Collected OCI cards from CGNY
I've visited CGNY office today (04/27/2010) to collect OCI cards for myself and my family members.
I arrived at the office at 9:35 AM. I stood in a small line before I went inside the office. This line was to undergo a brief security check. The security officer was a pleasant gentleman in a nice suit. He checked by backpack superficially and cleared for entry into the office. Total time spent waiting in the line and to clear security is ten minutes.
The security officer than advised me to approach Counter# 4.
There was no line in front of the Counter#4. I quickly approached Counter# 4 and handed U.S. Passports, Indian passports and a printout of approval status documents from OCI Online services website.
I think the gentleman's name at Counter# 4 was Vijay. He placed "Canceled" stamp on the Indian passports and returned it to me. He had kept the printouts and the U.S Passports with him. He had advised me to come back at 12:45 PM. My time spent at Counter#4 was five minutes.
I went back to the CGNY office at 12:30 PM. Surprisingly, this time there was no security check. I just breezed through the security gate and went into the office. I have seen a lots of people seated in front of Counter#4. At 12:50 PM, Counter#4 was open, and people started lining up in front of the counter.
As people approached the counter, they announced their name and Mr.Vijay brisked through the pile of OCI cards and Passports and fished out the pertinent documents and handed over to the victorious applicants!
Each member of my family had received one OCI card and a "U" (Lifelong) Visa on the U.S. Passport. The OCI card looked like Passport and comprised only two pages excluding the hardcover.
I had smile on my face and sighed in relief as I held OCI documents and Passports.
I had verified all the details for accuracy before I left the CGNY office.
This concluded my administrative activities pertinent to immigration related matters, both India and U.S.
Some comments:
I have picked a rainy and overcast day to go to CGNY. I predicted less crowds and my prediction was right. Also, I picked Tuesday, a day not close to weekend.
CNGY staff was cordial.
Be there at the office between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM. This is strictly followed. This will ensure the delivery of the documents by 12:45 PM.
The CGNY office was in the cellar of a building. People have to wait on the staircase before getting into the office. This is very inconvenient as you not only balance yourself on the staircase, but also have to give way to people walking out of the office and climbing stairs to approach the street.
I wish CGNY upgraded the office environment and the location to portray a good image of India to the general public.
You have access to Aaj Tak News inside the office! Helps kill time!
I wish you all the best with your OCI process.
