how to apply for oci for newborn in dubai

Applying for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card for your newborn in Dubai can seem like a daunting task, but with the right information and preparation, it's a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through every step, offering practical advice and insights to make your application as smooth as possible.

Understanding OCI for Newborns: A Crucial Clarification

Before diving in, it's vital to understand who an OCI card is actually for. An OCI card is a lifelong visa-like status granted to foreign citizens of Indian origin. It is not for Indian citizens.

Here's the critical point for newborns in Dubai:

• If both parents are Indian citizens: Your child, born in Dubai, is an Indian citizen by descent. They should apply for an Indian passport, not an OCI card. An Indian citizen cannot hold an OCI card.
• When a newborn can get an OCI card:
  1. Both parents are OCI cardholders: If both parents already hold OCI cards (meaning they are foreign citizens of Indian origin), their newborn can apply for an OCI card, provided the child holds a foreign passport.
  2. One parent is an Indian citizen and the other is a foreign citizen: The child can apply for an OCI card if they hold a foreign passport (i.e., they have acquired the foreign parent's nationality).
  3. One parent is an OCI cardholder and the other is a foreign citizen (not Indian): Similar to point 1, the child can apply for an OCI card if they hold a foreign passport.

This guide assumes your child fits one of the scenarios where they will hold a non-Indian passport and are therefore eligible for OCI.

What You'll Need: Essential Documents

Getting your documents in order is the most time-consuming part. Start gathering these well in advance. Remember, you'll need original documents and self-attested photocopies of everything.

For the Newborn Child:

• Foreign Passport: The child must have a valid foreign passport (e.g., a passport from their country of citizenship). This is non-negotiable for OCI eligibility.
• Birth Certificate:
  • Original birth certificate issued by the UAE authorities.
  • Attestation: This certificate needs to be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) of the UAE and then by the Consulate General of India in Dubai. This process can take time, so start early.
• Passport-sized Photographs: Two recent identical photographs.
  • Dimensions: 2x2 inches (51x51 mm)
  • Background: Plain white or off-white.
  • Face: Full frontal view, open eyes, natural expression.
  • No shadows, glares, or red-eye.

For the Parents:

• Indian Passports / OCI Cards:
  • Original and copies of both parents' current passports.
  • If applicable, original and copies of both parents' OCI cards.
  • If parents are Indian citizens, copies of their original passports (front and last pages, and any page with visa stamp or validity extension for at least 5 years if applicable).
• Marriage Certificate:
  • Original marriage certificate.
  • Attestation: If issued outside India, it might need attestation from the relevant authorities and the Indian Embassy/Consulate in that country. If issued in India, it generally doesn't require further attestation for OCI purposes. If issued in UAE, it needs attestation by MoFAIC and the Indian Consulate.
• Proof of Address in Dubai: Original and copy of a utility bill (DEWA, Etisalat, Du), tenancy contract, or Emirates ID, showing the current residential address.
• Parental Consent Form: If only one parent is applying or submitting the application, a consent letter from the other parent might be required, sometimes notarized. Check the latest VFS Global India UAE OCI services guidelines.
• Affidavit for Indian Origin: In some cases, especially if one parent is a foreign national, an affidavit declaring the Indian origin of the parent(s) might be requested.

Important Note on Attestations: The attestation process (MoFAIC then CGI Dubai) for the birth and marriage certificates is critical. Do not skip this step.

The Application Process: Step-by-Step

Once you have your documents ready, here's how to navigate the application:

Step 1: Online Application Submission

1. Visit the OCI Portal: Go to the official OCI portal.
2. New OCI Registration: Click on "OCI Registration (New Applicant)" and then "Proceed."
3. Fill Out Part A & Part B:
   • Part A: Fill in the child's details exactly as they appear on their foreign passport. Make sure all names, dates, and places are accurate.
   • Part B: Provide detailed information about the parents, their Indian origin (or OCI status), and marriage.
4. Upload Documents: You'll be prompted to upload scanned copies of supporting documents. Pay close attention to the file format (PDF for documents, JPG for photos/signatures), size limits, and dimensions. Incorrect uploads are a common reason for application delays.
   • Child's Photo: Upload the passport-sized photo.
   • Child's Signature: For a newborn, you might be required to upload a thumb impression (left thumb for boys, right thumb for girls) or a parent's signature in the child's place, as per specific instructions. Check the VFS guidelines carefully.
5. Review and Submit: Carefully review all information before submitting. Once submitted, you cannot edit it online.
6. Print Application: After successful online submission, print out the complete application form (Part A and Part B). This printout will have a reference number.

Step 2: Book an Appointment at VFS Global

In Dubai, OCI applications are processed through VFS Global.

1. Visit VFS Global Website: Go to the VFS Global website for India in the UAE.
2. Locate OCI Services: Navigate to the OCI services section.
3. Book an Appointment: Follow the instructions to book an appointment for OCI submission. You'll need the application reference number generated in Step 1. Appointments can fill up quickly, so book as soon as you've completed the online form.

Step 3: Document Submission at VFS Global

On your appointment day:

1. Arrive on Time: Be punctual to avoid delays.
2. Bring Everything: Carry your printed online application form, all original documents, and a complete set of self-attested photocopies of every single document.
3. Verification: VFS Global staff will verify your documents against the originals. They might ask for additional copies if needed.
4. Pay Fees: Pay the applicable OCI application fees and VFS Global service charges. Fees are typically paid at the VFS counter.
5. Acknowledgement: You will receive an acknowledgement slip with a reference number. Keep this safe.

Step 4: Tracking Your Application

You can track the status of your OCI application using:

• The reference number provided by VFS Global on their website.
• The OCI application reference number on the OCI portal.

Step 5: OCI Card Collection

1. Notification: You will typically receive an SMS or email notification when your OCI card is ready for collection.
2. Collect from VFS Global: Bring your acknowledgement slip and a valid ID to collect the OCI card from the VFS Global center where you submitted the application.

Fees and Timeframes

• Fees: The OCI application fee is typically around AED 1000-1100, plus VFS Global service charges (around AED 30-50). These amounts can change, so always check the latest fees on the VFS Global India UAE OCI services website.
• Timeframes: Processing times can vary significantly. While the official processing time might be stated as 6-8 weeks, it's realistic to expect anywhere from 2-4 months, or even longer. Factors like document completeness, verification processes, and workload at the Consulate can influence this.

Important Tips & Potential Pitfalls

• Start Early, Especially for Attestations: The attestation process for birth and marriage certificates can take weeks. Don't underestimate this.
• Document Checklist is Your Best Friend: Before going to VFS, use their official checklist (available on their website) to double-check every single document.
• Strict Photo Specifications: OCI photo requirements are stringent. Get professional passport photos done and ensure they meet the exact specifications to avoid rejection.
• Online Uploads: Ensure your scanned documents are clear, legible, and meet the specified file size and format (PDF for documents, JPG for photos/signatures). Blurry or incorrectly sized uploads are a common reason for delays.
• Keep Copies of Everything: Before submitting, make a complete set of copies of your entire application, including the online form, all documents, and the payment receipt.
• Patience is Key: Government processes can be slow. Avoid making travel plans to India that rely on receiving the OCI card by a specific date.
• The Foreign Passport: Reiterate, your child must have a foreign passport to apply for OCI. If they don't, that's your first step.

Common Questions

• Can my child travel to India while the OCI is processing? No, not on the OCI application. Your child would need a valid Indian visa on their foreign passport to travel to India during this period.
• Is an interview required for newborns? For OCI applications for newborns, interviews are extremely rare.
• What if one parent is an OCI holder and the other is an Indian citizen? If the child holds a foreign passport, they can apply for OCI based on the OCI parent.
• Do I need to carry my old Indian passport if I'm an OCI holder? Yes, it's always good practice to carry your old Indian passport along with your OCI card when traveling to India, especially if your OCI was issued based on that passport.

Next Steps After Receiving Your OCI Card

1. Verify Details: Immediately check all the details on the OCI card (name, date of birth, passport number) against your child's foreign passport. Report any discrepancies to VFS Global immediately.
2. Keep it Safe: The OCI card is a valuable travel document. Keep it in a secure place.
3. Lifelong Document: The OCI card is generally issued for life. However, if the OCI holder gets a new passport before turning 20 or after turning 50, they need to update their OCI details online. Check the latest rules on the OCI portal for updates.

Applying for your newborn's OCI in Dubai requires diligence and attention to detail. By following these steps and preparing thoroughly, you'll successfully navigate the process and secure this important status for your child.