High Commission of India, London
|
| Jan 14, 2026 |
OCI acknowledgment updated on the OCI Government portal
|
| Feb 6, 2026 |
OCI card processed and dispatched from MEA, New Delhi
|
| Feb 10, 2026 |
OCI card received at the High Commission of India, London
|
| Feb 11, 2026 |
Email received from VFS confirming dispatch through courier service
|
| Feb 12, 2026 |
OCI card and original passport dispatched to the applicant
|
| Feb 13, 2026 |
OCI card successfully received by the applicant
|
3. OCI Application Timeline in Leicester VFS Center
Here is the breakdown of the OCI application timeline in the Leicester VFS Center
Case: 1
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| 10 Sep 2024 | Online application submitted |
| 12 Sep 2024 | Documents submitted |
| 16 Sep 2024 | Application acknowledged |
| 20 Sep 2024 | Message from DX delivery about the return of the original documents return |
| 21 Sep 2024 | Original documents received |
| 15 Nov 2024 | OCI processed and OCI number assigned |
| 18 Nov 2024 | Dispatched from MEA (OCI), New Delhi |
| 22 Nov 2024 | Document received at VFS Leicester |
| 22 Nov 2024 | Message from DX delivery |
| 25 Nov 2024 | OCI card received |
Case: 2
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| 13 Jan 2025 |
Online OCI application submitted
|
| 15 Jan 2025 |
Physical documents submitted at VFS Leicester
|
| 20 Jan 2025 |
Application acknowledged by the Consulate
|
| 24 Jan 2025 |
Original documents delivered to the applicant
|
| 17 Feb 2025 |
OCI processed and OCI number assigned
|
| 19 Feb 2025 |
Dispatched from MEA (OCI), New Delhi
|
| 24 Feb 2025 |
OCI document received at VFS Leicester
|
| 24 Feb 2025 |
Message from DX regarding final delivery
|
| 25 Feb 2025 |
OCI card delivered to the applicant
|
Case: 3
| Date | Status / Action |
|---|---|
| Mar 5, 2025 | Online OCI application submitted |
| Mar 7, 2025 | Documents submitted at VFS Leicester |
| Mar 10, 2025 | VFS acknowledges receipt of the application |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
Original documents returned to applicant (if requested)
|
| Mar 25, 2025 |
Application processed and OCI number assigned
|
| Mar 28, 2025 |
OCI documents dispatched from MEA, New Delhi
|
| Apr 2, 2025 | Documents received at VFS Leicester |
| Apr 3, 2025 |
Message from courier (DX / Royal Mail) regarding delivery
|
| Apr 5, 2025 | OCI card delivered to the applicant |
Case: 4
| Date | Status / Action |
|---|---|
| Feb 03, 2026 |
OCI application submitted online (Government of India OCI website)
|
| Feb 05, 2026 |
Application sent to VFS Leicester via courier
|
| Feb 06, 2026 |
Application received at VFS Leicester
|
| Feb 9, 2026 |
Application verified and forwarded to the High Commission
|
| Feb 12, 2026 |
Application acknowledged on the OCI Government portal
|
| Mar 11, 2026 |
OCI card received at High Commission of India London
|
| Mar 12, 2026 |
Email from VFS confirming OCI card ready for dispatch
|
| Mar 13, 2026 |
OCI card and passport dispatched via courier
|
| Mar 14, 2026 |
OCI card received by applicant
|
4. OCI Application Timeline in Hounslow VFS Center
The table below represents the OCI application timeline in the Hounslow VFS Center
Case: 1
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| 03 December 2024 | Online application submitted |
| 20 December 2024 | Documents submitted |
| 23 December 2024 | Application acknowledged |
| 26 December 2024 | Original documents received |
| 13 January 2025 | Status updated to processed (OCI number assigned) |
| 15 January 2025 | Message from DX delivery |
| 16 January 2025 | OCI card received |
Case: 2
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| 18 Nov 2024 | Online application submitted |
| 20 Nov 2024 | Documents submitted |
| 21 Nov 2024 | Application acknowledged |
| 22 Nov 2024 | Message from DX delivery about original documents return |
| 23 Nov 2024 | Original documents received |
| 14 Dec 2024 | OCI processed and OCI number assigned |
| 17 Dec 2024 | Dispatched from MEA (OCI), New Delhi |
| 21 Dec 2024 | Document received at Hounslow |
| 21 Dec 2024 | Message from DX delivery |
| 24 Dec 2024 | OCI card received |
Case: 3
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| 02 December 2025 |
Online application submitted on OCI portal
|
| 18 December 2025 |
Documents submitted at VFS Hounslow Centre
|
| 22 December 2025 |
Original documents verified and received
|
| 06 January 2026 |
Application forwarded to the High Commission of India, London
|
| 23 January 2026 |
OCI card printed and received at High Commission
|
| 27 January 2026 |
OCI card received at applicant’s address
|
Cade 4:
| Date | Status / Action |
|---|---|
| 10 Jan 2026 |
Online OCI application submitted through the Government of India portal
|
| 12 Jan 2026 |
Documents submitted at VFS Global Hounslow
|
| 13 Jan 2026 |
Application acknowledged and forwarded for processing
|
| 14 Jan 2026 |
Message received from courier (DX Delivery) regarding return of original documents
|
| 15 Jan 2026 |
Original documents received by the applicant
|
| 28 Jan 2026 |
OCI application processed and OCI number assigned by authorities in India
|
| 30 Jan 2026 |
OCI card dispatched from MEA (OCI), New Delhi
|
| 03 Feb 2026 |
OCI document received at VFS Global Hounslow
|
| 03 Feb 2026 |
Message received from courier for final delivery
|
| 06 Feb 2026 |
OCI card delivered to the applicant
|
5. London Goswell VFS Center
With the table below, go through the OCI application timeline in the London Goswell VFS Center
Case: 1
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| 13 December 2024 | Document submission |
| 14 December 2024 | Acknowledgment |
| 21 December 2024 | Original documents received |
| 8 January 2025 | OCI application status updated: Document printing / Processed / OCI number displayed |
| 15 January 2025 | OCI cards received |
Case: 2
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| 09 February 2025 | Online application submitted |
| 21 March 2025 | Documents submitted |
| 22 March 2025 | Application acknowledged |
| 24 March 2025 | Original documents received |
| 14 May 2025 | Status updated to processed (OCI number assigned) |
| 17 May 2025 | OCI card received |
Case: 3
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| 06 March 2025 | Documents submitted |
| 07 March 2025 | Application acknowledged |
| 10 March 2025 | Original documents received |
| 28 March 2025 | Status updated to processed |
| 31 March 2025 | OCI card received (via DX delivery) |
6. OCI Application Timeline in Cardiff VFS Center
The following table represents the OCI application timeline in the Cardiff VFS Center
Case: 1
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| 03 Aug 2024 | Application documents submitted at VFS Cardiff |
| 07 Aug 2024 | The authorities acknowledged the application |
| 24 Aug 2024 | Original documents returned to the applicant |
| 28 Aug 2024 | OCI application processed and OCI number generated |
| 03 Sep 2024 | OCI card successfully delivered |
Case: 2
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| 9 Sep 2024 | Documents submitted |
| 13 Sep 2024 | Application acknowledged |
| 30 Sep 2024 | Original documents received |
| 04 Oct 2024 | OCI application status: Processed |
| 9 Oct 2024 | OCI card delivered |
Case: 3
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| 15 Nov 2024 | Application documents submitted at VFS Cardiff |
| 19 Nov 2024 | Application acknowledged and under initial review |
| 25 Nov 2024 | File forwarded to the Indian High Commission for processing |
| 06 Dec 2024 | Original documents returned to the applicant |
| 10 Dec 2024 | Application processed and OCI number assigned |
| 15 Dec 2024 | OCI card delivered to the applicant via courier |
Case: 4
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| 05 Mar 2025 | Documents submitted for a minor applicant |
| 09 Mar 2025 | Application acknowledged by the Consulate |
| 15 Mar 2025 | Forwarded to the Ministry for processing |
| 26 Mar 2025 | Original documents returned to parents |
| 30 Mar 2025 | Application approved and OCI number generated |
| 04 Apr 2025 | OCI card delivered via secure courier service |
Also Want to Know About Indian Passport Timeline in UK Check Now!7. OCI Application Timeline in Bradford VFS Center
Here is what the OCI application timeline in Bradford VFS Center looks like:
Case: 1
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| 28 Feb 2025 | Documents submitted at VFS Bradford (Birmingham jurisdiction) |
| 03 Mar 2025 | Acknowledgement issued by the Indian Mission |
| 8 Mar 2025 | Original documents received back |
| 12 Apr 2025 | OCI application processed, and document sent for printing |
| 19 Apr 2025 | OCI card received |
Case: 2
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| 05 Nov 2024 | Appointment booked for OCI card |
| 02 May 2025 | Appointment attended at Bradford VFS center |
| 06 May 2025 | Acknowledgement received from the Indian Mission |
| 10 May 2025 | Application under initial verification |
| 15 May 2025 | Documents sent for further processing |
| 20 May 2025 | Application status updated to ‘Processed’ |
| 27 May 2025 | OCI card printing and final processing completed |
| 03 Jun 2025 | OCI card received by the applicant |
Also Want to Know About OCI Card for Minors Check Now!Case: 3
| Date | Status/Action |
|---|---|
| 07 Jul 2025 |
OCI application slot successfully reserved
|
| 14 Jul 2025 |
The applicant visited the Bradford VFS center for document submission
|
| 17 Jul 2025 |
File registered and forwarded to the Indian Mission
|
| 25 Jul 2025 |
Supporting documents dispatched for detailed review
|
| 06 Aug 2025 |
The card moved into the printing and personalization process
|
| 11 Aug 2025 |
OCI card dispatched and delivered to the applicant
|
Connect with Visament for a Smooth OCI Application in the UK
Handling the OCI process alone is not easy, as it requires detailed attention to the application and the submission of many documents. In addition, an understanding of the OCI application timeline in the UK is required. However, why deal with this alone when you have the solution by your side? Connect with Visament and smoothly start your OCI journey. Our experts have years of experience in OCI applications. With them by your side, you get your OCI card effortlessly without facing rejection. So, contact us today and let's apply for your OCI card in the UK together.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can travel to India while your OCI application is in process, but for this, you need to apply for an appropriate Indian visa. In case you already have an OCI card and are waiting for its update, you can use it and your passport to visit India.
The OCI application based on the adverse information and the foreign spouse takes longer to process in the UK, compared to standard OCI applications. The processing time of a standard OCI application is typically 5-6 weeks. However, these applications may face delays due to the requirement for additional investigations and checks.
Yes, the OCI application of minors takes more time to process than that of adults because of the requirement for additional information. Generally, the OCI application of minors takes 30 days if there are no issues. However, it may take 120 days to process if any adverse detail is found.
The OCI renewal in the UK generally takes 5-6 weeks to process after the submission of the application. However, the given OCI card processing time may vary depending on the circumstances of the individual, the requirement of additional documents, especially for spouses of foreign countries.
No, you cannot speed up your OCI application processing time in the UK. The standard OCI application process time is typically 5-6 weeks from the application submission date. While delays may happen in the application but there is no way you can fast-track the standard OCI processing time.
Yes, police verification is required for OCI card applications, specifically for citizens of a foreign country who are applying for the OCI card. One can obtain the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or the local police in the applicant's residence place in India.
The spouse OCI application takes longer to process in the UK because of the mandatory interview conducted by the Indian Post/Mission/FRRO to verify the documents and assess the suitability of the applicant. In addition to this, on the online system, the OCI applications are acknowledged only after the determination of suitability and interview.
Yes, delays can happen even if you submitted all the OCI documents correctly. It may happen as there are other factors as well that impact the processing time, such as increased volume of OCI applications, high workload, verification process, and individual circumstances.
