OCI and Passport renunciation

[itsanils]

On the CKGS website I opted for the OCI+ Renunciation. When filling the online forms and at the payments, it is only showing the fee for the OCI but not for the renunciation. Do I need to apply for the renunciation separately after the OCI is submitted?

Also, as per the document checklist, it seems like I need to send the US passport. Do you know how long they keep the passport? I want to know as I have some business travel. I am assuming I need to send my passport right after the application is submitted online?

Thanks in advance,

[Liberty48]

Just answering for the passport question..... you get your US passport back in 10 days. Check some of the timelines posted on the OCI experience webpage. Look for "Passport reviewed by consulate" date and the application received date. That webpage is cluttered with questions, but it is supposed to be for sharing their experience.

I did my renunciation separately. It is just a paper saying you renounced your Indian passport. Not a well formatted or designed certificate. Your Indian passport also gets a canceled stamp on it. Maybe they don't charge for that. But, I don't know the correct answer or how it is now.

[Sampige]

First off, I must thank you, Immihelp for providing a direly needed platform for all of us to be able to make some sense out of the notoriously confusing processes involved in dealing especially with CKGS website and then the government of India Website.
Thanks also to our awesome compatriots who have spent time posting here their experiences so as to be helpful to others trying to navigate their application process.
It immensely helped me to estimate time frames and plan my travels and know what to expect.
Although far from perfect, the saving grace is both CKGS and India government websites at least work! And let us not just sneer at the system.
The keys to be able to get the best out the system are:
1. Patience: We as Indians should recall how horrible government related work had historically been back home and accept where we come from and the very fact that things are made unnecessarily complicated; Babudom, rules, regulations, procedures, bad communication, tardiness, corruption... the list goes on. Patience pays. After all we need to get stuff done.
2. Research: You have to be like a researcher or analyst or an investigator to understand the system. Immihelp is one of the great tools available. Besides that, you should imagine the unsaid things and interpret unclear language in CKGS and Government website erring on the safer side. Study it all over and over again like a student. Methodically put together all the documents, list things to do, print out check list, a paper copy of application, make notes, be prepared to fill in the whole application all over again( there is no editing possible). You might need to reduce the browser rendition of the application to fit letter size paper.
3.Practice on paint or another similar app how to reduce the resolution and document size to the prescribed KBs and save them. Email to yourself all the uploaded documents for your record. Use a work sheet and make notes of everything.
4. Write down every number the systems generate while applying. Don't worry what is what. By trial and error you will be able to determine which number the website asks for.
5. It is best to opt for prepaid shipping through CKGS. They likely place hurdles on your way if you didn't.
6. Go for CKGS tracking app.
7.Keep and allow ample time for the process, more than required so you will avoid anxiety overwhelming you.
8. Don't hope to get helpful answers over phone from CKGS. Answers from Consulate could be totally ruled out unless you personally visit them.
9. Trust them and send your US passport right away; it will come back to you in a week. They are not crooks, but they are clueless outside of STANDARD procedures and rule book and stock answers.
10.You should use your name exactly as appearing in US passport.
11.Be a perfectionist or better than that. I sent extra copies of all documents and an extra photo too.
12. Affidavit in lieu of originals: Make one and notarize it even if you think you don't need one because you have sent all originals.
13. Simply sign every page of the application and enclosed documents. Don't ask me why. Somewhere they say something like self attest. You won't lose anything doing that.
14. If you are stuck in the process for unknown reasons just make a complaint immediately both to CKGS and
15. Log in to 'My account' in CKGS site right in the beginning to save the trouble of scrambling to log in when actually the need arises.
16. Forget about going to India on a visitor visa and applying for OCI there. This fire is better than that frying pan.
17. Do not think that an agent can do all this for you. Although the process and system look complicated, it is not. It is actually efficient.
18. Share your experience on Immihelp. Ask questions on Immihelp. There are many noble souls giving you useful tips out there.
19.U sticker is not necessary on your US passport.
20. Until you pay the fees, you can redo the CKGS widget filling any number of times. Once paid most fees are non refundable. Do a perfect job with the widget.

NOW! HOW ABOUT STARTING A CHANGE.ORG PETITION FOR THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HAVE BOTH CKGS(OR ANOTHER AGNET) AND GOVERNMENT SITES REVAMPED TO BE A MORE STRAIGHTFORWARD AND SIMPLER?