OCI Renewal for Minor

[CVP1386]

I have used "Misc. Services" to add the latest passport details for my 5 years old after his passport got renewed. Also I have uploaded his signature and latest photograph. Currently after 5 days; the status still shows up as - "Your application is yet to be acknowledged by competent authorities." . Has anyone used this new process which is in accordance with recent guidelines changes that says

"OCI cardholder is required to upload ONLINE a copy of the new passport and a recent photo each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age. The uploading of these documents may be done within three months of receipt of the new passport".

I haven't sent any physical documents, What are the timelines i can expect, do i need to do anything else ? What is the next step ? Thanks in advance.

[cooldude2021]

I'm also trying the same, but after filling the application did you tried to visit the vfsglobal website to pay the fee processing fee? I'm facing an issue while trying to add the new customer getting error as "Government reference number is not valid. Please recheck if its correctly entered or belongs to the correct Consular Jurisdiction"

[CVP1386]

cooldude2021 - I don't think there are any processing fees when you update the new passport details for a minor.

[cooldude2021]

It looks like we need to pay the fee and submit the old OCI card, please check the below link and click on the "OCI Fees". We need to pay $45, also attaching the screenshot for the same and check the below link for the checklist documents we need to submit.

https://services.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/india/united-states-of-america/oci-services/#oci-misc

oci-checklist-misc-minor-final.pdf (vfsglobal.com)

[jac2005]

AFAIK since April this year they changed the requirement to do a full renewal each time a minor gets a new passport. This can be done free online until they are 20. However the first time they have to renew AFTER crossing 20 years, I think the process you described and fees apply.

[abhishekc1710]

I called up VFS and they told him that they have nothing to do with OCI renewal anymore. Thats the reason the application number cannot be looked up on the VFS website. I submitted my son's OCI renewal application and it is acknowledged. I have no idea about the next steps and find it hard to imagine that they are doing this service for free ( including shipping)!

[itsgary4u]

I have submitted the online application for OCI renewal there were part A and Part B where I submitted the new issued passport. I have got the file number confirmation in the email but I dont know what are the next steps?

Do I need to submit physical paperwork ? also how to submit fee for this application. There is no guidance when you submit the application online it just says your application submitted successfully and no next things . Please Guide

[cooldude2021]

Thanks all for the inputs, it does look like we just need to wait after uploading the documents. Nothing seems to be done from our end on the VFS website.

[iamthebest]

Came across below article

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/oci-cardholders-rules-for-re-issue-of-overseas-citizen-of-india-cards-simplified-2414628

My interpretation is as follows:
1. We complete the Misc. Services application,
2. We will only receive email confirmation once recently uploaded information is reflected in the government's online system
3. We will not be issued new OCI card & instead need to use initially issued OCI for subsequent travel (until child turns 20)
Feel free to chime in if you think otherwise.

[krishswamy]

According to a MHA circular issued in April, even if the update has not been completed, the OCI Card Holder can travel. Link to the document is at the bottom of the email.

The details will be updated on the system and an auto acknowledgement through e-mail will be sent to the OCI cardholder informing that the updated details have been taken on record. There will be no restriction on the OCI cardholder to travel to/ from India during the period from the date of issue of new passport till the date of final acknowledgement of his/ her documents in the web-based system.

https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default...16042021_1.pdf