Is Original Passport Required for OCI Card Application?

Many of the individuals who are not familiar with the OCI application process tend to make a few mistakes unknowingly. They have to pay for such mistakes later on. One of these mistakes is that they submit their original passports for the OCI applications. This can cause so much chaos in their travel plans.

In this blog, we have explained the reasons why you shouldn't send your original passport for the OCI applications and what its potential risks are. We have also explained the application process for OCI cards and the supporting documents that are required for it. 

Why You Should Avoid Sending Your Original Passport to VFS?

It may seem normal to send out the original passport for your OCI application, but there are several risks and drawbacks attached to it. Here are a few of the reasons why you should avoid doing it:

1. Risk of losing: If you mail your passport to the VFS Global for the OCI applications, then there are chances of losing it or it being damaged. Your passport can even get misplaced during the process, which can cause disruptions in your travel plans, and you have to go through the lengthy replacement process. 
2. Delaying Travel Plans: If you submit your original passport, then there is a chance that it can be with the authorities for several weeks. This means that you won't be able to travel internationally until you receive it back. It is necessary to keep your original passport with you for urgent travel needs. 
3. Complexity of the Replacement process: It is quite difficult to trace or replace the passport when it is handed to another agency. For replacement, you have to go through all the embassy formalities and provide an explanation in detail. This whole process can lead to delays for future visa applications.
4. Security Risk: There is sensitive personal information present on your passport. Sending it can increase the risk of misuse, identity theft, etc. Someone can get unauthorized access to your personal data and misuse it.
5. Modern Process doesn't need it: The modern process for applying for an OCI card via VFS Global doesn't require the original passport. You just have to submit the self-attested copies of the passport pages. You need to show your original passport during the in-person verification. 

Documents You Need to Submit

Here is the list of the OCI documents that you need to submit while applying for the OCI card:

• A self-attested copy of your foreign/current passport.
• A self-attested copy of the Indian passport of parents or grandparents.
• Renunciation certificate of the Indian passport.
• A birth certificate to prove your relationship with an Indian citizen.
• Recently clicked passport-sized photographs.
• Proof of current residency.
• Proof of Employment.
• Naturalization Certificate 

Simplified OCI Application Process

The OCI application process is given below in this section. Follow the steps, and you will be able to fill out the OCI application:

• Online Application Form: First of all, you need to fill out the OCI application form online on the official OCI services portal. Write down all the mandatory columns and provide the information. 
• Supporting Documents: After filling out the application, you need to submit all the required documents. They will be mentioned on the website. Upload them carefully and ensure that nothing is left.
• Pay the required fees: This is the main step to complete the whole OCI application process. You need to pay the required amount of OCI application fees and submit the application. 
• Visit the Office: After applying, schedule an appointment at the VFS Global Center and visit with your printed application form and original documents for verification. If you are not able to visit the office by yourself, then you can also mail it to them.

Tips for Submitting the OCI Applications 

1. Submit the self-attested copy: You can submit the self-attested copies of the front and last page of your passport in place of the original passport.
2. Keep the original passport with you: You should keep your passport along with you while visiting VFS Global for document verification. Show it to them instead of mailing it.
3. Follow the latest guidelines by VFS: You should always check the official VFS website, as the OCI application instructions keep updating. 
4. Don't post original documents: You should never send your original passport for the OCI application, as it can be lost or misplaced. You will have to face delays in your travel plans due to this. 
5. If necessary, use certified copies: If you get a request from VFS or the Indian Mission, then you should send the notarized or certified passport copies, and not the original ones. 
6. Keep printed copies of documents: You should keep a physical and digital backup of all the documents required for the OCI applications.
7. Track the status of the application online: After applying, you should regularly check the status of your OCI application on the official OCI services portal. 
8. Consult a trusted service provider: If you are not confident about the document requirements, then you should choose professional help by applying through the OCI service providers, like Visament.

Why Choose Expert Assistance with Visament?

The process of filling out the OCI application can be a bit complicated as it involves many steps. There are many chances of getting your application rejected or delayed. There should be no errors if you want to get your OCI card on your first go. You must know the whole process before applying, or you should seek expert guidance on this.

The experts are professional, and they have in-depth knowledge about all of this. They can guide you properly and apply for your OCI application on your behalf. For such services, the best platform is Visament. Visit the website and choose the service you want to avail. The experts will guide you through it all.