I remember applying for my son’s OCI card back in 2015. Everything was going smoothly. Application done. Documents sent. Status said “Processed.”
Then I got an email that said something about “match up.” I had no idea what it meant. Neither did anyone around me.
I called the VFS helpline. Got transferred three times. Finally, someone told me I needed to send my son’s original passport to the consulate. Again.
Wait. Didn’t I already send the documents once? Why did they need the passport again?
Turns out, this is a specific step in the OCI process called the “match up.” And it confuses almost everyone. In our WhatsApp community, questions about OCI match up come up at least once a week.
So let me break it down in plain English.
What Exactly is the OCI Match Up Process?
The OCI match up is the second stage of verification in the OCI application process.
Here’s what happens. After the Indian government approves your OCI application, they print the physical OCI card in Delhi. That card gets shipped to the Indian consulate or embassy in your country.
Now the consulate has your OCI card. But they need to verify it against your original passport before handing it over.
That verification step? That’s the match up.
Think of it like this. The OCI card has your passport number printed on it. The consulate needs to physically hold your passport and your new OCI card side by side to confirm everything matches. Name. Date of birth. Passport number. Photo.
Only after this matching is complete will they release the OCI card to you (through VFS).
Why Does the Match Up Exist?
This is a fair question. Why can’t they just mail the OCI card directly?
The reason is security. During the initial application stage, most consulates only ask for copies of your passport. The original stays with you. So the match up is the government’s way of confirming that the person who applied is genuinely the person whose passport they copied.
It’s a verification layer. And honestly, it makes sense from a security standpoint. Even if it’s inconvenient.
Does the OCI Match Up Still Exist in 2025?
Yes and no. This is where it gets a bit nuanced.
The match up process has been discontinued for some categories, including:
- Fresh OCI card applications (new registrations)
- OCI card for foreign spouse of Indian citizen
- OCI in lieu of PIO card
- Cancellation of OCI card
- Cancellation of PIO card
For these categories, the consulate now verifies the original passport at the time of initial submission itself (either in person or via VFS). So there’s no separate “match up” step later.
But the match up is still required for certain OCI Miscellaneous Services:
- OCI reissue due to new passport
- Change of appearance
- Correction of details on OCI form
- Change of personal particulars (name, etc.)
- Reissue for damaged OCI card
- Change of address or occupation
- OCI in lieu of damaged PIO card
If you’re applying under any of these categories, be prepared for the match up step.
Step by Step: How the OCI Match Up Works
Here’s the exact flow, from start to finish:
Step 1: Your OCI application gets approved. You’ll see the status change to “Processed” or “Document Printed” on the OCI tracker at ociservices.gov.in.
Step 2: The physical OCI card is printed in Delhi. This card gets shipped from Delhi to the Indian consulate or embassy in your country. This alone can take 2 to 4 weeks.
Step 3: The consulate receives the OCI card. At this point, VFS will email you or update the tracking status asking you to send your original passport.
Step 4: You send your original passport to VFS. You’ll ship your passport (and old OCI card if it’s a reissue) to the VFS center that handles your jurisdiction. Use tracked shipping. Never send it without tracking.
Step 5: VFS forwards your passport to the consulate. The consulate physically matches the details on your passport with the details on the OCI card.
Step 6: Match up is complete. The consulate confirms everything is correct and sends both the passport and the new OCI card back to VFS.
Step 7: VFS ships everything back to you. Your passport and OCI card arrive at your doorstep. Done.
| Step | What Happens | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| OCI status shows “Processed” | Card printed in Delhi | Varies |
| Card shipped to local consulate | Transit from Delhi to your country’s consulate | 2 to 4 weeks |
| VFS requests your passport | You receive email or see status update | 1 to 3 days after card arrives |
| You send passport to VFS | Ship via tracked courier | 1 to 3 days (depends on location) |
| Consulate performs match up | Physical verification of passport against OCI card | 3 to 7 business days |
| VFS ships back to you | Passport plus new OCI card returned | 2 to 5 business days |
Source: Based on timelines reported by community members and VFS Global processing estimates. Individual timelines may vary by consulate.
The entire match up step, from the time you send your passport to the time you get everything back, typically takes 1 to 3 weeks. But during peak seasons (summer holidays, Diwali travel rush), it can stretch longer.
Documents You Need for the Match Up
When VFS asks for your passport for match up, here’s what you typically need to send:
- Original current passport (the one linked to the OCI application)
- Copy of the OCI application acknowledgment
- VFS shipping label (generated from their website)
- Old OCI card (if it’s a reissue or miscellaneous service)
- Old PIO card (if converting from PIO to OCI)
One critical thing. Do NOT send any original documents other than the passport and old OCI/PIO card unless specifically asked. People in our community have accidentally sent birth certificates and other originals. Getting those back is a headache you don’t need.
How to Track Your OCI Match Up Status
There are two separate tracking systems. This confuses a lot of people.
1. Government OCI Tracker (ociservices.gov.in) This tracks the actual OCI card processing on the Indian government’s side. It shows statuses like “Under Process,” “Processed,” and “Document Printed.”
2. VFS Global Tracker This tracks the logistics. When your application was received. When it was forwarded to the consulate. When it was dispatched back.
These two systems don’t sync in real time. You might see an update on one tracker days before the other catches up. Don’t panic if the dates or statuses don’t match. They’re run by different entities.
A member in our group once refreshed the VFS tracker 47 times in one day. I know because he posted about it. We’ve all been there.
Common Problems During the OCI Match Up
Here are issues our community members frequently run into:
1. “My status says Processed but I haven’t received any match up request.” This usually means the physical card is still in transit from Delhi to your consulate. Give it 2 to 4 weeks. If it’s been more than 6 weeks, contact VFS.
2. “I sent my passport but haven’t heard anything in 3 weeks.” Peak processing seasons cause delays. Check the VFS tracker. If it still shows “Received,” the consulate hasn’t started the match up yet. Call VFS after the 3 week mark.
3. “My name on the OCI card doesn’t match my passport exactly.” This is a nightmare scenario. It happens more than you’d think, usually because of a middle name, suffix, or spelling inconsistency. If there’s a mismatch, the consulate will flag it and you’ll need to apply for a correction. This delays everything by weeks.
Prevention is better than cure here. When filling out Part A of the OCI application, copy your name exactly as it appears on your passport. Character by character.
4. “I need to travel to India urgently but my passport is stuck in match up.” This is a stressful situation. You cannot travel without your passport. If you have an emergency, contact VFS and the consulate directly. In some cases, they can expedite the process. But there are no guarantees.
This is why I always tell people in our group: never send your passport for match up if you have travel planned within 4 weeks. Build a buffer.
OCI Match Up: USA vs UK vs UAE vs Canada
The match up process is broadly the same worldwide, but processing times vary by country and consulate.
| Country | VFS Presence | Typical Match Up Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Multiple centers across states | 1 to 3 weeks | Varies significantly by consulate jurisdiction |
| UK | London, Edinburgh, Birmingham | 1 to 2 weeks | Relatively streamlined process |
| UAE | Dubai, Abu Dhabi | 1 to 2 weeks | Generally faster than US consulates |
| Canada | Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa | 2 to 4 weeks | Can be slower due to fewer consulate staff |
Source: Community feedback from BacktoIndia.com WhatsApp groups across different countries. These are approximate ranges.
If you’re moving from the USA, UAE, UK, or Canada, make sure your OCI card situation is sorted well before your departure date.
The OCI Application Process: A Quick Overview
For those who landed on this article while trying to understand the entire OCI process, here’s a brief overview.
Who is eligible for OCI?
- Foreign citizens who were Indian citizens on or after January 26, 1950
- Children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren of such citizens
- Spouses of Indian citizens or existing OCI cardholders (married for at least 2 years)
- Minor children of eligible applicants
Who is NOT eligible?
- Citizens or descendants of citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh
- Anyone who has served in a foreign military or intelligence agency
- Anyone with a serious criminal record
The full OCI card application process is detailed in our separate guide. Here’s a quick summary:
- Fill Part A of the application at ociservices.gov.in
- Upload photo, signature, and supporting documents
- Complete Part B
- Register on VFS Global and pay fees ($275 from the US)
- Ship documents to VFS or attend in-person appointment
- Wait for processing (typically 6 to 10 weeks total)
- Match up step (for applicable categories)
- Receive OCI card
The total cost from the US is approximately $275 consular fee plus $3 for Indian Community Welfare Fund, plus VFS service charges and optional courier fees.
Photo and Signature Specifications
This trips up a surprising number of applicants. Get this wrong and your application bounces before it even reaches the consulate.
| Requirement | Photo | Signature |
|---|---|---|
| File format | JPG or JPEG | JPG or JPEG |
| Max file size | 500KB | 500KB |
| Dimensions | Equal height and width (square) | Aspect ratio 1:3 |
| Minimum pixels | 200 x 200 | 200 x 200 |
| Maximum pixels | 1500 x 1500 | 1500 x 1500 |
| Background | White | White |
Source: ociservices.gov.in application instructions
Use a professional photo service that’s familiar with Indian visa specifications. A passport photo from CVS or Walgreens doesn’t always meet the OCI portal requirements. Many community members have told me their applications were rejected for blurry uploads or wrong aspect ratios.
Tips from Our Community
Over the years, our members have shared hundreds of tips about the OCI process. Here are the ones that come up most often:
Before you apply:
- Read the instructions completely. Twice. Every consulate has slightly different requirements.
- Get your photo and signature images right the first time. This is where most applications get rejected initially.
- If applying as a family, up to 4 members (including spouses and up to 2 minors) can apply jointly. Part A must be filled for each person, but Part B can be shared.
During processing:
- Don’t call VFS every other day. They can’t speed things up. They just forward applications to the consulate.
- The government tracker and VFS tracker will show different things at different times. Both are correct. They just update at different speeds.
- If your status has been “Under Process” for more than 8 weeks, then it’s reasonable to follow up.
For the match up:
- Use tracked and insured shipping. Always.
- Don’t plan travel to India while your passport is in match up.
- Make a photocopy of every page of your passport before sending it.
- Keep the VFS shipping receipt and tracking number safe.
If you hold an Overseas Citizen of India card and need to update it after getting a new passport, here’s how to transfer OCI to a new passport.
OCI vs Visa: When to Use What
Some people in our community ask whether they should bother with OCI or just get a visa. Here’s a quick comparison.
| Feature | OCI Card | Indian Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | Lifelong | 1 to 10 years (depending on type) |
| Multiple entries | Yes | Depends on visa type |
| Right to live and work in India | Yes | Limited by visa conditions |
| Can own property (non-agricultural) | Yes | No (with some exceptions) |
| Processing time | 6 to 12 weeks | 3 to 5 days (e-visa) |
| Cost | Around $275 from USA | $10 to $100 depending on type |
| Need to register with FRRO | No | Yes (for long stays) |
Source: ociservices.gov.in, indianvisaonline.gov.in
If you’re planning a return to India or long-term stay, the OCI card is almost always worth the effort despite the match up hassle. For short visits, an e-visa is quicker and cheaper.
Recent Changes to OCI Rules (2025)
The Indian government updated OCI norms in August 2025. A few things worth noting:
- You no longer need to physically reissue the OCI card every time you renew your passport, as long as you’re between 21 and 50 years old. Just upload the new passport and recent photo online at ociservices.gov.in. No fee. No VFS visit.
- You must get a physical reissue once after receiving your first new passport following your 20th birthday.
- After age 50, a reissue is required when you get a new passport.
- Foreign spouses must upload new passport details and a declaration confirming the marriage is still active, each time a new passport is issued.
- OCI cancellation grounds have been clarified. The card is a privilege, not a right. It can be cancelled for fraud, misrepresentation, or if you become a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh.
For the latest rules, always check the official portal at ociservices.gov.in or your nearest Indian consulate or VFS center.
Understanding dual citizenship rules in India is also helpful context. India doesn’t allow dual citizenship. But OCI gives you almost all the practical benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the OCI match up take? Typically 1 to 3 weeks from the time you send your passport. During peak seasons (June to August, November to December), it can take longer. Some community members have reported up to 5 weeks.
Can I travel while my passport is in match up? No. Your original passport is physically with the consulate during match up. You cannot travel internationally without it. Plan accordingly.
Is the match up required for new OCI applications? No. For fresh OCI registrations, the match up has been discontinued. The consulate verifies your passport at the initial document submission stage itself.
What if there’s a mismatch during the match up? The consulate will flag it and contact you through VFS. You’ll need to provide clarification or apply for a correction. This can add weeks to the process.
Can I do the match up in person instead of by mail? It depends on the consulate. Most US consulates now only accept mailed applications through VFS. In-person appointments are limited or unavailable at many locations.
What if my passport expires while the match up is in process? This shouldn’t happen if you plan properly. Always ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity before starting any OCI application or match up.
Do I need to do match up if I’m just uploading my new passport online? No. The online upload (for ages 21 to 50) is a simple digital update. No physical match up required. This is done directly on ociservices.gov.in.
I lost my OCI card. What now? You’ll need to apply for a reissue under OCI Miscellaneous Services. You’ll need a police report for the lost card. The match up process will apply for this reissue. The fee is $100 instead of the usual $25 for other reissues.
What about my US-born child? The OCI card application for US-born children is especially important. Without it, your child will need a visa to enter India. And visa renewals are a recurring hassle. Read about the benefits of a child born in USA for Indian parents for the full picture.
A Quick Note About Planning
If you’re thinking about returning to India in the near future, sort out your OCI situation early. I’ve seen families delay their move by months because of OCI processing backlogs.
My advice to everyone in our community: start the OCI process at least 4 to 5 months before your planned move. That gives you enough time for the application, any rejections or corrections, and the match up step.
And if you’re working through your full return to India checklist, the OCI card should be one of the first things you tackle. Not the last.
If you need help with the Aadhaar card process as an OCI holder, we have a guide for that too.
Wrapping Up
The OCI match up is one of those government processes that sounds more complicated than it actually is. Once you understand what it is (just a passport verification step) and when it applies (mostly for reissues and miscellaneous services), the anxiety drops significantly.
The key takeaways:
- Match up is a physical verification of your passport against the printed OCI card
- It’s been discontinued for new OCI applications
- It still applies for certain miscellaneous services and reissues
- Budget 1 to 3 weeks for the match up step
- Never send your passport if you have upcoming travel
- Track using both ociservices.gov.in and the VFS tracker
If you’re planning your move back, join our WhatsApp community at backtoindia.com/groups – 20,000+ NRIs helping each other with real, lived experience. It’s free and volunteer-run.
Have questions about OCI that I haven’t covered here? Drop them in the group. There’s always someone who’s gone through exactly what you’re dealing with.
See you on the other side.
- Mani
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. OCI rules and processes change frequently. Always verify the latest requirements at ociservices.gov.in or through your nearest Indian consulate or VFS center. This is not legal advice.
Sources: ociservices.gov.in, indianembassyusa.gov.in, VFS Global OCI Services, Consulate General of India (multiple locations), BacktoIndia.com community data.
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