How to apply an OCI Card in the UK: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

To apply, you’ll need several essential documents:

• A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
• Surrender Certificate (if applicable): If you canceled your Indian passport after obtaining British citizenship, you’ll need the surrender certificate as proof.
• Proof of Indian origin (like birth certificates or old passports or surrender certificate)
• Naturalization certificate (if applicable): If you have acquired British citizenship through naturalization, include the naturalization certificate.
• Passport-sized photographs that meet specific requirements
• Address proof in the UK
• Depending on your situation, you might need to submit additional documents, such as a spouse OCI card, relationship certificate

For minors, additional documents include parental approval and birth certificates. Be sure to check verification requirements to avoid issues.

Step 2:Complete Application Form :

Instructions for Filling the Form: Part A

The application form can be filled out from the official Online Registration website(https://ociservices.gov.in) in the UK.

• select “New OCI Registration.”

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• Complete the captcha security question and click “Enter.”
• Choose “Fresh Application” and select “UK” as the place of submission

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• Fill in all your personal information, passport details, and occupation details accurately in next screen.

Note: As you proceed, you will notice a Temporary Application ID generated in red at the top right section of the OCI form. Please make sure to note down this ID as it serves as a reference for accessing the application later, if needed.

• Verify the information before moving to next.

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Note: “Make sure to provide the details of your current foreign passport in this section of the application, rather than your Indian passport. Many applicants mistakenly enter their Indian passport number out of habit from years of use.

• Once done, click “Update & Continue” to proceed to the next part of the application.
• This will take you to Page-II of Part-A of the online OCI application form.

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• Once you have filled in the required details, click “Next” to proceed.
• On the next screen, verify the information you have entered so far:

• • Applicant Information
  • Family Information
  • Passport Information
  • Occupation Details
  • Residential Address Details
• Once you are happy with the information, click “Submit” to submit the OCI form. Upon submission, a confirmation message will appear, and you will receive an OCI File Reference Number that begins with GRBL.

Note: Make sure to note down the GBRL number. That’s the OCI Registration number which you will need to book your VFS appointment for OCI

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• In this section, you must upload square-shaped passport photographs which is sized between 200×200 pixels and 900×900 pixels
• You must upload signature images that should be of aspect ratio 3:1, with dimensions ranging from 200×67 pixels to 900×300 pixels.

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• Now Part A of the form is completed