Error Uploading Documents to the e-OCI Portal

Before trying multiple times, I would check the actual error message.

There is a difference between:

• File format not supported.
• File size exceeding the permitted limit.
• Document upload failed.
• Session expired.
• Server temporarily unavailable.

Each of these can have a different cause.

I would also recommend checking the instructions displayed next to each upload field instead of relying on older OCI application tutorials. The revamped OCI portal introduced changes to the application interface and document-upload process.

If the portal sends you an email about a document deficiency, follow the instructions in that communication. The Indian mission or FRRO may communicate the deficiency and explain how the required documents should be provided.

I would avoid emailing passport scans to unofficial email addresses or uploading sensitive documents through third-party websites.

I think this could also be a problem with the new OCI portal rather than your documents.

I was trying to update my address recently and experienced something similar. The page would load, but after selecting the supporting document, nothing happened.

I tried again in a private browsing window and temporarily disabled my browser extensions. That seemed to help.

One important thing: check the document requirements shown for your specific OCI service. Passport updates, address changes and personal-detail corrections can have different supporting-document requirements.

Also, don't keep submitting duplicate applications just because an upload fails. First check whether the application has been saved in your dashboard.

If the problem continues, take a screenshot of the error and contact the relevant Indian mission's OCI section. Include your application reference number if one has been generated.

I faced a similar problem while submitting an OCI miscellaneous services application for my passport update.

In my case, the upload kept failing even though the documents were saved as PDFs. I eventually tried using Google Chrome on my laptop instead of uploading everything through my phone, and the application worked.

A few things I checked before trying again:

• The PDF files were opening properly.
• The scanned passport pages were clear and readable.
• The files were not password-protected.
• The file names did not contain unusual special characters.
• My internet connection was stable.

I also avoided refreshing the page while the upload was in progress.

I would suggest trying one document at a time rather than selecting all the files together. However, make sure you follow the document categories displayed in your particular application.

I cannot say whether this will solve every upload error, but it worked in my case.

I completed my OCI application through VFS London, and the upload issue turned out to be related to the document format. One of my files had originally been saved as an image and then converted to PDF, which apparently didn't upload correctly.

I recreated the PDF directly from the scanner instead of converting it later, and it worked.

If you've already tried different browsers, I'd also suggest checking whether your internet connection is interrupting larger uploads. Mine failed repeatedly on Wi-Fi but completed successfully using a wired connection.

Every application is a little different, but simple things like file naming, PDF creation, and document size made a difference in my case.

I applied from the USA earlier this year and received upload errors for my passport copy. After trying multiple times, I waited until the next morning and the upload completed without any changes to the document.

I never found out whether it was browser-related or simply a temporary issue with the e-OCI portal. Since then, I've seen a few other applicants mention occasional upload problems during busy periods.

One suggestion is to avoid uploading several files at once. I uploaded each document individually and waited for the confirmation before moving to the next one.

Requirements and portal behavior can change, so if the problem continues for several days, you may want to check whether there are any notices from the relevant authorities or contact the appropriate support channel.