Do I need to send in the (US) passport for OCI?
Aug 24, 2020 | 10:02 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: SFO
Posts: 4,198
Do I need to send in the (US) passport for OCI?
FAQ says the passport is required at a later stage, but CKGS says the application is incomplete and requesting the passport to be sent (we'd sent a copy with the initial application).
Which is it? 
Match-up Process: CKGS is informed about the same; CKGS sends notification to Applicant to send passport for match-up
Aug 26, 2020 | 3:48 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: DL Diamond, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, ALL Platinum, IHG Platinum
Posts: 30,703
correct....they don't hold on to your passport during processing....however, there have been some reports of oci being processed fairly quickly these days....some people have reported receiving it in as little as 15 days....so they may just hold on to your passport & return it at the same time as the oci....
Aug 26, 2020 | 4:41 am
#4
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 52,734
1-2 weeks is absurd to check a passport, especially since its only to check if the paperwork you scanned and submitted during the application is correct. Here in Munich the agent in the consulate takes a quick look at the original and the scan/copy and returns the passport on the spot. 
Aug 31, 2020 | 1:57 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: MSP
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, UA Silver, Hertz 5*
Posts: 922
For my wife's application which she applied in Feb in person at the Chicago application center (Cox & Kings), they did keep the passport but it was returned within 2-3 days. We did have to pay an additional $15 (mandatory) fedex charge for the privilege.