Obtaining an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card can be a rewarding experience for individuals of Indian origin residing in Australia.
But, handling the application process can be challenging, especially if you’re unaware of common mistakes that can lead to delays or rejection.
So we decided to share with you a few common mistakes to avoid when applying for OCI from Australia.
Inaccurate Or Incomplete Documents
One of the most common reasons for OCI application rejections is incomplete documentation. Many applicants overlook crucial papers or submit forms with missing information.
Each step of the OCI process is dependent on clear and accurate documentation. The application requires several key documents, including your Australian passport, proof of Indian origin (for example, a cancelled Indian passport), and various forms of identification.
| Document Type | Common Mistakes |
|---|---|
| Passport | Submitting expired passport copies |
| Birth Certificate | Not providing English translations |
| PIO Card | Forgetting to include if previously held |
| Residence Proof | Submitting outdated utility bills |
To avoid this mistake:
- Create a checklist of all required documents
- Double-check each document for completeness
- Ensure all non-English documents are properly translated
Photo Issues
Amazingly, very many applications are delayed as the photographs were not taken properly. The OCI photo rules are strict and must be followed precisely.
The most common photo mistakes are:
- Incorrect size
- Lousy quality or resolution
- Wrong background (plain white background is compulsory)
- Glasses or head covers (only in case of religious reasons)
Instead, take them professionally with knowledge requirements from OCI. Don’t even attempt to crop or edit an existing photograph as this is mostly rejected.
Errors In The Online Application Form
The online application form for OCI holds great details and is thereby confusing to the applicant. Most applicants make wrong mistakes that often cause a delay or might be rejected.
- Common typing errors in the application form:
- Incorrect data in the application form and supporting documents
- Inaccurate spelling of names, which would not match with your passport
- Applying with wrong dates, for instance, applying with dates in the US format DD/MM/YYYY instead of the accepted format DD/MM/YYYY
- Selecting the wrong kind of visa or period of stay
Fill the application very carefully, patiently, and cross-check all the entries multiple times before submitting.
Not Checking Eligibility
Some applicants apply for OCI when they don’t even qualify for it. It is always a good practice to check your eligibility before starting with the process
Eligibility criteria to be remembered in your mind:
- You must be a citizen of India or have a spouse who is of Indian origin by birth
- Those former citizens of India who have acquired foreign citizenship
- Minor children of Indian citizens
However, if you have ever been a citizen of Pakistan and Bangladesh, then you are not eligible for OCI.
Failure To Pay Correct Fees
Application fees or no payment is included to delay your application. One of the common mistakes from the applicants’ side is paying the fee and submitting their application without verifying the correct fee applied for under the OCI category, which sometimes creates complications later.
Verify and check the consulate’s website about the actual amount you will be asked to pay. Ensure that the mode of payment is acceptable too as not all sorts of payments are allowed.
Ignoring Processing Times
Many applicants underestimate the time required for OCI processing. This can lead to travel disruptions and unnecessary stress.
Current processing times in Australia:
- Online application review: 2-3 weeks
- Document verification: 4-6 weeks
- OCI card production and delivery: 2-3 weeks
Total estimated time: 8-12 weeks
Plan your application well in advance of any intended travel to India. Remember, processing times can vary based on application volume and other factors.
Failing To Renew Oci Card When Needed
Many OCI card holders do not know whether their cards should be renewed at given times. This can quickly get one into trouble as they travel to India.
Renewal Condition
- For the card holder who got his or her OCI card when he or she was under 20 years of age: Such an individual is supposed to renew at the age of 50.
- For the card holder who got his or her OCI card after turning 50: No renewal.
- Failure to renew when needed can lead to an unsuccessful entry into India or other complications.
Failure To Keep Copies Of All Documents
Most applicants will fail to keep copies of the documents submitted and the application form filled in. This can land you in a mess when you want to follow up on your application or while some documents are in transit.
Always remember to:
- Save a digital version of your completed online application form
- Keep scanned copies of all documents attached to your application
- Application number
All of this means that you should have all the information needed to be able to track your application and address any problems as they arise.
Waiting Too Long To Renew OCI
You must not forget that as a point of normal course procedure, it needs to be renewed in case one gets a new passport. In case the age is less than 20 years or more than 50 years. Some people wait too long to renew their OCI. It could cause travel disruptions and may not help in proving the Indian origin when travelling.
Simplified OCI Application Process With Bharat Suvidha
If you don’t want to suffer through complex paperwork and usual blunders in your application, Bharat Suvidha is your saviour.
To know more about us, refer to the process below:
- Provide Your Details: Fill Your Details Simply register with our portal, and our experts will obtain all information related to your OCI application. Our experienced team then verifies your details for accuracy.
- Professional Management: We would professionally work on your application from the beginning to the end. We will detail, complete all forms that need to be done, collect all documents that may be needed for processing the application, and ensure the right submission of your application.
- Quick Processing: Once we complete your application, we would ensure timely and swift submission of the same to the concerned authorities so that we may hasten the process and minimise unnecessary delays.
Now, under the very professional guidance of Bharat Suvidha, people can easily apply for OCI from Australia.
