What Documents Required for OCI Card?

I would pay attention to the following before submitting:

• Names must be entered consistently with your current passport.
• Previous Indian citizenship documents should be available if relevant.
• Check whether your birth certificate or other origin documents need certification or additional verification.
• Review the photograph and signature specifications on the OCI portal.
• Confirm whether your local service provider requires printed forms, copies, or an appointment.

The official OCI portal lists evidence of Indian origin and relationship documents where relevant. It also provides the online application process.

For Canada, you should follow the current instructions of the responsible Indian Mission and authorized service provider. The checklist can differ from the one used in the USA or UK.

I would also leave some time for document verification, because an application can require additional information.

My application was for my child, so the checklist was different from an adult's application.

One thing worth mentioning is that OCI document requirements depend on the basis of eligibility. A former Indian citizen may need different evidence from someone applying through Indian parents or grandparents.

For example, applicants claiming Indian origin through a parent may need relationship evidence, such as a birth certificate showing the relevant parents' names. The official OCI FAQ discusses these requirements.

For your case, since you were previously an Indian citizen, I would first check the official instructions for adults who previously held Indian citizenship.

Regarding originals, don't assume that uploading a document means the original will never be needed. The verification and submission process depends on the applicable jurisdiction.

I would prepare a folder containing the originals and copies, then check the current Toronto submission instructions before making an appointment.

Hi Aastha, I applied for my OCI after becoming a Canadian citizen, so I understand the confusion.

I would divide the documents into three groups: your current citizenship, your previous Indian citizenship, and your personal details.

For the first group, check your Canadian passport and citizenship certificate. For the second, keep your surrendered Indian passport and Surrender Certificate available. The exact requirements should be confirmed from the current checklist for your category.

I also recommend checking the proof-of-address requirements carefully. I have seen people assume that a bank statement is acceptable everywhere, but local checklists can specify which address documents are accepted.

The official OCI portal is the best place to start for the general document requirements. Your local Mission or service provider's checklist should be used for submission details.

I wouldn't submit documents based only on another applicant's list. Some requirements change depending on whether the applicant is a former Indian citizen, a person of Indian origin, or applying through a parent or grandparent.

Here are some of the common mistakes for the OCI application by the applicant when uploading documents. They upload poor quality photos and a mismatched signature, not uploading all the documents, incorrect passport number in the application form, not mentioning the full names of parents or spouse, in the proof of marriage spouse's name is missing, part b of the application form is not signed, not attchin valid proof of adress, or incorrect address. These are some of the common mistakes that an applicant makes while uploading the documents online for the OCI application.

Here is the list of all supporting documents to apply for an OCI fresh application or an OCI miscellaneous application. You need to submit address proof, current passport, current Indian passport of parents, spouse, great grandparents (if applicable), marriage certificate (if applicable), spouse passport (if applicable), OCI card, proof of Indian origin, indian visa, PIO card, Spouse OCI card, realtionship certificate, Previous Indian passport of parents, grand parents or spouse (if applicable), OCI cards of parents, grandparents, spouse (if applicable), domicilie certificate, naturalization certificate, renunciation certificate (if applicable), work letter, and parental authorization.