What Documents Were Required for a Child's e-OCI Card?

Our experience in Canada was slightly different.

The document list looked similar, but VFS also checked that our uploaded scans were clear and complete. We included our daughter's foreign passport, birth certificate, both parents' passports, marriage certificate, proof of address, and the required declarations.

About two weeks after submission, we received an email asking for a better scan of our marriage certificate because one corner wasn't readable. After uploading a clearer copy, the application continued normally.

One thing I'd recommend is reviewing the latest VFS checklist for your jurisdiction before mailing the package. Some supporting forms or notarization requirements can differ depending on the country where you're applying, even though the core OCI eligibility documents remain the same.

We completed our daughter's application from the UK earlier this year.

The most important documents in our package were:

• Child's valid British passport
• Child's full birth certificate
• Copies of both parents' passports
• Parents' marriage certificate
• Proof of address
• Recent photographs
• Signed parental declaration forms

We weren't asked for anything else, but I made sure every uploaded file was clear and within the size limits because I'd heard of applications being delayed due to unreadable documents.

My advice would be to prepare both digital and printed copies of everything before your appointment or postal submission. If VFS or the Consulate requests clarification later, you'll be able to respond much more quickly.

We applied for our son's OCI through VFS Houston earlier this year.

The core documents we submitted included his U.S. passport, birth certificate, passport photo, copies of both parents' passports, our naturalization certificates, marriage certificate, address proof, and surrender certificate. We also completed the parental authorization and declaration forms that were part of the VFS checklist. Our VFS center required signatures from both parents because the applicant was a minor. Official OCI guidance also requires a valid foreign passport, the child's birth certificate, and proof of the parents' Indian citizenship or Indian origin for eligible minor applications.

Fortunately, we weren't asked for any additional documents after submission, and the application moved forward without any issues.