The Application process for Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) for those minors who are born in the United States consists of many procedural steps, as it can lead to delays and confusion. Many Indian parents who apply for an OCI card for their US-born child encounter unexpected requests for additional documents, or they face rejection due to minor mistakes in their application.
Understanding the application process, common issues, and their solutions can help in streamlining the OCI application process, and it can also help you to avoid costly mistakes. This guide covers all the processes mentioned above and will significantly help you obtain OCI cards for your U.S.-born minors.
In this section, the step-by-step process for the OCI card for US-born Minors is mentioned. Here are the steps:
There have been some updates made to the OCI application process; that is, if the applicant is born outside India, then it is necessary to apostille the birth certificate.
After you have sent the important documents to get apostilled, you can complete the application process by uploading the minor's photo and signature on the website with the specific requirements.
After that, you need to fill out a form that is related to the OCI applications of other family members. You need to upload the documents after this step.
NOTE:
After this, upload all required documents online on the VFS Global website. You also need to send the physical copies of such documents along with the application.
The required documents list for the US-born minor OCI application includes address proof, current passport, legal status of parents, Indian origin proof, marriage certificate, parental authorization, and relationship certificate.
You can also reupload a document by simply entering the reference number of the file and clicking on "OCI Document Upload/Reupload".
You are required to notarize some specific documents. Here is the list:
As the OCI services are managed by VFS, you need to make an account on VFS and add your application by putting the file reference number. After paying the fees, you will receive a confirmation letter and a fee receipt via email. Print the receipt, as it is also required to be sent with the application.
Now, gather all the important documents and the application form and send them to the application center by using the courier services of VFS.
Now, wait for the verification process, and then you will receive your OCI card in 8-12 weeks. You can also track the status of your application on the online OCI services portal by using the reference number of your application.
Also Want to Know About OCI Application Rejection Reasons and Tips Check Now!Here is the list of all the documents that are required for the application process. You can use it as a checklist:
| ITEM | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| OCI Application form | You can fill it out on the government website online and then print it |
| Photo | You need to affix a physical photo to the printed form |
| Fingerprint | A physical fingerprint of the baby is required on the printed application form. |
| Parental authorization letter | Notarized |
| Copy of US passport | Self-attested |
| Copies of the birth certificate and the apostille | Both self-attested |
| Copies of the Indian passports of the parents | Self-attested |
| Copies of OCI cards of parents | Self-attested |
| Name change document | If applicable |
| Copy of marriage certificate (and apostille if applicable) | Self-attested |
| Proof of native address for non-US nationals living in the USA | If applicable |
| Copies of the US passports of the parents | Self-attested |
| Copies of the naturalization certificates of the parents | Self-attested |
| Proof of the legal status of parents in the USA | If holding a non-USA passport |
| Address proof (e.g., Driving License) | Self-attested |
| Notarized undertaking mentioning that the minor resides at the same address as the parents | Notarized |
| Copy of Indian visa | If applicable |
| Affidavit instead of originals | Notarized |
| Undertaking by the applicant | Signed |
| Consent Letter | Signed |
| Fee receipt and application confirmation letter | As per the process |
During the OCI application, when you are asked for clear address proof by the processing centers, you need to submit high-resolution, legible scanned documents where all the texts are clearly visible and readable. Here are the common issues:
You need to provide the color scans of your utility bills, US driving license, lease agreements, or bank statements. Some of the applicants also provide their Indian documents, such as Aadhaar cards or passport copies, for their current address. You should consider providing a notarized undertaking mentioning that your child stays with you.
Also Want to Know About OCI Card for Adopted Children Check Now!For the process of self-attestation, if the age of the child is old enough to sign, then they must sign the documents themselves. If the minor cannot sign the documents yet, then their thumbprints are used on the documents to complete the process.
The parents are not allowed to sign the documents on behalf of their child; it is a specific requirement for the OCI process. However, parents are required to sign and attest to some forms, like the parental authorization and main application forms, in the designated sections.
It is very common to get requests for some additional documents during the OCI application process, and it can generally add up to 4-8 weeks to your timeline. Generally, the overall process takes 8-12 weeks starting from the submission, but for applications that require additional documents, this timeline can extend to 16-20 weeks.
The processing time can be different according to the volume of applications, document completion, and how quickly the applicant responds to the additional requests for documents.
Also Want to Know About OCI Card Application for Minor Check Now!Only the minor has to self-attest their document copies (by signing or thumb printing). The parents are not allowed to attest to document copies on behalf of their children for the minor OCI applications. However, the parents must sign these specific forms:
This process is very different from many other applications, where the parents can attest to the documents on behalf of minors.
Providing an undertaking of address can strengthen your OCI application. It is basically a notarized declaration that your child lives with you at your current address. Here are the documents that you can provide for address proof:
You should ensure that all address documents have the same current residential address and are clearly legible.
Also Want to Know About OCI Card Renewal Services - A Complete Guide Check Now!While scanning the apostille documents, you need to scan both the original document and the separate apostille pages.
You need to do proactive preparation and pay attention to detail for potential issues to sucessfully applying for the OCI application process. By understanding all the issues and common problems, such as address proof specifications, apostille requirements, and proper document scanning techniques, you can reduce the risk of delays and rejections.
You should stay organized, follow the key guidelines accurately, and seek clarification from VFS Global if you are not sure about the requirements. Take assistance from the experts for a precise OCI application process and smooth approval. Visit Visament, as we have a team of experts on our platform with years of experience who can help you obtain an OCI card for your U.S.-born minors.
It generally takes around 5-8 weeks to obtain an OCI card for a newborn baby after you submit the application at the VFS Global center. The process of verification takes around 35-40 working days.
The left-hand thumb impression is required for a baby girl's OCI application. This rule is only applicable to those minors who are unable to sign (usually less than 5 years of age).
No, newborns cannot travel internationally to India without their own passports and valid visas. Every individual needs to have a passport to travel internationally, regardless of their age.
If a baby is born in the USA to tourist parents, then that baby will automatically gain US citizenship, no natter the nationality or legal status of their parents.
No, the parents cannot directly stay in the USA just on the basis that their child was born in the USA and is a citizen. For the U.S.-born child, the parents are not provided with any immediate immigration benefits. They can only be sponsored for a green card by their child after he/she turns 21.
It totally depends on the rules and laws of a country whether babies get automatic citizenship or not. For example, most countries in the Americas, such as the US and Canada, provide automatic citizenship to babies born on their soil, while most of Asia, Europe, and Africa do not provide it unless one of the parents is a citizen.
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