OCI Miscellaneous Services In the UK

Are you an OCI cardholder residing in the UK? Having your OCI updated is important so you can continue traveling without interruption. It will also help you enjoy your residency rights. In this blog, we will learn about OCI Miscellaneous Services In the UK. From changing the address to replacing a lost card this guide will help you with everything.

OCI Application For Miscellaneous Services In The UK

When you Apply For a new OCI Card in the UK Application be it for PIO to OCI conversion or any service. Several documents have to be submitted which are as follows:

• Proof of previous Indian passport of self, parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents. A birth certificate, valid foreign passport held, and proof of local residency.
• If applying based on parents/grandparents/great grandparents/spouse OCI card/PIO card. Submit a copy of the OCI/PIO card of parents/grandparents or great-grandparents/spouse. Also, include the base papers/documents on which the OCI/PIO card was issued.
• If the applicant is below the age of 21 years. An NOC letter signed by both parents in original is requisite.
• If your current OCI is issued based on the spouse, An NOC letter signed by the spouse in original is requisite.
• In the case of a minor applicant, documents of the parents are requisite in original and copies. Also, provide the OCI application form.

It is vital to submit the original and copy of the Naturalization/Citizenship certificate.

1). OCI Miscellaneous Services for updating passport information online for OCI card holders. (Indian Origin and Spouse based) -Free

• OCI services for online updates can only be used by registered OCI cardholders. The OCI registration booklet has to be re-issued only when a new passport is issued after the age of 20 and 50.
• For applicants who are getting their OCI renewed for the first time after the age of 20. It is mandatory to submit the copies of Indian renunciation certificate. Also, the canceled Indian passport.
• Originals of the above-mentioned documents have to be given for verification purposes. It will be returned after careful inspection.

2). OCI web portal altered into 'OCI Miscellaneous Services'.

The OCI web portal has been changed under 'OCI Miscellaneous Services'. It is altered to ease the process of updating details online of a new passport and change of address.

An OCI cardholder has to upload a copy of the new passport that has the photograph of the OCI cardholder. Also, a recent photo on the online system under the OCI Miscellaneous Services. It must be done every time a new passport is issued at the age of 20 and after completing the age of 50. The cardholder can upload these documents within three months of receiving the new passport. This service will be provided on a Gratis basis which means free of charge.

3). OCI cardholders Based On Spouse

OCI cardholders who have been registered as spouses of foreign origin of a citizen of India or an OCI cardholder. Upload a copy of the new passport having the photo of the passport holder each time a new passport is issued.

In such a case, the OCI cardholder and his/her Indian spouse or OCI cardholder spouse will have to submit a declaration. The declaration form must state that their marriage still exists.

A copy of the Indian spouse's passport. The passport and OCI card of the OCI cardholder spouse should also be uploaded in these cases. These documents can be uploaded by the OCI cardholder's foreign spouse within three months of receiving his/her new passport. This online OCI miscellaneous services UK will be provided on a Gratis basis.

4). The MHA Website

An in-depth instruction to fill out the online application form and requirements can be gained at the MHA website.

• The applicant can apply online at ociservices.gov.in and select passport/address update service. This will be under the OCI miscellaneous services. Upload your photograph and the required documents
• An automated email will be sent to the applicant after successfully uploading the required documents.
• Once the Ministry grants your application, the details of the new passport, address, and contact as the case will be updated in the OCI records. An auto-generated email will be sent to the applicant informing that the changes have been made to his/her OCI records. It will generally take approximately 35-40 days from the day they receive acknowledgment of the OCI application via email.
• The applicants are recommended to wait for the updates on their email from the Ministry. No physical copy of the OCI will be sent or provided by the mission.
• Applicants can check the OCI status of their application online at ociservices.gov.in under the 'Status Enquiry' section.
• Meanwhile, if the applicant wishes to travel to India they may do so. On the strength of their new OCI card and new passport, they can travel. (assuming there are no changes in personal information)

5). Documents Required To Be Uploaded

A). Those who are registered as OCI cardholders based on Persons of Indian Origin (Self):

• Copy of the new passport having the photograph

Specifications for the photograph

• Size must be 51mm*51mm
• Background must be light in color
• Photograph must be matte-finished
• The full face of the applicant must be visible

To get a more detailed explanation of the photograph specifications. Visit the link on the MHA website

Photographs that don't meet the above requirements will be rejected. It may also cause a delay in the OCI application processing time.

A copy of the Singapore NRIC of the applicant/utility/telephone bill showing the current address. If the utility bill is not in the applicant's name, the relationship proof of the applicant with his/her immediate family member is requisite. (in case of address updates only).

B). In the case of those who are registered as OCI cardholders on a spouse basis:

Copy of the new passport having the photograph

Specifications for the photograph

• Size must be 51mm*51mm
• Background must be light in color
• Photograph must be matte-finished
• The full face of the applicant must be visible

To get a more detailed explanation of the photograph specifications. Visit the link on the MHA website

Photographs that don't meet the above requirements will be rejected. It may also cause a delay in the application processing time.

• Declaration from both the OCI cardholder and the spouse stating that the marriage still exists.
• In the case of those whose spouse is an Indian citizen, the Indian passport of the spouse is requisite.
• In the case of those whose spouse is an OCI cardholder, the Passport and OCI card of the spouse are requisite.

6). Special Permission For OCI Card Holders For Specific Activities

OCI cardholders have to get Special permission from the relevant authorities to do certain activities in India. To make it convenient for such OCI cardholders, a separate portal has been created with the name 'Apply for Special Permission (Only for OCI cardholders)' in the web portal at ociservices.gov.in

This link has detailed instructions and information about the required documents. This link would make it easier for such OCI cardholders to apply for special permissions.

7). Please Remember that

A). The service for online update of new passports and change of address online is being provided to existing OCI cardholders on a Gratis basis.

B). Applicants are advised to fill in their correct personal information in the documents submitted. Also, upload and submit the recent photograph as per the given specifications.

C). According to the MHA approval dated 26th March 2021, the requirement to carry the old and new passport along with the new OCI card has been removed. OCI cardholders who are traveling on the strength of their existing OCI card are not required to carry their old passport or old passport number. However, carrying your new passport is important.

8). Visit the Website

For Re-issue of OCI cards and update of information online. The applicants have to fill out an online application at this link - ociservices.gov.in. Book an OCI miscellaneous services UK appointment to avoid potential delays.