r/OCI

I submitted a passport updation through the online portal and got an automatic email saying I could travel but the next day got an email that the updation was rejected with the reason listed as "please apply for OCI re-issue." Does anyone know why it was rejected? If I can't figure it out in time, can I still travel to India by bringing both my new and old passport along with my current OCI?

Here is a brief history if it helps: I am a US citizen from birth and received an OCI in 2021 (age 33) based on my marriage (to my husband who was an Indian citizen and is now a US citizen with an OCI). Upon renewing my US passport this year, I followed the portal instructions to submit passport updation for my OCI, including the required notarized marriage affidavit since I am a foreign spouse. It had been 91 days since my new passport was issued.

I have tried emailing the consulate with no response. When I called the consulate they told me to send an email. When we called VFS, they said they couldn't think of a reason the updation would be rejected but that I should still be able to travel to India if I bring my old passport. Should I trust them? Do I have any options if I try to travel but am denied (like try to quickly get an eTourist visa)? Thanks!

Hi,

I’m trying to book an appointment at the Indian Embassy in The Hague for an OCI application in 2026, but I’m having a lot of trouble with the appointment system.

I tried checking at the usual release times, including the monthly slot release at 09:00 and the Thursday 09:00 appointment release. A couple of times, I was able to select “OCI services,” but after that the page would not proceed to “Book an appointment.” Even after clicking multiple times, the page seemed completely unresponsive.

Has anyone here successfully managed to book an OCI appointment in 2026?

If yes, could you please share how you did it? For example:

• Which day/time worked for you?
• Did you use a specific browser or device?
• Did you keep refreshing the page?
• Is there any workaround when the “Book an appointment” button does not respond?

Any advice would be really appreciated. Thanks!

I read the new fees is $275 but Rs15000 if applied from India. I will be going to India for 5 months (on visa). Can I apply for OCI from India (with online application I read process gets completed in 2 weeks).

Or being on a visa, I cant apply for OCI ?

Just curious, what was the OCI application fees last year (just for comparison)

Hello,

We (Indian citizens) are moving back to India permanently. We have a 2 year old toddler who holds an American passport. We want to apply for OCI status for her. Based on that, I would appreciate some advice on the following:

1. What is the difference between OCI registration and OCI card? Is the card mandatory to acquire?

2. I'm aware that it is cheaper to apply in India. But what is better overall?

3. If we choose to apply from India, what entry documents would Indian immigration ask for her?

Thanks in advance.

Hi All,
Going to be transparent up front: I'm a naturalized US citizen and a repeat founder, and I'm working on a small tool to help others through the OCI process after my own application took six weeks longer than it should have (photo specs and a missing annexure, in case you're curious).

Before I build anything substantial, I'm trying to understand the real friction points. So if you've gone through OCI recently, I'd love to hear:

•    What was the worst part — the forms, the photo, the surrender certificate, the VFS process, something else?

•    Did you get rejected or sent back for revisions? What for?

•    Would you have paid someone to just review your package before you mailed it?

If you'd rather chat privately or want to be on the waitlist, the page is below — but honestly the comments are more useful to me right now.

Thanks in advance.

Link: https://waitlist.ocibuddy.com/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social_organic&utm_campaign=waitlist_q2_26&utm_content=rNRI_p1

On the print out of the OCI application form (form generated online after completing the application), the digital photo is shown at the top right and the digital signature is shown right below the digital photo.

Do the two physical photos need to be placed and attached on top of the digital photo ? Does one photo need to be glued/pasted on top of the digital photo and the other photo attached with a paper clip ? Or can both photos be placed with a paper clip on top of the digital photo ?

Is there any place to sign on the printed application ? Do we need to sign on top of the scanned signature shown in the print out ? Or is signing the declaration page (this is the last page which gets printed out in the application form) enough ?

Appreciate any help - I need to mail the documents soon.

Hi guys, my OCI appointment is tomorrow, for the UK, and I want to make sure I've uploaded everything I need to, everything i read has different things.

I have uploaded:

• My Passport
• My parents OCI
• My driving licence
• My birth certificate and name change document
• Employment letter
• VFS Declaration

What else do I need to upload? What do I need to take to the appointment? I have printed copies of everything I have uploaded, I have the passport photo that I uploaded, and also special delivery envelopes from Royal Mail.

Thank you for your help