Do's and Don'ts for Proof of Indian Origin Documents?

When applying for any services or applications that require proof of your Indian origin, such as when applying for a visa or Indian passport, keep the original and photocopies of these documents ready. Also, do not submit documents that are handwritten or already scanned, as an unclear image can delay the entire application process.

If your documents are in your regional language, before using them in any application, my tip for you is to translate them into English; otherwise, your application will remain stuck and will not proceed further.

When providing proof of your Indian documents, ensure they are not damaged and legible. Torn or faded documents can cause delays. Additionally, please submit the documents that are directly related to your Indian origin. For instance, when I applied for a US visa to prove my Indian origin, I submitted my birth certificate along with my school-leaving certificate in India. Furthermore, keep a digital copy of all these just in case you need it.

For my OCI application proof of Indian origin, I have submitted birth certificates attested by a relevant foreign government.

When providing proof of your Indian origin, always use original documents. Additionally, avoid submitting notarized statements from relatives unless specifically requested by the Indian consulate.