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

By AI Assistant 751 words 4 min read

As you embark on securing your Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, every detail counts—starting with a flawless digital photo sized between 360×360 and 900×900 pixels. The moment you upload your compliant headshot, India’s streamlined e-governance portal springs into action: instant automated checks, manual review within 3–5 days, transfer to your designated Consular Centre in 1–2 weeks, and final OCI card production and dispatch in about 6–8 weeks. Knowing this clear, step-by-step timeline lets you anticipate each milestone, avoid frustrating resubmissions, and confidently plan your first journey back to India under your new OCI privileges.

Requirements

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

Step-by-Step Process

  • Pre-application research: verify eligibility and read latest Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines to avoid delays
  • Photo preparation: capture a neutral-expression headshot in JPEG at 360×360–900×900 px, 100–200 KB, 80%+ compression, 2 inch×2 inch print-equivalent, white background for compliance
  • Document compilation: gather current passport, previous Indian passport (if any), proof of address, proof of foreign citizenship, marriage/birth certificates (if applicable)
  • Online application submission: create/login to OCI portal, complete FAQs-guided form, upload scanned photo and documents per MHA naming conventions to prevent upload errors
  • Fee payment: pay INR 15,000 (or local equivalent) online via credit/debit card or bank transfer; retain transaction receipt for embassy/FRRO appointment
  • Appointment scheduling: use payment receipt to book FRRO/VFS appointment within 30 days of payment, choose earliest slot to expedite processing
  • Track application status: log into OCI portal weekly using file number and DOB to monitor “Under Scrutiny,” “Recommended,” or “Approved” stages and resolve queries promptly
  • Approval and biometric confirmation: attend FRRO/VFS appointment with originals to verify documents and fingerprints; any discrepancy can trigger reprocessing
  • Sticker printing and dispatch: once approved, embassy/FRRO prints OCI sticker in passport; turnaround is 10–15 days—track via portal and courier tracking number
  • Receive and verify OCI: inspect passport sticker for correct name, OCI number, and validity; report errors within 7 days to avoid international travel disruptions

Tips and Best Practices

  • Exact Pixel Dimensions: Use a square 360×360 to 900×900 px image so the OCI portal won’t auto-reject your upload.
  • File Format & Size: Submit a JPEG or TIFF under 1 MB to prevent upload failures or manual rejection for oversized files.
  • Correct Head & Eye Placement: Frame your head at 70–80% of the photo with eyes at mid-height to avoid incorrect cropping or zooming.
  • Neutral Background & Lighting: Choose a plain white/off-white backdrop with even lighting to eliminate shadows or color casts that trigger rejections.
  • Allow Extra Processing Time: Start the OCI application at least 8 weeks before travel to handle photo corrections or portal rejections without delays.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a smooth India OCI application hinges on submitting a compliant digital photo (360×360 to 900×900 pixels) and adhering to the outlined timeline. By double-checking every specification and following each procedural step, applicants can minimize delays and receive their OCI card within the expected window.

Key points:

  • Photo specifications: 360×360 to 900×900 pixels, JPEG, max 2 MB, white background, head 50–70% of frame
  • Document checklist: current passport copy, proof of Indian origin, foreign citizenship proof, spouse’s documents if applicable
  • Standard processing: 4–6 weeks from submission; expedited option: 2–4 weeks
  • Biometric appointment: first-time OCI applicants must schedule at a Visa Application Centre
  • Application tracking: monitor status via the MHA portal and email notifications
  • Tips to avoid delays: verify photo dimensions before upload, use crisp lighting, ensure all pages of passports are legible
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