OCI for a Minor in the UK: Key Document and Custody Requirements

Families in the UK seeking an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card for a minor child are being advised to prepare a complete and carefully documented application, as processing continues to take about 10–12 weeks after submission. According to the latest instructions from the Indian High Commission in London and the official OCI application portal as of mid-2025, the application must be filed online and supported by clear proof of identity, parentage, and—where relevant—legal custody and consent.

The process grants long-term benefits for travel and residence in India but comes with strict documentation checks aimed at protecting the child’s rights and preventing disputes between parents.

Key documentary focus: parents, birth and custody

At the heart of the UK process is evidence about both parents and the child’s birth.

• Applicants must provide the current passports of both parents.
• The child’s full birth certificate (showing both parents’ names) is required.
• The parents’ registered marriage certificate must be included.

Where parental situations differ:

• If the parents are divorced, include the court order that gives legal custody to the applying parent and authorizes taking the child out of the UK.
• Where joint custody exists, provide a notarized consent letter from both parents or a specific court order authorizing the OCI application.
• Missing or vague consent evidence is a common reason applications are put on hold.

Officials stress that uploaded images must be clear and that photocopies must also be provided in person or by post, depending on appointment instructions. All documents must be in English or have certified translations. Both parents should be ready to self-attest their passport photocopies—each parent must sign their own copy.

If a parent holds an Indian passport, include photocopies of:

• the bio page
• the last page showing the address
• the UK visa page

Where a parent has changed their name since marriage or divorce, consistent identity records help avoid delays.

Core requirements and strict consent rules

The application form for a minor child includes Part-B, which must be signed by both parents or by the parent who has legal custody (per a court order).

• If the child can sign, the child should sign the form; otherwise a left-hand thumb impression is acceptable.
• Ensure the child’s signature or thumb impression matches across documents where it appears.

Special family situations (live-in relationships, adoption, surrogacy):

• Include all relevant legal documents such as adoption orders or parental orders that clearly establish legal parentage.
• These cases receive close review to confirm the child’s legal status and the rights of the applying parent(s).
• If documents come from another country, consular officers may expect apostille or legalization consistent with UK practice and Indian consular policy.

Eligibility limits:

• The OCI scheme is broad but not universal. Minor children born out of live-in relationships, stepchildren, or adopted children without prior Indian passport history are generally not eligible unless conditions are met (for example, evidence of an earlier Indian passport and a surrender certificate).
• Parents should assess eligibility before paying fees or booking travel.

Note: The OCI card allows lifelong multiple entry to India and the right to live and work there, but it does not grant Indian citizenship or voting rights.

Important: Because consent disputes can halt or end an application, consular authorities require clear and specific consent or custody evidence when parents are separated.

Common consent and custody pitfalls

• If a divorce decree is silent about travel or legal custody, applicants may need a separate court order to show permission to apply for OCI and to take the child out of the UK.
• If parents share joint custody and only one can sign, consular staff will look for a notarized consent letter from the non-applying parent that names the child, supplies passport details, and explicitly authorizes the OCI process.
• A general travel letter often does not suffice; consents must match the purpose and scope of the OCI application.

Processing timeline and practical expectations

Applicants should expect a review period of roughly 10–12 weeks after file submission. This reflects checks across:

1. identity,
2. custody, and
3. prior nationality status.

During the review, staff may request clarifications or better copies. Families should not book non-refundable travel until the card is issued. Analysis by VisaVerge.com indicates timelines can stretch when:

• custody orders need verification, or
• names, dates of birth, or passport numbers are inconsistent across documents.

A clean, well-ordered document set often shortens back-and-forth and helps keep processing within the typical window.

Step-by-step filing summary

1. Start and submit the online application via the official portal: OCI Services portal.
2. Complete the OCI Registration form; for minors, complete Part-B.
3. Upload required documents:
   • minor’s full birth certificate
   • both parents’ current passports
   • marriage certificate
   • any court orders or consent letters
4. Book an appointment (if prompted) and provide supporting photocopies that match uploaded files.
5. Self-attest each parent’s passport copy and include extra Indian passport pages if applicable.

Documentation quality and naming conventions

• All uploads must be legible. Blurry scans, cut-off edges, or mismatched names are frequent causes of delay.
• If a child’s name changed after birth, include a name change deed or court order and ensure the passport reflects it.
• Where spellings or dates differ across documents, a brief affidavit can sometimes clarify matters—check consular guidance for preferred format.
• Certified translations and notarized statements (where applicable) can save weeks.

Practical tips from recent UK filings:

• Keep one file for originals and one for photocopies.
• Label each upload clearly (e.g., “Child Birth Certificate,” “Mother Passport Bio Page”).
• Sign and date every self-attested copy.
• If a parent cannot attend the appointment, include a short cover letter and attach the consent letter or power of attorney.

UK-specific considerations

• Certified translations must come from recognized translators.
• UK court orders should be complete, legible, and include the judge’s name and seal.
• If a document originates outside the UK, check whether apostille or legalization is required.
• Presenting properly legalized records reduces questions and speeds processing.

Limitations and benefits of the OCI card

• Benefits:
  • Lifelong multiple entry to India
  • Right to live and work in India
  • Easier access to education and family visits without repeated visas
• Limits:
  • Does not grant Indian citizenship or political rights
  • Some restricted activities or government posts remain limited

For many UK-based families with Indian roots, the OCI card is a practical bridge to family, education, and business in India — when the application is treated as a legal process requiring careful attention to parentage and consent.

Final checklist for a strong minor-child OCI application

• Clear proof of parentage and identity (passports, full birth certificate).
• Complete custody or consent records (court orders, notarized consents).
• Clean, matched online uploads and paper photocopies.
• Patience for the 10–12 week review timeline and readiness to respond to queries.

The official portal hosts the form and upload tools, and the London mission applies the rules with close attention to the child’s best interests. Families who prepare with these points in mind tend to move through the 10–12 week cycle without major surprises.