BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, October 24, 2024: Heeding to popular demand by applicants, the Consular wing of the Consulate General of India, Atlanta recently released a comprehensive video, detailing step-by-step instructions that describe the process of application of an OCI.
An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is an immigration status that allows foreign citizens of Indian origin to live and work in India indefinitely. For the most part, Indian Americans apply for the OCI Card to avoid having to apply for visa to India.
As part of the Initial Steps, the video explains the process of accessing the Consulate General of India Lanta’s official website through various browsers. The menu options for consular services are highlighted, including visa, passport, and OCI card. The process of selecting the OCI card option and navigating to the VFS Global website is detailed. Eligibility criteria for registering as an OCI cardholder are mentioned, along with the options of applying by mail or post and by appointment.
Highlighting Choosing the Application Method, the video guides the applicant, beginning with completing the government online form. The option of using VFS Global’s affiliate service for form completion is mentioned, though it is chargeable. The importance of arranging all documents as per the checklist on the VFS Global website is emphasized. The final step, the video says, involves registering on the VFS Global portal, making the payment, and sending the application form and documents by mail.
Expounding on Filling the Government OCI Form, the video guides through the process of completing the government OCI form, starting with selecting the country and permission. Details such as the applicant’s full name, current US or foreign passport, and family details are required. The option to select the relationship with the root Indian is provided, along with the option to fill in previous names if applicable. The importance of verifying all information before submitting the form is stressed.
Explaining Uploading Photos and Signatures, the video notes the process emphasizing the need to ensure they meet the specified specifications. The option to upload a thumb impression for those who cannot sign is mentioned. The document list that can be uploaded after completing Part B of the application is shown. The process of proceeding to Part B, which includes filling in citizenship and nationality details, is detailed.
The video also discusses the importance of Filling Citizenship and Nationality Details correctly to avoid application rejection. The option to select if the applicant has any relatives in India or has faced criminal proceedings is provided. The process of uploading supporting documents in the required format and size is explained. The final step of generating the registration form and ensuring all details are correct before sending it to VFS Global is mentioned.
The guidance also focuses on Arranging Documents and Making Payment, outlining the process of arranging documents as per the checklist, which can be found on the VFS Global website. The different types of OCI applications and their corresponding fees and document checklists are mentioned. The process of making the payment and generating the shipping label on the VFS Global portal is detailed. The importance of validating the customer mailing address and confirming the application before making the payment is emphasized.
In the Final Submission and Tracking Application Status segment, the video describes the final steps of sending the application using the generated shipping label to the VFS ICAC center. The importance of checking the status of the application to ensure all documents have been received and forwarded to the consulate is mentioned. The process of registering with the Consulate General of India in Atlanta and tracking the application’s processing time is detailed. The final step of speeding up the application process (optional) is mentioned.
Please watch the video for step-by-step visual instructions to complete the application.
