India OCI passport 360x360 - 900x900 pixel Application Timeline for IN - Plan Your Application

Requirements

Content about India OCI passport 360x360 - 900x900 pixel Application Timeline for IN - requirements

Step-by-Step Process

• Prepare Your Digital Photograph: Ensure you have a recent, color passport-style photo (JPEG format) sized between 360×360 and 900×900 pixels, 8-bit color, white background, 50–70% face coverage, neutral expression, no shadows or reflections—this prevents upload rejections and ensures MEA compliance.
• Gather Mandatory Documents: Print clear, legible copies of your current passport bio-page, proof of overseas address, previous Indian passport (if any) or PIO/OCI card, and proof of Indian origin (birth certificate, parent’s passport)—these establish your eligibility and minimize RFE (request for evidence) delays.
• Complete Online OCI Application: Visit https://ociservices.gov.in, register an account, select “OCI Application,” and fill in personal, passport, and Indian origin details exactly as on your documents—accuracy here prevents form rejections at the embassy level.
• Upload Photo & Supporting Files: In the “Upload” section, attach your 360×360–900×900 pixel photo and scanned documents (PDF/JPEG, max 1 MB each) per file-size guidelines—correct uploads ensure your application passes the system’s validation checks instantly.
• Pay the Application Fee: Choose the fee option relevant to your country (standard OCI, PIO-to-OCI, or miscellaneous service), complete the online payment, and save the transaction ID/receipt—this confirms your application’s activation and is required at submission.
• Print & Assemble Your Packet: Print the completed application summary with barcode, payment receipt, and annexures; collate with your original documents and photocopies in the prescribed order—organizing your packet avoids missing-document returns at the VFS or embassy counter.
• Book & Attend Your Submission Appointment: Use the VFS/outsourced service website in your region to schedule an in-person drop-off slot; arrive with originals and the assembled packet, pay any additional handling fees, and obtain an acknowledgement slip with your ARN—this slip is your key for tracking.
• Track Application Status Online: Enter your ARN on the MEA portal weekly; expect a “Submitted to MEA” status within 1–2 weeks, “Under Process” for the next 4–6 weeks, and “Dispatched to Mission” thereafter—proactive tracking helps you plan for passport delivery.
• Receive Your OCI-Stickered Passport: Once the mission affixes the OCI visa sticker in your passport (usually 2–3 weeks post-MEA approval), you’ll be notified to collect or receive it by courier—verify the sticker’s validity dates and data accuracy immediately.
• Collect Your OCI Card (If Required): In some jurisdictions, you must surrender the visa-stickered passport at the mission to pick up the standalone OCI card; check local guidance, bring your original acknowledgement slip, and retrieve your OCI card—this finalizes your overseas citizen status.
• Total Timeline & Next Steps: Count on an 8–12-week process from submission to OCI card in hand; once done, you can travel to India visa-free and enjoy lifelong benefits—store your OCI card safely and register any address changes as mandated.

Tips and Best Practices

• Dimension Precision: Always crop your photo to exactly 360×360–900×900 pixels using reliable software to avoid instant portal rejection and keep your OCI processing on schedule
• File Size & Format: Export as a high-quality JPEG between 200 KB–1 MB with minimal compression artifacts to prevent upload failures and eliminate time-wasting re-submissions
• Background & Lighting: Use a uniform plain white background with even, shadow-free lighting to meet strict visa standards and avoid repeated refiling delays
• Head Proportion Alignment: Center the head so it occupies 50%–70% of frame height with eyes at mid-level, since off-center or improperly sized faces trigger manual review and add weeks to approval
• Early Submission & Monitoring: Start your OCI application 3–4 months before travel and check the portal daily for photo/document feedback to address issues swiftly and stay within the standard 8–10 week processing window

Conclusion

Conclusion

• Photo specifications: digital image must be between 360×360 and 900×900 pixels, JPEG format, under 1 MB, white background, head filling 70–80% of frame
• Standard processing time: expect 8–12 weeks from submission to OCI card delivery in India, subject to police verification and local consular workload
• Expedited options: available at select centres—typically reduce timeline to 4–6 weeks for additional fee and priority handling
• Application tracking: use the online OCI portal for real-time status updates and respond promptly to any document or verification queries
• Preparation tips: double-check all identity and residence proofs, ensure photo compliance before upload, and schedule follow-up with consular sections to avoid avoidable delays