If you're an Indian-origin parent residing in Canada, applying for an OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) card for your minor child can ensure lifelong benefits, including visa-free travel to India. The OCI card serves as a lifelong identity document connecting Canadian-born children of Indian heritage to their roots.
OCI Minor Application Overview
Applicants must follow the official procedure through BLS International under the appropriate Consulate General of India (Toronto, Vancouver, or Ottawa), depending on their jurisdiction. Whether applying by post or in person, the process helps Indian-origin families in Canada maintain strong cultural and personal ties with India. Make sure to review the updated process and instructions carefully to ensure a smooth application.
Note: Both parents must sign the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) and their signatures must match those on their passports.
OCI Minor 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
Indian Passport - First and Last Page Copy
Surrender Certificate Copy
Citizenship Certificate Copy
• Proof of Canadian or other foreign citizenship
Canadian Passport / Foreign Passport
• If holding other than Canadian citizenship, attach Canadian status copy (study permit/work permit/PR card)
Landing paper / COPR (confirmation of permanent residence)
Parents' Registered Marriage Certificate
• Religious certificates are not accepted
• Only a 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' 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 Application Form:
Complete the OCI Minor application form online at the official portal:
Official Portal: ociservices.gov.in
Need Help with OCI Minor 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
- 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 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 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 I apply for an OCI card for my child if my spouse and I are not officially married?
No. Only registered marriage certificates are accepted. Religious or community certificates are not valid.
Do both parents have to sign the application?
Yes, both parents must sign the NOC and consent forms. Their signatures must match those on their passports.
What if one parent's status is expired in Canada?
At least one parent must have valid immigration status. If both parents' status is expired, the child is not eligible for OCI.
Is it necessary to apostille the birth certificate?
Yes, if the birth certificate is issued outside Canada (e.g., USA), apostille is required.
How many photos are needed for an OCI minor application?
Two passport-sized photos (2x2 inches). One pasted on the form, and one submitted loose.
Can a minor travel to India while OCI is in process?
Yes, with a valid visa. OCI privileges begin only after card issuance.
Do both parents need to be present for in-person submission?
No, only one parent or the authorized person can submit at BLS. But both parents must sign the required forms.