Lost OCI Card in Canada: Your Complete Guide to the Reissue Process

Losing your Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card can be a stressful experience, especially when you're living abroad in Canada. It's a vital document for visa-free travel to India and for certain privileges once there. But don't panic – reissuing a lost OCI card is a well-defined process, and this guide will walk you through every step. While it requires attention to detail and patience, it's entirely manageable.

The core of the reissue process involves applying for "Miscellaneous Services" through the official OCI portal, followed by submission of documents to BLS International, the outsourced service provider for the Indian High Commission and Consulates in Canada.

What You Need to Do First (Don't Skip These Steps!)

Before you even think about filling out forms, there are a couple of crucial actions you need to take. These will form the foundation of your reissue application.

1. File a Police Report: This is non-negotiable. As soon as you realize your OCI card is lost or stolen, report it to your local police department in Canada.

   • Why it matters: The police report serves as official proof that your card is indeed lost and helps prevent its misuse.
   • What to include: Ensure the report clearly states that your OCI card number (if you remember it), your name, and details of how/when it was lost. Get a physical copy of this report.

2. Prepare an Affidavit for Lost OCI Card: This is a sworn statement declaring that your OCI card is lost and you will not misuse it if found.

   • Where to get it: You'll need to get this notarized by a notary public in Canada.
   • What to include: Your full name, current address, details of the lost OCI card (number if known, date of issue), passport details, and a declaration that you will not use the old OCI card if found and will surrender it to the Indian authorities. This often needs to be on a stamp paper (or equivalent in Canada) and duly attested.

Understanding the "Miscellaneous Services" Category

When you apply for a lost OCI card reissue, you're not applying for a "new" OCI in the traditional sense. Instead, you'll be using the OCI Miscellaneous Services category on the official Indian government portal. This category covers various changes or reissues, including:

• Change of passport particulars.
• Change of address/occupation.
• Change of marital status.
• Loss/damage of OCI booklet.
• Change of name.

For your situation, Loss/damage of OCI booklet is the relevant service.

The Step-by-Step Application Process

Let's break down the application into manageable steps.

Step 1: Online Application on the MHA OCI Portal

1. Access the Portal: Go to the official OCI Services website.
2. Select "OCI Miscellaneous Services": On the homepage, click on the "OCI Miscellaneous Services" option.
3. Part A Registration:
   • You'll need your previous OCI registration number (if you have it) and the file number. If you don't have these, you might need to try retrieving them or contact the consulate.
   • Fill in all personal details accurately as per your current passport.
   • Upload a recent photograph and your signature. The photo must meet specific OCI requirements (2x2 inches, white background, no shadows, full face visible).
4. Part B Registration:
   • Complete the remaining sections, including details about your lost OCI card and the reason for applying (loss of OCI booklet).
   • Upload scanned copies of all required supporting documents. This includes your current Canadian passport, the police report, the notarized affidavit, and proof of address.
5. Review and Submit: Carefully review all the information you've entered. Any errors can cause delays. Once satisfied, submit the application.
6. Print Application: After successful submission, print out the completed application form (Part A and Part B). This printout, along with your original documents and copies, will be sent to BLS International.

Step 2: BLS International Portal & Fee Payment

BLS International handles the administrative and logistical aspects of OCI applications in Canada.

1. Visit the BLS Website: Go to the BLS International Canada website.
2. Select "OCI Services" and "Miscellaneous OCI Services": Navigate to the relevant section.
3. Fill BLS Form & Checklist: You'll need to fill out a separate BLS application form online. This form helps them generate a personalized checklist for your specific application.
4. Pay Fees:
   • The fee for OCI Miscellaneous Services for a lost card is typically CAD $140.00 (this is the OCI government fee, subject to change).
   • BLS International charges a service fee, usually around CAD $7.40.
   • You will also need to pay for courier services (both ways) if you are submitting by mail, which is highly recommended. This can be around CAD $70-90 for a two-way courier.
   • Payment Method: BLS usually accepts online payments via debit/credit card or bank draft/money order. Check their website for current accepted methods.
5. Print BLS Confirmation: Print the BLS application form, payment receipt, and the generated checklist.

Step 3: Document Compilation & Checklist

This is where meticulousness pays off. Gather all originals and their photocopies as per the BLS checklist. Arrange them in the exact order specified on the checklist.

Essential Documents (Originals & Self-Attested Photocopies):

• Printed OCI Application Form (Part A & B): Signed by you.
• Printed BLS Application Form: Signed by you.
• BLS Checklist: Signed by you.
• Police Report: Original copy of the report filed in Canada.
• Notarized Affidavit: Original notarized affidavit for lost OCI card.
• Current Canadian Passport: Original and a photocopy of the biodata page.
• Proof of Indian Origin: Your previous OCI card copy (if you have one), or your Indian passport (if you were an Indian citizen before acquiring Canadian citizenship), or your parents' / grandparents' Indian passport.
• Proof of Address in Canada: Original and photocopy (e.g., driver's license, utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement). Ensure your name and address are clearly visible.
• Photographs: 2 identical photographs (2x2 inches, white background, matte finish, full face, no shadows, per OCI specifications). Attach one to the OCI application form.
• Copy of your lost OCI card: If you have any record or copy of it, include it. If not, the police report and affidavit become even more critical.
• Proof of Fee Payment: BLS payment receipt.
• Self-addressed Prepaid Courier Envelope: For the return of your documents and new OCI card. Check BLS website for approved courier services (e.g., Canada Post Xpresspost, Purolator).

Important Note on Photocopies: All photocopies must be self-attested. This means you must sign each copy yourself.

Step 4: Submission

You have two main options for submission:

1. Mail-in Application (Recommended): This is the most common and often preferred method.

   • Place all your documents (originals and copies in the specified order), the BLS payment receipt, and the prepaid return courier envelope into a larger secure envelope.
   • Send it to the relevant BLS International office based on your Canadian residential address (jurisdiction matters – check BLS for addresses for Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa).
   • Keep tracking numbers for both your outgoing and return envelopes.

2. In-Person Submission (If available/required): Some BLS centres might offer in-person submission by appointment. Check the BLS website for specific instructions and appointment booking procedures if you prefer this method.

Step 5: Tracking Your Application

Once submitted, you can track the status of your application:

1. BLS Tracking: Use the reference number provided by BLS International on their website.
2. OCI Portal Tracking: Once your application is processed by the consulate, it will eventually appear on the main OCI Services website under "Status Enquiry."

Fees and Processing Timeline

• Total Cost: Expect to pay approximately CAD $220 - $250, including the OCI fee, BLS service charge, and two-way courier fees.
• Processing Time: Reissuing a lost OCI card typically takes 8 to 12 weeks. However, this is an estimate and can vary significantly based on the volume of applications, verification processes, and other factors. Some cases might take longer, especially if additional verification is required.

Practical Tips and Potential Pitfalls

• Jurisdiction Matters: Ensure you send your application to the correct BLS International office/Consulate that serves your residential address in Canada. Incorrect jurisdiction will lead to delays.
• Double-Check Everything: Before submission, go through your application and documents multiple times against the BLS checklist. A single missing document or incorrect detail can cause your application to be returned.
• Clear Photocopies: Ensure all photocopies are clear and legible.
• Photo Specifications: OCI photo requirements are strict. Use a professional service or ensure your photo meets all specifications to avoid rejection.
• Keep Copies of EVERYTHING: Make a complete set of photocopies of your entire application packet before mailing it. This includes all forms, documents, and receipts.
• Patience is Key: The process can be lengthy. Avoid calling BLS or the Consulate too frequently unless there's a specific issue or a significant delay beyond the estimated timeframe. Check online tracking first.
• Affidavit Content: Ensure your affidavit clearly states the loss of the OCI card and promises non-misuse. This document is critical in lieu of the physical card.
• Don't Travel Without It: While your application is pending, you cannot use your lost OCI card for travel. If you need to travel to India urgently, you might need to apply for an Indian visa.

Common Questions Answered

Q: Do I need to apply for a new OCI if I get a new Canadian passport? A: Generally, no. OCI cards are linked to your person, not primarily to a specific passport. However, if your OCI card was issued when you were under 20 years old, it needs to be re-issued once after you turn 20, and once after you turn 50 (if the OCI was acquired before turning 50) when a new passport is obtained. For those over 20 and under 50, re-issuance is not mandatory when a new passport is obtained, but it's advisable to carry the old passport with the U-visa sticker along with the new passport and OCI card. For lost cards, you're getting a straight reissue.

Q: What if I don't have a copy of my old OCI card? A: This makes the police report and notarized affidavit even more crucial. Ensure they clearly state all details you remember about your lost OCI. The consulate will likely verify your previous OCI details from their records.

Q: Can someone else submit the application on my behalf? A: For adult applications, generally no, especially for in-person submission. For mail-in, you are the applicant. For minors, parents/legal guardians apply on their behalf.

Q: What if I find my old OCI card after applying for a new one? A: You must inform the Indian High Commission/Consulate immediately and surrender the old card. Using the old card after applying for a new one could lead to complications.

Receiving Your New OCI Card

Once your application is processed and approved, your new OCI card will be dispatched to you via the prepaid courier service you provided. Upon receipt, immediately check all the details on the card (name, date of birth, OCI number, photo) to ensure they are accurate.

Losing your OCI card is a hassle, but by following these steps carefully and preparing your documents meticulously, you can navigate the reissue process in Canada smoothly. Stay organized, be patient, and you'll have your new OCI card in hand before you know it.