Simultaneous submission of Surrender Certificate and OCI applications

J

JPBoston

Registered Users (C)
The CGI-NY website says that the SC and OCI applications can be submitted together in the same envelope as separate packets with their own supporting documents and fees. Has anyone done this? How does the OCI application's need for proof of passport cancellation and surrender certificate get handled by the CGI in this case?

JP
 
I have done this at Chicago consulate; two separate envelopes (for me and spouse, SC together and OCI app together; put in one USPS priority mail envelope). Received SC and cancelled passport back in about two weeks time, OCI is "under process".
 
old dude, thanks for that info. So for the OCI package of the submission, did you attach a cover letter stating that you had applied for your SC at the same time? In the CGI NY, two different cells handle the SC and OCI applications and many earlier indications are that they don't always communicate between themselves well. Dealing with the CGI NY is a real crapshoot and I just might do these separately to be extra cautious. Last thing I want is OCI holdups because they don't have my SC. Let's see, maybe I'll flip a coin on what I'll do.
 
no, i did not include my SC information with OCI cover letter. Chicago consulate has 35mm picture, and non-white background requirement, spent lot of time figuring out that stuff for about a month following oath. I did kind of flip coin too; worst case two weeks loss, :)
but, so far it seems to have been working ok. Next uphill task is get someone answer the phone at consulate.
 
Mailing fees for sSC separate?

Hi Olddude,

I was planning to submit a combined package in chicago. Just have a question about mailing fees. Do we need to send separate mailing fees for OCI & SC?

Ex: Mailing fee for OCI 20+1+1 & Mailing fee for SC 20+?

Please let me know how you sent..
Thanks in advance
 
Yes, mailing fee would be separate for OCI and SC.
I will be picking up OCI in person; so did not send mailing fee. otherwise, it would be 20+1+1+<$1>. I think it is only two adults + two children, then it goes to 20+etc.
For surrender certificate, we did send mailing fee with SC fee ($175 ($155 SC fees + mailing fee of $20) for each person, two separate Money Orders in my case).
Fee structure would be :
OCI : $275 (OCI Fee) for each person + $20 for first applicant and add $1 for each additional applicant (upto maximum number of applicants allowed) -- Separate Money order, separate envelope
Surrender Certificate : $155 (or $20, depending on when one became citizen) + $20 mailing fee. -- Separate Money order for each person, separate envelope (you can put as many applications as possible in one envelope)

In my case, Chicago consulate sent both cancelled passports and SC in one envelope, guess they made $20 profit. :)
 
Hi Olddude,

I am about to file for SC and OCI together as per your suggestion to the Chicago Consulate. I wanted to know(if it applied to you at all) if you had to send the naturalization certificate (NC) of the minor along with the packet. In my case it will take many months until I acquire the NC for my daughter. Will my certificate be enough? Any help is appreciated.
 
I did not have to submit for SC for my child, since born in US. only for my wife and self. I do not have first hand information in this regard.
But, as with many applications, you can explain (include as cover letter) to consulate officials that your daughter derived US citizenship based on your cistizenship (you can put your data of NC as her date of NC) and include her Indian passport for cancellation along with yours. I am sure you don't want to convey to consulate officials that NC is in waiting; all your OCI applications will be delayed (if applied together). hope this helps.
 
Maybe Chicago is better but my advice for anyone applying in NY is DO NOT apply for both SC and OCI together. Do the SC first and then after getting that, apply for OCI. I got a call from CGI-NY yesterday and based on that conversation, I was told that applying for both SC and OCI will greatly delay the overall processing of both. The logic of this statement defies human comprehension. You can read a bit more about my experience here: Back to square one
 
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