OCI - New York Tracker

[mpotturi]

Guys, If you belong to CGINY jurisdiction for OCI, please post your timeline in this thread. Here are my particulars:

Mailed the application on 3rd April and received by CGINY on 7th April. Online status still shows 'File not registered with the concerned mission yet' or something like that. My reference number is in the proximity of USANI066xx06.

[sam_c]

With all due respect - this is a forum about US citizenship. How does this thread belong here? Perhaps the moderator can create another forum for this. That would help not only people interested in this topic as they would have a common place to go but also help people searching for info on topics related to US Citizenship by keeping the forum focussed.

Thanks
Sam

[sam_c]

We already have several threads floating around in this Citizenship forum in regards to OCI.

For majority of Indians the immigration journey is US Citizenship - US PP - Indian OCI.

I'm not arguing whether this thread should be here or not, but want you to know why we have so many threads/posts about OCI and India and PIO floating around.

Yes, I completely understand the interest in these topics. All I'm suggesting is that they would be better off in their own forum alongside the US citizenship forum, not in it. That way all those interested in these topics will be able to easily find all the discussion threads; and the others who are visiting this forum just for US citizenship info would find only the info they need. Wouldn't this seperation of forums be beneficial to everyone?

Regards,
Sam

[sv2707]

Although, I am currently in process for OCI and stuck at CGINY, a seperate forum is best. This one is USC and should stay thay way.

BTW: My case status on OCI:

Applied (Received part B): MAR 28
Reference Number: USANI064**06
Status: Case Not yet registered at concern mission.

[mpotturi]

Although, I am currently in process for OCI and stuck at CGINY, a seperate forum is best. This one is USC and should stay thay way.

BTW: My case status on OCI:

Applied (Received part B): MAR 28
Reference Number: USANI064**06
Status: Case Not yet registered at concern mission.

Thank you sv2707. I have already made a request for creation of a separate forum for OCI issues and it is in the process of execution. I have got confirmation from the webmaster to that effect. We should see a separate forum pretty soon.

[tmadhusudan]

Who do we draw the money order in favavour of CGI-NY or Govt of India?

[sv2707]

Who do we draw the money order in favavour of CGI-NY or Govt of India?

Consulate General of India, New York (or NY)

[tmadhusudan]

Consulate General of India, New York (or NY)

Thanks for the info. Also do we send 3.5cm x3.5cm photos or 2in x2in ones .different sites have asked for different sizes.

[sv2707]

Thanks for the info. Also do we send 3.5cm x3.5cm photos or 2in x2in ones .different sites have asked for different sizes.

CGINY asks for 3.5cm x3.5cm. You can get the regular PP photos and then cut them to be approx. the 3.5cm x3.5cm size.

Also, 2 photos - one each on the duplicate applications.
3 photos - in an attached envelope.

[tmadhusudan]

CGINY asks for 3.5cm x3.5cm. You can get the regular PP photos and then cut them to be approx. the 3.5cm x3.5cm size.

Also, 2 photos - one each on the duplicate applications.
3 photos - in an attached envelope.

Thank you very much for the info. Apreciate it

[mpotturi]

My status went to uder process from 'file yet to register' crap just this afternoon. I mailed my app on 4/4/06 and received by CGINY on 4/7/06.

[inderp]

I am fairly new to this forum. If anyone can let me know about time taken for entire OCI process. As per the website the initial process of registeration takes 2 weeks, does it really? and how much time it take after that.
I have to get this done for my infant son

Reply will be appreciated

[sv2707]

In genral it takes about 3 to 4 months. Currently CGINY is processing files on adaily basis, so this may be the best time. They seem to process every few months. Which means that they clear their backlog and then stop processing and use the resources elsewhere. Then they come back and start processing. Thus, the 2 weeks to processing start, depends when you send it in. If it is during their processing spree then you are lucky. Otherwise, like in my case they had my file for 4 weeks before it went into Processing and within days granted. Now I am waiting to post the receipt of the sticker.

[pvarma]

Hi friends - I had submitted the OCI application for my 2 kids in New York. The application was received on May 1st 2006. The status is "File not registered..." My wife and kids have to travel back to India in June and I can't wait for the OCI to complete. Therefore I am planning to personally go the Consulate in NY this week and cancel the OCI application and then apply for a PIO card for my 2nd kid (first one has a PIO). If PIO card does not come in time, I plan to again personally go and apply for a visa. Can someone please comment if this is the way to approach my problem? Thanks in advance.

PS: Also this is the first time I am going to the consulate. Please provide any helpful tips.

[mpotturi]

The status on nmy case has changed from under process to granted today. Looks like MHA is on a mission to break record or something.

[ASGK]

mine too went from "Under Process" to "Granted" today!!!! But, I hope, they will not come back and ask me to send my pics!!!!!- Like they did for my friend!!!!!


good luck to everyone else!!!!!

[mpotturi]

mine too went from "Under Process" to "Granted" today!!!! But, I hope, they will not come back and ask me to send my pics!!!!!- Like they did for my friend!!!!!


good luck to everyone else!!!!!

Why would they ask for pics? Is it because of poor quality ( I am just assuming this) of the ones you have sent with the application?

[mpotturi]

MHA website for online status has been spruced up and it now looks really professional grade. Way to go MHA.

[sv2707]

mine too went from "Under Process" to "Granted" today!!!! But, I hope, they will not come back and ask me to send my pics!!!!!- Like they did for my friend!!!!!
good luck to everyone else!!!!!

If the online status gives a date of scanning for photos & signature, then I think they will not ask for any new photos. Especially there is date for the U visa sticker dispatched from Delhi.

[mpotturi]

Looks like a whole bunch of OCI cards have been despatched from Delhi yesterday (30th May) and they should show up on the CGINY website early next week.

[inderp]

Thanks for you replies for my last query.

Based on recent approvals it seems average time is 2 months to process the whole thing.

I am planning a trip in mid august and have to apply one of the above for my infant child.
From what i understand is i register online and then mail in my document for OCI , now what all do i mail ? do i mail passport too initially.

Secondly if the processing is taking too much time , can i instead get a PIO or visa while my application is in process.
Replies will be greatly appreciated, I want to apply ASAP.

One more thing the fee for PIO is $155 for minor and to convert PIO to OCI is only $25. which comes to less than $275 for OCI , either i am missing something in my math or indian govt is ...

[tdesai]

Thanks for you replies for my last query.

Based on recent approvals it seems average time is 2 months to process the whole thing.

I am planning a trip in mid august and have to apply one of the above for my infant child.
From what i understand is i register online and then mail in my document for OCI , now what all do i mail ? do i mail passport too initially.

- You do not need to send in the passport now. Don't make that
mistake else your pp will be stuck at the embassy for a long long
time. Also, depending on where you apply, it may take 2-3-4 or
more months. In the worst case if your OCI doesn't go thru by
then, you will have to take a 6 month visa which I believe costs
$150

Secondly if the processing is taking too much time , can i instead get a PIO or visa while my application is in process.
Replies will be greatly appreciated, I want to apply ASAP.

One more thing the fee for PIO is $155 for minor and to convert PIO to OCI is only $25. which comes to less than $275 for OCI , either i am missing something in my math or indian govt is ...

I think getting a PIO card shouldn't take more than 2-3 weeks max
atleast at SFO consulate AFAIK. This way you atleast have the PIO card
in hand which you can use. For adults getting a PIO card cost $310 and
then on the conversion to OCI cost $25 and so it will be costly than getting
OCI. For minors, I believe that would be the cheapest option.

[inderp]

Thanks a lot for your reply. It was really helpful

[spprash]

I submitted my OCI application to the Indian Embassy in NY on March 6th by mail and the application was received by the embassy on March 13th. However the status currently shows as "Application Number is not yet acknowledged". Its almost 3 months since I applied. Are there any one who applied around this time and are in the same status. Could there be some problem with my application. How does the consulate intimiate if there are any issues with the photos or submitted document. Will they respond if I go in person?

[mpotturi]

I submitted my OCI application to the Indian Embassy in NY on March 6th by mail and the application was received by the embassy on March 13th. However the status currently shows as "Application Number is not yet acknowledged". Its almost 3 months since I applied. Are there any one who applied around this time and are in the same status. Could there be some problem with my application. How does the consulate intimiate if there are any issues with the photos or submitted document. Will they respond if I go in person?

Tons of application filed even a month later than yours are granted and OCIs despatched from Delhi recently. There has to be some issue with your application. Unfortunately, the applications with issues seem to get pushed to the back burner and consulates are not very active in communicating with the applicants to revive these applications. You have to do something on your own to push your case. If you live within driving distance of NY, i suggest you to undertake a trip and see someone in the consulate in person. Phone/Fax would not work.

[spprash]

Thanks. I stay in Jersey and will try to go in person. Even if there is a problem with the app, will they not acknowledge the reference number in the site. The status in the OCI inquiry is very misleading.

[genesis1]

I submitted my OCI application to the Indian Embassy in NY on March 6th by mail and the application was received by the embassy on March 13th. However the status currently shows as "Application Number is not yet acknowledged". Its almost 3 months since I applied. Are there any one who applied around this time and are in the same status. Could there be some problem with my application. How does the consulate intimiate if there are any issues with the photos or submitted document. Will they respond if I go in person?

Normally the status would show " File yet to register in concern mission". This status details is first I am hearing of. Best to check with the Consulate in NY.

[mangal969]

inderp,
For your child apply for a PIO then convert it to an OCI after a couple of years.That is the way to go for all children below 18, unless you are flush with funds and $100 doesnt mean anything

genesis1,
They recently updated the MHA website hence the change in language

spprash,
Before you go to the consulate get a proof of mailing and delivery from the authority you mailed it through.

Everybody,
From personal experience I can tell you that irrespective of the mode of delivery,it takes 7 days for an envelope to go from the mail room to the concerned dept (Passport containing envelopes are an exception).So please factor this into your calculations.This may or may not be a NY specific phenomenon.

[RKN]

In Boston area, Salem NH areas, anybody successful in getting the right photo studio to take the pictures per OCI specifications?

Thanks

[shridharp]

I applied OCI for my daughter in NY embassy in June. What is expected time to get OCI approved?

Here is the current status

Mail send on Date: 2 Jun 06
Acknowledgement Date: 12Jun06
Embassy: NY
Registration Status UnderProcess
Documents Printing Status NOT PRINTED
Documents Despatched From Delhi On NOT DISPATCHED
Documents Received at NEW YORK CGI NOT YET