Travel to India While OCI Pending

miyengar said:
nyc12, that is really good news. The form clearly says that you lose your money and the spot, though I am not complaining if that's incorrect. Now I need to find out if the SF consulate has the same policy as the NYC one...
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Might be worthwhile for you to make a trip to the consulate if it is possible/driveable.

You might be able to get your 1 printed OCI card and the passport back for your other kid.

Here is an experience of another person at SF whose OCI was printed on May-16 and who is flying next Wed. (posted on immihelp )

I completely understand your frustration. After waiting for 3 hours in Travisa office, they finally said they talked to few people and they are getting my documents in the evening courier from Consulate to Travisa. I should have gone to Consulate first, but since I already took an appointment with Travisa for 9:40, had to wait for their response. I will be staying here until evening and pickup the documents myself, didn't want to go through the hassle again with mailing (I have indicated by mail and they said they cannot change it to in person now)

Just waiting to get my documents and planning to post the feedbacks in their site/yelp etc. What a mess we have to go through...
ari_immi
- May 26, 2011 at 04:53:50 PM
 
@miyengar, if you have the dispatched date as 05/16, I am pretty sure they will be in the Consulate. Here is the response I got from NIC person (B.N. Shetty) when enquiring about my OCI:

"A total of 701 OCI Cards and 701 visa stickers were sent to CGI San Francisco on 16th May 2011 through a courier company. Usually, these are delivered within 3-4 days. As such, the documents might be with them. Since the documents were in bulk, the Consulate might not have updated their website, as it takes time to enter each one in the database. They might be doing it."

He also mentioned in another email that they should be available in SFO consulate. Since your travel date is 06/10, you could even wait for the one that is dispatched on 05/16, but you can try calling them and tell them that you got an email from NIC India person that they are already in Consulate (that is what I mentioned to them today), then there is a chance that they might request consulate to get the docs. They also mentioned that even if I pull out the passport now, OCI is not going to be cancelled, I can come back from trip and submit the passport and get the OCI. But I am not sure if it is the same case if OCI is not even printed (as with your other kid's OCI status)

If you plan to visit Travisa, try to be there in the morning before 10, so they will have enough time to check here,talk to manager/people (that's what they say) and finally request Consulate. The courier from Consulate comes around 3:30/4 PM and so they will ask you to come back around 4 PM and pick it up.

For your other kid's OCI since it is not even printed, it might be risky to wait until the last minute. You can contact NIC person B.N. Shetty, shettybn@nic.in. He is very responsive and was answering promptly for all my questions. For pulling out the passport, they mentioned the same to me that it might take 72 hours. But for visa, if you submit before 11 AM in the morning, you can pick it up by 5:30 in the evening.

Hope this helps.
 
ari_immi said:
@miyengar, if you have the dispatched date as 05/16, I am pretty sure they will be in the Consulate. Here is the response I got from NIC person (B.N. Shetty) when enquiring about my OCI:

"A total of 701 OCI Cards and 701 visa stickers were sent to CGI San Francisco on 16th May 2011 through a courier company. Usually, these are delivered within 3-4 days. As such, the documents might be with them. Since the documents were in bulk, the Consulate might not have updated their website, as it takes time to enter each one in the database. They might be doing it."

He also mentioned in another email that they should be available in SFO consulate. Since your travel date is 06/10, you could even wait for the one that is dispatched on 05/16, but you can try calling them and tell them that you got an email from NIC India person that they are already in Consulate (that is what I mentioned to them today), then there is a chance that they might request consulate to get the docs. They also mentioned that even if I pull out the passport now, OCI is not going to be cancelled, I can come back from trip and submit the passport and get the OCI. But I am not sure if it is the same case if OCI is not even printed (as with your other kid's OCI status)

If you plan to visit Travisa, try to be there in the morning before 10, so they will have enough time to check here,talk to manager/people (that's what they say) and finally request Consulate. The courier from Consulate comes around 3:30/4 PM and so they will ask you to come back around 4 PM and pick it up.

For your other kid's OCI since it is not even printed, it might be risky to wait until the last minute. You can contact NIC person B.N. Shetty, shettybn@nic.in. He is very responsive and was answering promptly for all my questions. For pulling out the passport, they mentioned the same to me that it might take 72 hours. But for visa, if you submit before 11 AM in the morning, you can pick it up by 5:30 in the evening.

Hope this helps.
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Thanks, ari_immi for all your useful and practical suggestions. I am grateful to all the people on this forum for helping me. You are all taking the time and effort to read the posts to construct the full background, understand it and respond with advice. Kudos to you all.

I called Travisa today and it seems even if you call the 415 number, it goes to some central call center, who have no clue of what they are saying. I finally talked to a guy named Aaron from the SF center who was both polite and knowledgeable. He said you can withdraw your passport for travel without jeopardizing your OCI application (I hope this is really true).

Anyway, here is my planned approach. For kid#1 (OCI dispatched 5/16), I will go next Thursday or Friday to Travisa to see if they can get the OCI and passport from consulate (if there has been no change in status on NIC or Travisa website). For kid #2 (OCI not printed yet), I will ask them at the same time for my passport from the Consulate. Luckily, kid #2 has a valid visa on an old passport, so I just need to get the current one back from Travisa.

Of course, I don't know what to do if they say the consulate does not have #1's OCI yet. In that case, hopefully they can give the visa in one or 2 days after pulling passport out, which takes another 3 days. So it will really be a photo finish - I am sincerely praying that won't happen.

Again, this forum has taught me a lot. Hopefully our collective experiences will help others too.
 
miyengar said:
...

Anyway, here is my planned approach. For kid#1 (OCI dispatched 5/16), I will go next Thursday or Friday to Travisa to see if they can get the OCI and passport from consulate (if there has been no change in status on NIC or Travisa website). For kid #2 (OCI not printed yet), I will ask them at the same time for my passport from the Consulate. Luckily, kid #2 has a valid visa on an old passport, so I just need to get the current one back from Travisa.
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The NIC website seems to get updated after Travisa hands out the document or after Travisa updates their system.

One of the questions that I have is whether you have one Travisa order # for both kids' OCI or 2 separate, i.e. one for each.

The problem I see if you have just one order #, is that they may treat that your application is not yet completed by the consulate, sit on your 1 OCI, till the second one is printed. (this is conjecture on my part)
 
idk said:
The NIC website seems to get updated after Travisa hands out the document or after Travisa updates their system.

One of the questions that I have is whether you have one Travisa order # for both kids' OCI or 2 separate, i.e. one for each.

The problem I see if you have just one order #, is that they may treat that your application is not yet completed by the consulate, sit on your 1 OCI, till the second one is printed. (this is conjecture on my part)
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idk, I have 2 separate orders for them. I even sent them in separate Fedex envelopes - since you need to put Application ID in the 'To' address. I could have saved some money by sending both in one, but did not want to take chance with these guys. Of course, they still sat on it before opening for more than 2 weeks - that's another story.

I got an update form Mr. Shetty after following up with him:

Sir

The printing problems have been resolved. The backlog is now being cleared, which may take upto two weeks to clear all the printing.

Regards

OCI Unit Delhi
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I think that means I need to definitely pull child #2's passport out and travel with the existing visa. At least my options are becoming clear.
 
miyengar said:
idk, I have 2 separate orders for them. I even sent them in separate Fedex envelopes - since you need to put Application ID in the 'To' address. I could have saved some money by sending both in one, but did not want to take chance with these guys. Of course, they still sat on it before opening for more than 2 weeks - that's another story.

I got an update form Mr. Shetty after following up with him:

I think that means I need to definitely pull child #2's passport out and travel with the existing visa. At least my options are becoming clear.
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Thanks for the clarification. Seems you have a good plan. My only suggestion would be to prepone the pulling out of child #2 passport to early next week, maybe Tue or Wed.

For child 1, based on my assessment you might get a notification today, else Tue/Wed.

I am also with a May-16 dispatch date, waiting to pick my OCI. Will post if my status changes.
 
miyengar said:
idk, I have 2 separate orders for them. I even sent them in separate Fedex envelopes - since you need to put Application ID in the 'To' address. I could have saved some money by sending both in one, but did not want to take chance with these guys. Of course, they still sat on it before opening for more than 2 weeks - that's another story.

I got an update form Mr. Shetty after following up with him:



I think that means I need to definitely pull child #2's passport out and travel with the existing visa. At least my options are becoming clear.
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miyengar, could you please share the passport-withdrawal-form that travisa sent to you. Is it a standard form? If it is then I also would like to fax them a copy and withdraw my passport for now. Our trip is on 12th (oci granted on 12/5 - not printed yet). I have been trying to get in touch with travisa but I have not been able to. Do you know if there is a link where a copy of this form is available for download? My email address is tiwari@sonoma.edu
Thanks
 
sfo2blr said:
miyengar, could you please share the passport-withdrawal-form that travisa sent to you. Is it a standard form? If it is then I also would like to fax them a copy and withdraw my passport for now. Our trip is on 12th (oci granted on 12/5 - not printed yet). I have been trying to get in touch with travisa but I have not been able to. Do you know if there is a link where a copy of this form is available for download? My email address is tiwari@sonoma.edu
Thanks
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here's a copy of the text
Passport Withdrawal Request Form
Name on Passport: Application ID Number:________________________________
Passport Number: Service Type: (circle one) OCI / PIO / Renunciation / Visas
Country of Issue: Office: (circle one) NY / DC / HO / CH / SF
By requesting for the above detailed passport, I understand that this closes the application completely, that withdrawal
request may take up to 3 (three) business days to complete and that all consular and processing fees are nonrefundable.
All Consular Fees and Processing Fees are NONREFUNDABLE, even if a visa is denied or if a visa is issued for a shorter
period of time or otherwise issued or returned at a time or on terms and conditions that vary from those sought by the
applicant.
Travisa Outsourcing is a service company only. Travisa Outsourcing does not issue visas or in any way determine or
control the issuance of, or terms and conditions of, visas all of which is determined and controlled solely by the
Consulates of the Embassy of India. Travisa Outsourcing is not and cannot be responsible for any determinations, acts or
omissions by the Consulates.
The above detailed passport is requested to be withdrawn from the visa application process in behalf of:
(check one)
Myself Relative Please specify: (name) (relationship)
Travel Agency (name of agency)
Other Please specify (name) (affiliation with passport holder)
Printed Name: _________________ Signature:___________________ Date:________________

from the following link:
http://forums.immigration.com/showt...-OCI-Pending&p=2303523&highlight=#post2303523

please look at the very first post.
 
speakamericano said:
here's a copy of the text
Passport Withdrawal Request Form
Name on Passport: Application ID Number:________________________________
Passport Number: Service Type: (circle one) OCI / PIO / Renunciation / Visas
Country of Issue: Office: (circle one) NY / DC / HO / CH / SF
By requesting for the above detailed passport, I understand that this closes the application completely, that withdrawal
request may take up to 3 (three) business days to complete and that all consular and processing fees are nonrefundable.
All Consular Fees and Processing Fees are NONREFUNDABLE, even if a visa is denied or if a visa is issued for a shorter
period of time or otherwise issued or returned at a time or on terms and conditions that vary from those sought by the
applicant.
Travisa Outsourcing is a service company only. Travisa Outsourcing does not issue visas or in any way determine or
control the issuance of, or terms and conditions of, visas all of which is determined and controlled solely by the
Consulates of the Embassy of India. Travisa Outsourcing is not and cannot be responsible for any determinations, acts or
omissions by the Consulates.
The above detailed passport is requested to be withdrawn from the visa application process in behalf of:
(check one)
Myself Relative Please specify: (name) (relationship)
Travel Agency (name of agency)
Other Please specify (name) (affiliation with passport holder)
Printed Name: _________________ Signature:___________________ Date:________________

from the following link:
http://forums.immigration.com/showt...-OCI-Pending&p=2303523&highlight=#post2303523

please look at the very first post.
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Thanks speakamericano. I am very impressed by your prompt responses to mine (and others) questions. There are a few others as well who are doing that same on this forum. It shows goodness of your heart guys. Thanks.

iyengar mentioned that he got a pdf file of this form. I want to make sure that the form does not have any standard logo and/or heading/title etc that makes that look official.
 
I am glad I could be of any assistance. Good Karma!
Travisa gives everyone their opinion, not the facts, which is why it's not clear whether someone really HAS to withdraw the application or they could just get a visa on the side and travel to India and collect OCI after they come back. To me, it doesn't make sense to withdraw the application as you end up losing the money. Besides it's not fair process for the consulate to sit on their butt with any individual's US passport. What if someone has to fly somewhere due to an unfortunate emergency. We would have to wait for 3 days for Travisa to withdraw our application? That just doesn't sound fair.

I am not sure if Travisa's PDF file would look any different than the text mentioned above. The consulate's surrender certificate doesn't look any better than an 8th grader's mid-term paper where they have to create a semi-decent looking Government paper. But that's hamari consulate of India.

Good Luck with your experience with Travisa. I just got done with mine about a week ago and got kind of attached to this forum as it mentions flaws of Travisa. I don't want to miss any opportunity to point out the flaws of Travisa.
 
speakamericano said:
I am glad I could be of any assistance. Good Karma!
Travisa gives everyone their opinion, not the facts, which is why it's not clear whether someone really HAS to withdraw the application or they could just get a visa on the side and travel to India and collect OCI after they come back. To me, it doesn't make sense to withdraw the application as you end up losing the money. Besides it's not fair process for the consulate to sit on their butt with any individual's US passport. What if someone has to fly somewhere due to an unfortunate emergency. We would have to wait for 3 days for Travisa to withdraw our application? That just doesn't sound fair.

I agree completely. The common sense solution to this common problem is -- CGI office should directly (or through travisa) collect the fees and photos and give the visa. All the supporting documents for the visa are already there and have been, more or less, verified -- we have oci status granted after all. It would be fast and easy.

I am not sure if Travisa's PDF file would look any different than the text mentioned above. The consulate's surrender certificate doesn't look any better than an 8th grader's mid-term paper where they have to create a semi-decent looking Government paper. But that's hamari consulate of India.

Good Luck with your experience with Travisa. I just got done with mine about a week ago and got kind of attached to this forum as it mentions flaws of Travisa. I don't want to miss any opportunity to point out the flaws of Travisa.

I already got enough of travisa -- more on the way -- (paying for my bad karma I think). To be honest, After looking at so much negative energy, frustration, and waste of valuable time of all of us in seeking answers to trivial questions -- I see a niche here for a nonprofit service --- A group of tech-savvies should start a service that assists CGIs and undercuts travisa to shutdown. I am sure it is possible to write codes that would let people track their oci (or any visa) in a queue between two steps -- whether you are number 3 in the printing queue or number 103.
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Thanks
 
sfo2blr said:
miyengar, could you please share the passport-withdrawal-form that travisa sent to you. Is it a standard form? If it is then I also would like to fax them a copy and withdraw my passport for now. Our trip is on 12th (oci granted on 12/5 - not printed yet). I have been trying to get in touch with travisa but I have not been able to. Do you know if there is a link where a copy of this form is available for download? My email address is tiwari@sonoma.edu
Thanks
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sfo2blr, I have uploaded the document at the location below so it will be useful to others as well:
scribd.com/fullscreen/56508055?access_key=key-1kcrmfqylb7nw0j06ne0.
 
miyengar said:
sfo2blr, I have uploaded the document at the location below so it will be useful to others as well:
scribd.com/fullscreen/56508055?access_key=key-1kcrmfqylb7nw0j06ne0.
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Thanks miyengar. Copuld you please update your status on "withdrawal of the passport and the visa". How long did it take? Thanks
 
miyengar said:
sfo2blr, please see my post in the other thread: http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?213121-OCI-San-Francisco-Tracker&p=2305697#post2305697
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Thanks miyengar. Now here is my story so far --

CGISF - OCI called me today. The lady was knowledgable, kind, and very helpful. She checked my oci status which was "not printed". She suggested me to (a) fax the passport release form to travisa with a note to keep the released passport with them until I go there in person. (b) Print the visa-applications (three of us) and take them along with supporting documents to travisa. (c) She told that she would co-ordinate with them (travisa) -- and the visa would be ready by the end of the same day I submit the application. I just printed all the application forms and I am going to travisa on Tuesday.
 
sfo2blr said:
Thanks miyengar. Now here is my story so far --

CGISF - OCI called me today. The lady was knowledgable, kind, and very helpful. She checked my oci status which was "not printed". She suggested me to (a) fax the passport release form to travisa with a note to keep the released passport with them until I go there in person. (b) Print the visa-applications (three of us) and take them along with supporting documents to travisa. (c) She told that she would co-ordinate with them (travisa) -- and the visa would be ready by the end of the same day I submit the application. I just printed all the application forms and I am going to travisa on Tuesday.
Click to expand...

CGISF - OCI called me today. The lady was knowledgable, kind, and very helpful. She checked my oci status which was "not printed". She suggested me to (a) fax the passport release form to travisa with a note to keep the released passport with them until I go there in person. (b) Print the visa-applications (three of us) and take them along with supporting documents to travisa. (c) She told that she would co-ordinate with them (travisa) -- and the visa would be ready by the end of the same day I submit the application. I just printed all the application forms and I am going to travisa on Tuesday.[/QUOTE]

This discussion topic would be redundant in a month or so -- oci applicants need not submit their passports with the application after 15th of June.

Update on my visa:

0. I got my visa on Tuesday (6 mo - travel; $76; I am sure by the time I get back from India, my oci will be here).
1. My experience with travisa was very good (8 out of 10). They are very helpful in person -- some of the emplyees still do not know all the rules though. Their assistance via email or over the phone is (1 out of 10).
2. They were helpful. Our passports were already there. The lady took the passports, flagged the pages and highlighed the checklist of documents needed. The other lady made the copies and the applications were complete. $2.00 per page is a bit high but it is very convenient.
3. Keep in mind, appliocations submitted before 11:00 AM get the visa the same day -- even though the website says it would take three to five business days.
4. As speakamericano mentioned in one of his/her posts, please consider parking your car at a parking place, specially when you are there to pickup the passports in the evening. After 4 PM parking on the street is prohibited -- I saw two cars getting towed away. Pickup does not take more than ten minutes. You do not see the towtrucks and cops but they magically appear and help raise funds for the police department.

Good luck to you.
 
Hi All,
This is a great thread for OCI knowledge. I am hoping to get help on a query of mine regarding OCI process with the new rule that was put in place regarding OCI applications not requiring the Original US passport to be submitted with the application, effective today - June 15, 2011.

I am planning a trip to India 1st week of Aug. I have an "Entry Visa" stamped on my US passport that expires in Dec, 2011. Question is -- If I apply for OCI right now, Can I travel to India with my US passport (which will be in my possession, thanks to the new rule) on the entry visa while my OCI application is in progress?

Thanks,
 
miyengar said:
Haven't done that yet. I plan to do that this week.
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How long did it take you to collect the OCI documents for your son. I assume you resent it after you withdrew the passport?. I had to withdraw my son's passport too while the OCI was pending. It is approved now and I have resent it for stamping the U visa and for getting the OCI card.

Your response will be appreciated.

Vivek
 
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