Thinking of applying for OCI for your minor kid from the USA and do not know where to start? I get it, It’s a lengthy, confusing process. Start by visiting the VFS website for applying OCI step-by-step process and read through the details at least once.
In this article, I am going to share mandatory and supporting documents that require a notary before submitting an application to VFS for a new (first-time) OCI from the USA for a minor kid (whose below 18 years) plus a bonus tip ;).
Straight away I will share documents but if you would prefer to know more about the document stick till the end I have shared each document in detail in this article and added valuable information on how to fill them out.
The checklist may get updated from time to time. Download the checklist from the VFS website only. Do not just google for document checklists as you may find old document checklists. Make sure the document checklist title is aligned with your application like Document Checklist for Minor – USA National by Birth or Document Checklist for Minor – USA National by Naturalization and so on. Pull up a document checklist from VFS and search for Notary/Notarization. I just like to Ctrl + F and look for NOTAR, Yes just N-O-T-A-R.
The updated checklist no longer requires notarization of Government OCI application forms.
Okay, let’s dig deeper into each document. Keep reading as I have clarified many queries people may have and included tips as well.
This form is straightforward. Father name, Mother name, Kid’s name, Date of birth, and current USA address. Place, date, and signatures should be done in the presence of the Notary. You can download this parental authorization for the minor form here.
In most cases, minors do not have their own valid current address proof. In that case, you should submit one of the parent’s address proof from the list. For convenience, I am going to list those documents here from the document checklist.
If a minor has their own address proof, to avoid any hassle people prefer to get notarized and submit the minor’s address proof.
Proof of address must match with the present address as per application: (any ONE of the below documents) –
1. State Issued ID OR
2. Driving license OR
3. Utility Bill – Water (should be recent, no more than 3 months old) OR
4. Utility Bill – Gas (should be recent, no more than 3 months old) OR
5. Utility Bill – Electricity (should be recent, no more than 3 months old) OR
6. Valid Lease Agreement OR
7. Mortgage OR
8. Income Tax return OR
9. For College/University Students living on campus in University housing/dormitories, a letter from your institution on the institution letterhead explaining the exact address that you presently reside in will suffice.
10. Marriage Certificate in case the address in spouse’s name, birth certificate of child in case of the minor applicant along with parent’s address proof.
11. In the case of an applicant residing with parents/children/ relatives, a notarized undertaking from them with one of the Notarized copies of address proof as indicated above.
12. In case of applicant residing in a hotel or temporary lodging for a short period and does not have a –permanent address proof, they can submit a copy of notarized hotel bills as proof of residence.
*If the parents are divorced but custody is shared then both parent’s documents listed under the mandatory documents checklist are required.
A notarized affidavit needs to be submitted that the documents in support of the OCI application are true copies of the original documents, where only copies are being provided.
You can find the affidavit in lieu of the originals here
There are instructions provided which are a little complicated at first but if you read them a couple of times you get it. Even after going through the instruction, if you need more clarification you should contact VFS before even starting your application as they are the one who is going to verify your documents. I have tried to simplify the Name change affidavit instruction here.
See attached name change affidavit I have filled out with old name/new name and other details.
Once you fill out this affidavit of name change (except signatures). For notarizing this document you need TWO witnesses (who can be your friends), everyone must carry a valid current ID and supporting documents of name change (just in case the Notary public asks).
Two witnesses and signers (both parents and kid) must be present before a Notary public and sign the affidavit.
A color copy of the full divorce decree along with the custody papers is required. Both documents need to be notarized.
If the parents are divorced but custody is shared: Custody is shared then both parent’s documents listed under the mandatory documents checklist are required.
If the parents are divorced but one parent has sole custody: Sole custody is with one of the parents then a Divorce Decree and Custody documents are required.
If the applicant has gained naturalization through parents.
Suppose your kid has gained naturalization through parents and possesses no separate naturalization certificate. In that case, copies of the parent’s naturalization certificates and a Notarized statement signed by BOTH parents are required, stating the circumstances in which their child received his/her naturalization status and why the child does not possess his/her certificate. Download Sworn-Affidavit by parents here.
1. Do not forget to re-upload the Parental authorization for minor form on the government website once the notary is done.
2. Carry valid IDs and originals for everyone when visiting the notary.
3. Scan the whole application before mailing the package to VFS (just for yourself as proof)
4. Do not forget to mention (with a marker pen) on the FedEx envelope “NEW OCI – MINOR – BY BIRTH” or “NEW OCI – MINOR” (check the first page of your document checklist for the same, written in red).
Feel free to contact Ashuni Notary Services in Plano, Tx if you have any further queries, I am more than happy to help you.
Disclaimer: This information is purely for your guidance, I highly encourage checking on the VFS website for more updated information. Share this Article if you find it helpful to your friends and family.
