VFS OCI Application Tracking Not Updating – Anyone Else?

If it has only been a few business days, I would probably wait a little before contacting anyone.

The exact timing can depend on how the application was submitted and which VFS centre is handling it. For example, the Embassy of India in The Hague currently advises applicants to check VFS tracking after five working days for applications submitted in person or seven working days for applications submitted by post. Once VFS shows that the OCI application has been forwarded to the Embassy, applicants are directed to the OCI government status system.

That's a useful example of why the tracking timeline isn't necessarily immediate.

Also, make sure you're using the correct VFS reference/application number and the required personal information. Don't post your actual reference number, passport number or date of birth publicly on the forum.

If the VFS system still shows nothing after the applicable waiting period, then contacting the VFS centre handling your application would make more sense.

And once it has been forwarded to the Mission, the relevant Indian Mission/OCI system becomes the better source for the processing status.

Mine was slightly different. The VFS tracker updated first, and then after the application was forwarded to the Consulate, I started using the OCI government portal to follow the actual OCI processing.

This distinction caused a lot of confusion for me.

VFS is handling the application centre side, while the OCI registration itself is processed through the Government of India's OCI system. The official OCI portal has its own Track Application Status facility using the OCI application ID and passport number.

So if your VFS tracker says the application has been forwarded to the Embassy/Consulate, I wouldn't expect every subsequent OCI processing event to appear in the VFS tracker.

For example, the VFS US tracking page explains that “application has been forwarded to the Embassy” means the documentation requirement has been met and the application is on its way to the Embassy/Consulate for processing.

I'd keep both tracking numbers/details handy and check the appropriate system depending on where your application currently sits.

I had this happen with my OCI application through VFS, and initially I thought something was wrong with the application.

There can be a delay between the physical package being delivered and the application appearing in the VFS tracking system. VFS's current US tracking guidance says applicants should track after the stated processing window and notes that an application may take several working days to be reviewed in the VFS system.

Once the application is reviewed and processed by VFS, the tracking status can show that it has been forwarded to the Embassy or Consulate. At that point, the Government of India OCI status system becomes important.

I wouldn't submit another application just because the VFS tracker hasn't changed after a few days.

I checked my email as well because VFS can place an application on hold if there is a deficiency. Their guidance says applicants should check email, including spam/junk folders, for details if documents or payment are required.

In my case, the VFS status eventually appeared without me doing anything differently.