Key Takeaways: 

• The OCI application for US-born children can be completed in Hyderabad through the FRRO or VFS Global center by submitting the online form, required documents, and biometrics as per official guidelines.
  
• Parents must ensure all documents, especially the child’s US passport, birth certificate, and parents’ Indian citizenship proof, are accurate and consistent to avoid processing delays or rejections.
  
• OCI cards for minors usually take about 4 to 8 weeks for approval and collection, depending on verification timelines and document accuracy.

Before beginning the online application, complete critical preparatory work. The most important action is obtaining an apostille for your child’s US birth certificate. This is mandatory and takes up to 5 weeks to receive. Start this process immediately as it’s the longest part of the entire procedure. While waiting for the apostille, gather all other required documents and prepare digital copies.​  Apply OCI in Hyderabad for US-born kids by following the detailed steps listed below. Start with the online form, then complete document uploads.

Step 1: Gather and Prepare All Required Documents

Make sure you have all required documents ready before you begin the online application:​

Documents for the Child:

• US passport copy (self-attested), valid for minimum 6 months​
• US birth certificate copy with an apostille stamp (self-attested)​

Documents for Parents:

• Both parents’ current US passports (self-attested copies)​
• Both parents’ surrendered Indian passports showing “Cancelled on acquiring foreign citizenship” stamp (first and last pages, self-attested)​
• Marriage certificate (self-attested)​
• Naturalization certificates if parents acquired US citizenship (self-attested copies)​

Address and Legal Documents:

• Attach address verification issued within the past three months. You may use a recent utility bill, your driver’s license, a valid rental contract, or a financial statement showing mortgage information.
• Notarized undertaking confirming that the child resides at the same address as parents​

Optional but Recommended:

• If either parent holds an OCI card, include copies (first and last pages)​
• If parents are divorced, provide complete divorce decree and custody papers​

Step 2: Prepare Digital Files and Photographs

Convert all scanned materials to PDF and check that none exceed 1000 KB before being uploaded.

Photograph Requirements:

• One passport-size photograph for the child (2×2 inches, white background)​
• Image dimensions: minimum 200×200 pixels, maximum 1500×1500 pixels​
• File size: maximum 500 KB​
• Height and width of the photo must be equal​

Fingerprint Requirements:

• For minors under 12 years, capture the child’s left thumbprint on paper in good quality​
• For minors 12-17 years, they can use their signature instead of thumbprint; if unable to sign, use left thumbprint​

Step 3: Create Notarized Documents

Two critical documents require notarization before submitting the application:​

Parental Authorization Letter:

Parents must write a letter authorizing the Indian Consulate to correct any errors or make edits to the OCI government form. Get this notarized before uploading to the portal.​

Notarized Undertaking:

Prepare a notarized undertaking stating that the minor resides at the same address as the parents. This can be done at any notary public in the US.​

Step 4: Begin Online Application at OCI Portal

Visit https://ociservices.gov.in/ and create an account. Click on “Fresh OCI Registration” and select the option for a minor who was a foreign national at birth.​​

Part A: Personal Information

Insert the child’s complete identifying particulars, namely the full name as reflected on the birth certificate and passport, the date of birth, the current address of residence, and the citizenship. All fields constitute mandatory disclosures. Designate the occupational category by electing “student” or “dependent,” as circumstances warrant.

Uploading Parental Information:

Complete all sections asking for parental details, employment status, and addresses.​​

Step 5: Upload Photo, Fingerprint, and Signature

After completing personal information, upload the following items:​​

• Child’s passport-size photo (square dimensions, 200×200 to 1500×1500 pixels)​
• Child’s left thumbprint or signature image (aspect ratio 1:3, minimum 200×67 pixels, maximum 1500×500 pixels)​
• Parental authorization letter (notarized, PDF format)​

Note: For minors under 12 years, one parent signature is required on the printed form later, not on this upload.​

Step 6: Upload Supporting Documents

The portal includes dropdown menus categorizing different document types. Upload each document in its corresponding category. If the exact category isn’t available, use any similar available category. You can combine multiple pages into a single PDF.​

Document Upload Categories Include:

• Address proof
• Current passport
• Indian origin proof (cancelled Indian passports)
• Legal status of parents (US passports)
• Marriage certificate
• Parental authorization
• Relationship certificate (birth certificate)
• If your situation involves a name change, citizenship update, or marital status change, attach the matching document as listed.

Step 7: Complete and Submit the Online Form

• After uploading all documents, review the application form carefully. Check that all field entries are accurate and spelling is correct, as errors will be printed on the OCI card. Submit the online application.​​
• The portal will generate an Online Registration Number. Save this number and the confirmation email for future reference. Do not leave the online application pending for more than 180 days or it may be rejected.​

Step 8: Print the Application Form

Print the complete online application form after submission. On page three of the printed form, there is a special section for minor applicants. Complete this section by:​​

• Entering the child’s left thumbprint or signature
• Entering the child’s complete details
• Having one parent sign the form (parent signature only, not the child)​

Step 9: Prepare Physical Document Package

Compile the following items for submission to FRRO Hyderabad:​

Required in Physical Form:

• Printed application form (signed and thumbprinted as described above)
• One physical passport-size photograph (affix to the printed form using a paper clip)​
• Original supporting documents for verification (originals will be checked against uploaded copies)
• Self-attested copies of all supporting documents (one set)​
• Notarized parental authorization letter (original)
• Payment receipt (after paying the fee)
• Two self-addressed, pre-paid return envelopes (using USPS or UPS prepaid labels, not FedEx)​

Step 10: Submit to FRRO Hyderabad

FRRO Hyderabad Contact Details:

• Address: Bureau of Immigration, Room no. 301, 3rd Floor, CGO Tower, Kabadiguda, Hyderabad-500080​
• Phone: 040-27541022; 040-27541088​
• Email: frrohyd@nic.in​
• Fax: 040-27541087​

Submission Process:

The FRRO will verify your original documents against uploaded copies. All documents submitted must be clearly legible. Once verified and acknowledged, your original documents will be returned to you.​

Step 11: Pay the OCI Application Fee

The standard OCI fee is approximately USD 275 (includes service charges). Payment can be made online through the portal using credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard). A convenience charge of 3.75% applies to card payments. Alternatively, submit payment by money order or cashier check made payable to “VFS Services (USA) Inc.”.​

Save the payment receipt as proof.​

Step 12: Provide Biometrics

Biometric collection applies only to applicants aged 12 years and above. Children younger than 12 are exempt from this process. You have two options:​

• Provide biometrics at the FRRO during document submission (recommended)
• Provide biometrics at Immigration Check Posts (ICPs) upon arrival in India

It’s advisable to complete biometrics at the FRRO level to avoid delays.​

Step 13: Track Application Status

After the FRRO acknowledges receipt of your complete application, you’ll receive an automated email stating “Application received and is under process”. Track progress using your Registration Number at https://ociservices.gov.in/statusEnqury.​

Processing Timeline:

• Standard processing time: 5-6 weeks from acknowledgement if all documents are complete​​
• Processing can take 4-8 weeks depending on FRRO workload and document completeness​

Step 14: Collect OCI Card

Once the card is printed and dispatched to FRRO Hyderabad, you’ll receive notification. Collect the card in person at the FRRO office by surrendering the printed acknowledgement receipt. For US-based applicants, the card can be sent via your pre-paid return envelope.​

Conclusion

Following this step-by-step process ensures smooth processing of your US-born child’s OCI application in Hyderabad. The entire process typically takes 8-12 weeks from apostille request to card collection, with most time spent waiting for the apostille and processing after FRRO acknowledgement.

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Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I apply for my child’s OCI card directly in Hyderabad?

Yes. You can apply for your US-born child’s OCI card at the FRRO Hyderabad or through VFS Global, depending on where you reside. Both centers handle document verification, biometrics (if required), and final submission.

Is an apostille for the child’s US birth certificate mandatory for OCI?

Yes. The apostille on the US birth certificate is mandatory for all OCI applications. It authenticates the document internationally and usually takes about 4 to 5 weeks to receive.

Can both parents be US citizens when applying for their child’s OCI?

Yes. Both parents can be US citizens. However, they must provide copies of their surrendered Indian passports, naturalization certificates, and current US passports to prove Indian origin.

What is the processing time for an OCI card in Hyderabad?

The OCI application typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from the time the FRRO verifies the documents. The total timeline, including apostille processing, can extend to 8–12 weeks.

Do minors need to provide biometrics for OCI in Hyderabad?

Children below 12 years are exempt from biometric collection. Those aged 12 and above must provide fingerprints and photographs during document submission at the FRRO.

Can divorced parents apply for their child’s OCI card?

Yes. Divorced parents can apply, but they must submit a complete divorce decree and legal custody papers to establish guardianship of the child. 

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