If your child was born in Canada or the United States to Indian-origin parents, applying for an OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) card provides lifelong benefits including visa-free travel to India. The OCI card serves as a lifelong identity document connecting foreign-born children of Indian heritage to their roots.
OCI Minor (Born Abroad) Application Overview
Minor children born in Canada or the USA to Indian-origin parents (who have acquired foreign citizenship) are eligible to apply for an OCI card. The OCI card offers lifelong visa-free travel to India, exemption from police registration, and parity with NRIs in education, financial, and property matters.
Note: Both parents must sign the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) and their signatures must match those on their passports.
OCI Minor (Born Abroad) Application: Required Documents Checklist
Follow this complete documents checklist to ensure your OCI Minor application goes smoothly:
Application Form - Duly filled and signed(Complete form guide below)
Declaration by the OCI applicant (Voter ID / Ration Card Surrender)(Download below)
OCI Responsibility Declaration(Download below)
No-Objection Certificate (NOC)
• Both parents must paste one (2x2) photo and sign on the NOC form
• Signatures must match those on the parents' passports
Birth Certificate
• Must include both parents' names clearly
• If born outside Canada/USA: Apostilled birth certificate required
Child's Canadian/US Passport
• If holding other than Canadian citizenship, attach Canadian status copy
Parents' Registered Marriage Certificate
• Religious certificates are not accepted
• Only government-registered marriage certificate is valid
Parents' Indian Passport Copies
Parents' Canadian Immigration Status
• Acceptable documents: Canadian passport, PR card, work or study permit
• If one parent's status is expired, attach an extension letter
• At least one parent must have valid status
• If both are expired, the child is not eligible for OCI
Parents' Surrender Certificate
• Required if parent became foreign citizen after 2010
• For citizenship before 2010: Cancellation stamp on Indian passport is sufficient
Parents' Address Proof (Driving license/utility bill/Government Issued Photo ID)
OCI Checklist (Download below)
Application Fees (Fee details below)
Photograph (2x2) - Specific requirements
• Two recent passport-size photographs with white background
• One photograph should be pasted on the application form
• Size – 2 inch x 2 inch (51 mm x 51 mm)
• Background – Plain white colored without borders
• Clothes – Dark colour
• Eyes – Open
• Shoulders visible
Important Note: All submitted photocopies must be self-attested by the Parents—each page should be signed and dated.
How to Fill OCI Minor (Born Abroad) Application Form:
Complete the OCI Minor application form online at the official portal:
Official Portal: ociservices.gov.in
Need Help with OCI Minor (Born Abroad) Application Process?
If you're unsure about:
- How to complete the OCI Minor application form
- Preparing the No-Objection Certificate (NOC)
- Gathering all required documents for both parents
- Obtaining apostille for foreign birth certificates
- Avoiding delays or rejections
We guarantee your application won't be returned if you follow our guidance.
Get Professional Help for OCI Minor Application →OCI Minor (Born Abroad) Application Fees:
Current fees for OCI Minor applications (2025):
| Jurisdiction | Consulate/HCI Fee (CAD) | BLS Processing Fee (CAD) | Total (CAD) | Payment Method (Postal / Walk-in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | $376 | $1.70 | $377.70 | Bank Draft/Money Order payable to "The Consulate General of India - Toronto" (for Consulate fee) and "BLS International Services Canada Inc." (for BLS fee). For walk-in only BLS fee will be paid by cash/debit. |
| Vancouver | $376 | $1.70 | $377.70 | For Postal, Combined payment (BLS & CGI) to "BLS International Services Canada Inc" via Money Order/Demand Draft Note: For Walk-In, Combined payment (BLS & CGI) will be paid by cash/debit |
| Ottawa | $376 | $1.70 | $377.70 | Bank Draft/Money Order payable to "High Commission of India - Ottawa" (for Consulate fee) and "BLS International Services Canada Inc." (for BLS fee). For walk-in only BLS fee will be paid by cash/debit. |
Note: If you are applying in person at Toronto or Ottawa, you need to pay the BLS fee by cash or debit, and the consulate fee separately by bank draft or money order. For Vancouver, you must pay all fees together by cash or debit at the BLS center – no separate bank draft or money order is needed. Fees are non-refundable, personal cheques are not accepted, and if paying by cash, please bring the exact amount.
OCI Minor (Born Abroad) Checklist and Forms:
Download these essential documents for your OCI Minor application (select your jurisdiction):
Toronto Jurisdiction
Ottawa Jurisdiction
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Frequently Asked Questions - OCI Minor Application
Can a child born in Canada to Indian-origin parents apply for an OCI card?
Yes. If one or both parents were Indian citizens and have acquired foreign nationality, their minor child born in Canada is eligible to apply for an OCI card.
Is it mandatory to provide a surrender certificate of the parents' Indian passport?
● If the parent became a citizen of another country after 2010, a formal surrender certificate is mandatory. ● If the parent became a foreign citizen before 2010, a cancellation stamp on the last Indian passport is accepted.
Do both parents need to sign the application and documents?
Yes, in most cases. Both parents must sign the OCI application, declaration, and No Objection Letter (NOC). If only one parent has custody (due to divorce or other reasons), supporting legal documents (e.g., custody order or court-issued consent) must be submitted.
What should I do if one or both parents are not Canadian citizens yet?
You must provide valid proof of the parent's immigration status in Canada — such as a PR card, work permit, or study permit. This is required along with their foreign passport copy
Can we submit the application online, or is in-person submission mandatory?
You must complete the application online, but submission can be done in person or by postal mail depending on your jurisdiction. Check BLS International Canada for current submission procedures in your region.
What is the processing time for a Minor OCI application?
Processing time generally ranges from 6 to 8 weeks, but it may vary based on the jurisdiction, volume of applications, and document verification. You will be notified by BLS or the consulate once it's ready.
Can the OCI card be used as a travel document for the child?
No, The OCI card must always be accompanied by the valid foreign passport (e.g., Canadian passport). The OCI is not a standalone travel document and cannot be used alone for international travel.