New OCI for foreign origin spouse to Indian Citizen Timeline

[thelostwombats]

Hello Friends,

From the very few hits I got online for my case (foreign origin spouse to Indian citizen for new OCI), it can take 5-6 months of processing time and probably even longer. The bad part is, there is no way to get status updates or expected timeline for my case. Is this true? I'd like to hear from others that have been through this process in my category.

I did miss a document on my first submission and had to upload it separately after VFS Houston realized during processing. Not sure if this sets me behind for processing or should I still expect to hear some update in 5-6 months horizon? My timeline is below in my signature.

Thanks so much.

[kiranboda]

Looks like your application is moving pretty well. The OCI cards are printed in Delhi, once received at the Indian Consulate expect it to take atleast another 3-4 weeks to get the OCI card in your possession. I have heard that Houston moves quicker than for example SFO.

[thelostwombats]

Just go give anyone in my category and looking for information on timeline an update - I just found out that if you are a foreign origin spouse applying for OCI card on the basis of being married to an Indian citizen, you will have to take an interview along with your spouse. This came as a surprise - I got an email from CGI (Consulate General of India) Houston asking me to confirm the interview timing for this Saturday (3-days notice). The interview is a whats app video call with someone at the consulate - so we should be fine to do it.

But I was puzzled the consulate is using whats app for an official interview - initially thought it was a spam mail. But I found out it is real after calling that number - the consulate asked me to review the OCI Cardholder FAQs from the Ministry of Home Affairs - https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/3OC...s_15112019.pdf
Check the answer to the question 13 that clarifies a personal or video interview is required for spouse basis.

Well, I have updated my timeline on my signature. Will update again after the interview and if they finally approve my case. We had to cancel our travel plans to India this summer anyways due to Covid travel restrictions. We hope to have the OCI card for me and our daughter in time for travel next summer. It is a long process if you are not of indian origin it looks like - but it is not bad considering you don't have to worry about visas for a long time. Per the latest changes https://ociservices.gov.in/MiscNew.pdf - foreign origin spouse need to only upload new passport and photo each time you get a new passport. No need for a new OCI - ever! So this could really be a one-time thing, hopefully if the policies don't change in the future.

[thelostwombats]

Just want to update that my OCI finally got approved today - it took 5 months for the entire process and I am glad it is over. In case anyone is wondering how much longer it takes for foreign origin spouse category for OCI, my timeline hopefully helps.

And yes - note there is an interview for the my spouse and I, where we are questioned separately (we cannot know what the other person answers). We did not know about this and were a bit caught by surprise. But due to Covid, ours was a video interview - happy that was the case versus an in-person interview. I would have gotten very nervous. Good luck to all.

[thateye]

Hi, I'm curious if you know whether the spouses have to be physically in the same location for the interview? My father is applying though my mom who has OCI (both are Indian, but he can't provide satisfactory "Indian origin" documentation to apply through the normal process). He had to leave India due to his visa, so he's in the US and she's in India. I'm guessing this will be a problem, but I'm curious how they did the interview since you said they questioned you separately anyway. Thanks!

[pfire]

Can someone help me in determining if I am eligible on the basis of my wife to apply for OCI card? I was born in USA and married to a OCI holder (she just received this last week). My parents are Indian origin but some of the paperwork needed for me to apply based on my parents I don't have (cant locate it presently). Is there a way to apply based on foreign spouse? It appears that I cannot as I am not foreign origin but Indian origin and need to apply based on my parents. Can some one confirm?

[thateye]

pfire I believe you can. That's what I'm trying to do with my father (above), but it's a much more arduous route.

[Renjithisaac]

Anyone here know what are the questions being asked .? We have a interview coming for my spouse OCI card and it would really help if someone could guide us