Did you know that the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card is now held by over 4 million people globally?
With so many applicants and renewals processed each year, delays and confusion around updates are common.
If you’ve submitted an OCI card and are now wondering what’s going on with your paperwork, you’re not alone.
What Is OCI Status And Why Does It Matter?
The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is a lifetime visa for those of Indian origin.
Once you apply for OCI, the application goes through several stages until it is approved.
Each stage has different requirements and processing times that are determined by your location and whether your documentation is complete or not.
OCI status under process tells you where your application currently sits in the approval queue.
This will help you with expectations for your wait time and whether there will be a need for additional documentation.
When Should You Check Your OCI Status?
You should begin tracking your OCI status check 5–7 business days after you submit your application.
By then, your file should have reached the mission handling OCI services.
If you’re waiting on an OCI renewal Australia request, the same timeline applies.
Here are the common stages that your OCI card may pass through:
| Stage | What it Means |
|---|---|
| Application Received | Your form and documents have been received by the Indian mission. |
| Under Process | Background checks and document verification are being carried out. |
| Processed and Printed | The card has been approved and printing has started in India. |
| Dispatched to Mission | The card has been shipped to the consulate or embassy in Australia. |
| Ready for Collection | Your OCI card is now ready to be picked up or mailed out, depending on your mode. |
How To Perform An OCI Status Check?
Online Portal Method
The most efficient way to check your status is through the official OCI portal. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Visit the official OCI services website
- Head to the “Track Your Application” section
- Enter your reference number or file number
- Input your date of birth
- Complete the security verification
- Click “Submit” to view your current status
Mobile Application
The OCI mobile app provides convenient access to OCI services on your smartphone. Download the official app from your device’s app store, register with your application details, and receive push notifications for status updates.
Phone Inquiry
You can call the OCI helpline during business hours. Have your reference number ready when you call. Wait times can be lengthy during peak periods, so calling early morning or late afternoon often reduces waiting time.
Understanding Different OCI Status Updates
| Status | Meaning | Expected Action |
|---|---|---|
| Application Received | Your documents have been submitted | Wait for initial review |
| Under Review | Documents are being verified | No action required |
| Query Raised | Additional information needed | Submit required documents |
| Approved | Application has been approved | Wait for card printing |
| Dispatched | Card has been sent | Track delivery |
| Delivered | Card received at registered address | Collect your OCI card |
What Does “OCI Status Under Process” Actually Mean?
Seeing OCI status under process can be confusing. It generally means that your application is being verified by authorities both in Australia and India.
At this stage, they check:
- Your background details
- Consistency across documents
- Whether your previous Indian nationality has been renounced properly
- Proof of Indian origin
This phase can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. If it’s been longer, contacting the consulate can be useful.
What If Your Status Doesn’t Change?
There might be a case where your OCI update status remains stuck on the same message for over a month.
This could mean:
- Manual review is in progress
- An internal approval is pending
- Your application is waiting for clearance from Indian authorities
In such instances, get in touch with the Indian Consulate directly via email, referencing your file number and passport details. Mention the date of submission and attach a screenshot of the status if possible.
This shows that you’ve been following up properly and may help prioritise your file.
What To Do When Your Status Shows "Query Raised"?
When your OCI status under process shows a query, you need to respond promptly. Log in to your account to view the specific query details.
Common queries include:
- Unclear or missing documents
- Photograph specifications not met
- Address verification issues
- Incomplete application forms
Submit the requested information through the online portal within the specified timeframe. Delayed responses can significantly extend your processing time.
Track Your OCI Status Easily With Bharat Suvidha’s 3-Step Process.
A common reason for delays in OCI update status is incorrect or incomplete application details.
Bharat Suvidha helps prevent such issues through a clear, online process that supports error-free submission and simplifies your OCI status check.
01. Share Your Details
Share your OCI information and documents easily, so our experts can review what needs to be updated or checked.
02. Experts Prepare the Update Form
We carefully prepare the OCI update form for you, ensuring accuracy and avoiding mistakes.
03. Reviewed & Sent Back to You
Once completed, we share the updated form with you for submission to the authorities, so you can easily track and update your OCI status.
This streamlined approach reduces errors and gives you better control over your OCI update status, making the process faster and more transparent.
