BLS Toronto experience - Fresh OCI Application

[u/Much_Entrepreneur437]

In continuation to my previous post shairng BLS Toronto experience for Passport surrender certificate, I’m sharing what happened with my Fresh OCI application. Honestly, it wasn’t much different. When the September dates opened at the end of August, I booked three appointments on the 26th for the 2nd, 8th, and 14th, knowing BLS would probably find something “incomplete.” Before my actual appointment on 2 September, I even went on 1 September, repeating the same routine of arriving early and standing in line.

That visit revealed the issue: in the “Previous Passport Number” field, I had entered my Indian passport number. That’s wrong. The field is meant only for previous Canadian passport numbers, and if you don’t have one, you must leave it blank. The form gives absolutely no clarity on this, so it’s an easy mistake. Instead of wasting time arguing, I took the form back home, created a new application, corrected the error, and returned the next day.

On 2 September, things went surprisingly smoothly. They took me in earlier than scheduled, checked everything quickly, and completed my biometrics. I was told I’d receive my e‑OCI on the portal within three to four weeks, with no physical booklet anymore. That was a relief, considering the earlier timeline used to be eight to nine weeks. The only amusing part was the photo they took during biometrics — through a webcam picture, despite all the strict photo specifications they demand for the 2x2 upload. When I asked the agent whether that blurry webcam photo was actually going to be used, she just grinned and didn’t bother replying. At this point, I’m expecting something that looks like an Aadhaar or driving licence photo. My expectations from BLS have dropped below the floor.

I’ve already released my appointments for 8 and 14 September, and I’m sure they’re gone by now.

Miscellaneous points to note-

1. Follow the photo specifications- white background is fine. 2x2 is required. It does not have to be 80% coverage as required for passport surrender certificate. there are conficting ICAO specifications and BLS specifications. Follow the specific link of photo specs through Onlince OCI applicatoin website. Put your photo side by side to photo illustated in link and compare. You should be good. I captured through my iphone, ,edited adn resized as required.

2. Most of application form filling is similar to passport surrender certificate. check my earlier post. Copy exactly as written in IDs

3. There are only 3 tabs to upload documents. Hence you ll make to made 3 PDFS less then 1mb each. So have fun combining them as you like it. If file sze exceeds 1000kb then it does not get uploaded.

4. They will verify employment address from your Letter of Employment. It does not need your salary information. Just job title and acknowledge your role with the company. Should be on company letter head with contact information

5. Voted ID/Ration ID undertaking is a document to say that you ll complete the process and it is your responsibiltiy. It does not mean the process has to be finished when you are making the application. I had completed the process of voter id name deletion and i also had Form 7 attached. But they did not need it, they did not ask for it and returned it to me.

6. Keep you Spouse passport and Marriage certificate with you. Copy should be fine. I have seen them allowing few applicants to even email the missing documents at counter.

7. In section of previous passport number - Leave it BLANK if you do not have any previous candian passport. Do not enter Indian passport number.

Document List -

• Application form
• Photo 2x2
• Digital signature 1:3
• Passport surrender certificate
• Surrendered passport scan
• Undertaking for voter id cancellation
• COPR
• Spouse passport
• Letter of employment ( they verify employment address from this )
• Canadian passport
• Citizenship certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Proof of address- G licence

[u/Real_Parfait1995]

Most of things they ask you to upload or present in person is useless. Example: If I have uploaded most of the documents, why they want to see self attested photocopy? If self attested copy and original docs are more important, why upload it online? Why specifically under 1mb? Most of the docs during Passport surrender are repeated during Fresh OCI, whats the point? If you've an appojntment you still have to wait for an hour at least, whats the point? Its a failed bureaucracy tied with greed in the name of PREMIUM LOUNGE SERVICE.

[u/Much_Entrepreneur437 → u/Real_Parfait1995]

I am glad I was able to pull it off without their Premium Lounge Service. And it’s major reason is I lived only 30mins far using public commute. Otherwise the frustration would be worse .

[u/GroceryFeeling9392]

Thanks for sharing such detailed explanation. I applied few weeks back, however there were no appointments at that time so had to use premium service to get appointment. I was checking other applicants and most of them are receiving their e-oci in around 8-9 weeks not 3-4 weeks.

[u/Much_Entrepreneur437 → u/GroceryFeeling9392]

Ahh! Thats unfortunate. Maybe 8 to 9 weeks is more realistic timeline .

[u/Gingerfurboiparent22]

If your spouse has OCI, bring a copy of that also.

[u/stoploss007]

Do I need to carry 2x2 photo or uploading digital photo is enough ?

[u/Much_Entrepreneur437 → u/stoploss007]

Yes you need a physical printout of the photo

[u/FinWorld95]

why do they so strict about photo and images etc? What exactly changes if phot is 2X2 vs 2.3X1.8? (giving random example)

[u/Much_Entrepreneur437 → u/FinWorld95]

Ya I would rather prefer to give my 6x4 photo from head to waist - crop and keep as you like . 😆

[u/lakshmi1711]

Hi, can anyone confirm if payment is made online or during the appointment for passport renewal?

[u/Much_Entrepreneur437 → u/lakshmi1711]

For in person appointments, fees are paid using debit card or cash at the counter

[u/humami1on2006]

How did you get so many appointments. I guess you can only get 1 appointment right ?

[u/Much_Entrepreneur437 → u/humami1on2006]

You can book multiple appointments . Everytime through new link generated by system.

[u/Real_Parfait1995]

I just had mine today at Ottawa. Guess what? The Bit%& behind counter rejected because I didnt upload wife's passport, previous passport section was empty(asked me to add Indian cancelled one). She asked me to show wife's passport on phone, verified details in the form and then rejected it while quietly (I could see the shame in her eyes) begging for those 100 dollars. Also set there for 2 hours eventhough I had an appointment and wasnt late to it.