VFS email on already submitted docs - marriage certifcate

I would follow the exact instructions in the email rather than sending the marriage certificate by ordinary post unless they specifically tell you to.

There can be a difference between the initial VFS document submission and the later review by the Indian Mission/Consulate. The VFS UK OCI page says that once an application is submitted to the Embassy/Consulate for processing, applicants should track the OCI application through the Government of India system.

Also, VFS's published OCI guidance says supporting documents need to be uploaded and that the Embassy/Consulate reserves the right to request additional documents.

So the fact that they accepted your application three weeks ago doesn't necessarily mean no further documents can be requested.

If the email doesn't tell you what format they require, that's the part I'd clarify before sending anything. Requirements can vary depending on the application type and jurisdiction.

My experience was that VFS initially accepted my OCI application, but the Consulate later asked for clarification about one of my relationship documents.

One thing worth checking is what your OCI application is based on. Marriage certificates can be relevant in different OCI cases. For example, the current VFS OCI documentation lists marriage certificates among the supporting-document categories, and some checklists specifically require marriage-related documents depending based on the application.

Since you said yours is based on your Indian-origin parent, I wouldn't assume the same requirements apply as they would to someone applying through an Indian/OCI spouse.

The request could simply mean that the reviewing authority wants the document for its assessment of your particular application.

I would respond to the request within the stated timeframe and keep the email as evidence. Don't ignore it just because VFS accepted the original package.

I had an additional-document request after submitting my OCI application, although mine was for a different document.

In my case, I had already submitted everything at VFS and assumed the document check there meant the file was complete. Later I received an email asking for another supporting document. From what I understood, VFS receiving the application doesn't necessarily mean the Consulate has finished reviewing all the documents.

The OCI document guidance itself says that the Indian Embassy/Consulate can ask for additional documents during processing.

So I wouldn't automatically interpret the marriage certificate request as a rejection or serious problem.

I'd read the email carefully and check whether it gives a specific deadline, upload method or reference number. I submitted the requested document through the method specified in my email rather than sending it somewhere else.

Also, keep a copy of the certificate and proof that you submitted it. If you're unsure whether they want a certified copy, apostille, translation or simply a scanned copy, I would clarify that with the relevant VFS/Consulate instructions instead of guessing.

Hi Mam/ Sir

As per VFS instructions, you need to submit a notarized joint marriage affidavit; apostille is not required in that case.