Question about Photos for OCI

[Kris-Colorado]

Hello,

I am thinking about applying for OCI. I was going through the application instructions and i'm bit confused about how many photos i need to send. I am applying for me alone. What i understood is i need to affix 1 photo each for original application and duplicate and i need to send 1 photo in cover(Totally 3 photos).

Also, do i need to send the stamped certified return envelope with the application or can i send it later along with the US passport for stamping.

Pls advice?

-Kris-colo

 

[akgarg]

Hello,

I am thinking about applying for OCI. I was going through the application instructions and i'm bit confused about how many photos i need to send. I am applying for me alone. What i understood is i need to affix 1 photo each for original application and duplicate and i need to send 1 photo in cover(Totally 3 photos).

Also, do i need to send the stamped certified return envelope with the application or can i send it later along with the US passport for stamping.

Pls advice?

-Kris-colo

You being in Colorado, I am assuming you are applying thru SFO. Yes, you need 3 photos - one on each copy of Part A and the 3rd you can put in an envelope with the cashier's check, and paper-clip the envelope (mark it with its contents) to the application stack. Re. the return envelope, you can sent it now or later - they accept it either way.

 

[Kris-Colorado]

Thanks for your response akgarg. Yes, i will be applying @ SFO

- Kris-colo

 

[CrossHairs]

Regarding the return envelope - "send it now or later"
Is there a preference or advantage (pros/cons) in one method versus the other?

 

[kcpant]

For Houston, I sent a total of 5. 1 in each copy of Part-A and 3 extra. Nowhere in the instructions printed out did they ever ask for more that 2 photos. I sent them because of posts I read in this forum. There isn't one about return envelope either.

 

[akgarg]

For Houston, I sent a total of 5. 1 in each copy of Part-A and 3 extra. Nowhere in the instructions printed out did they ever ask for more that 2 photos. I sent them because of posts I read in this forum. There isn't one about return envelope either.

I am not sure how you can make those claims.

On http://www.cgihouston.org/OCIProcedure.html, step 2.5 clearly says:

The completed application form (Part A & Part B) along with supporting documents must be submitted in duplicate (two sets) by mail to the Consulate. Besides affixing photographs on the application forms, the applicant must submit Three (3) colour Photographs (size 3.5 cm X 3.5 cm), taken against a light colour background.

that is, a total of 5 photos.

And re. returning of passports with OCI docs, SFO asks for stamped+addressed envelope, whereas Houston asks for money + addressed envelope (on the same link, see 3.ii which says: An additional amount of US$ 20 towards return mailing charges should also be sent along with a self-addressed envelope accompanying the application.)

 

[akgarg]

Regarding the return envelope - "send it now or later"
Is there a preference or advantage (pros/cons) in one method versus the other?

There is really no difference, except if there is a postal rate increase in the middle of your application process, then you have to send an additional stamp with passports if you sent your return envelope with the application. We just had a rate increase in May 2008, so at least for the next 9-10 months it should not be a concern.

 

[CrossHairs]

There is really no difference, except if there is a postal rate increase in the middle of your application process, then you have to send an additional stamp with passports if you sent your return envelope with the application. We just had a rate increase in May 2008, so for the next 9-10 months it should not be a concern.

Ok, there is a slight (very slight ) advantage in sending it later with the passport - I know nitpicking

akgarg,
Thanks. You are quite prompt in answering, I appreciate it.