The Spousal-Based OCI Application in Canada is a pathway for foreign nationals married to Indian citizens or OCI cardholders to obtain Overseas Citizenship of India. This allows spouses to maintain lifelong ties with India, enabling visa-free travel, long-term stay, and various cultural and economic benefits.
Eligibility Requirements
Must be legally married to an Indian citizen or OCI cardholder
Marriage must be registered and at least 2 years old at time of application
Indian-origin spouse must have valid status in Canada (not on visitor visa)
Note: An interview with the consulate is mandatory before submitting the application to BLS International.
Required Documents Checklist
Application Form - Duly filled and signed(Complete form guide below)
Apostilled Birth Certificate
• Must be issued and apostilled by the respective foreign authority (e.g., Global Affairs Canada)
Apostilled Marriage Certificate
• Must confirm legal marriage to Indian-origin person
Canadian/Foreign Passport Copy
• If holding other than Canadian citizenship, attach Canadian status copy
Spouse's Documents
• If spouse is Canadian citizen with OCI: Canadian passport and OCI card copies
• If spouse holds Indian passport: Canadian status document (PR card with COPR/Study/Work Permit)
• Not eligible if spouse is on visitor visa
Employment Letter
• No older than 6 months
• Self-employed: Article of incorporation
Address Proof (Driving license/utility bill/Government Issued Photo ID)
OCI Checklist (Download below)
Application Fees (Fee details below)
Photograph (2x2) - Specific requirements
• Two recent passport-size photographs with white background
• One photograph should be pasted on the application form
• Size – 2 inch x 2 inch (51 mm x 51 mm)
• Background – Plain white colored without borders
• Clothes – Dark colour
• Eyes – Open
• Shoulders visible
Important Note: All submitted photocopies must be self-attested by the applicant—each page should be signed and dated.
How to Fill Spousal-Based OCI Application Form:
Complete the OCI application form online at the official portal:
Official Portal: ociservices.gov.in
Need Help with Spousal-Based OCI Application Process?
If you're unsure about:
- How to complete the OCI application form
- Getting documents apostilled
- Gathering all required spouse documents
- Preparing for the consulate interview
- Avoiding delays or rejections
We guarantee your application won't be returned if you follow our guidance.
Get Professional Help for OCI Application →Spousal-Based OCI Application Fees:
Current fees for Spousal-Based OCI applications (2025):
| Jurisdiction | Consulate/HCI Fee (CAD) | BLS Processing Fee (CAD) | Total (CAD) | Payment Method (Postal / Walk-in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | $376 | $1.70 | $377.70 | Bank Draft/Money Order payable to "The Consulate General of India - Toronto" (for Consulate fee) and "BLS International Services Canada Inc." (for BLS fee) |
| Vancouver | $376 | $1.70 | $377.70 | For Postal, Combined payment (BLS & CGI) to "BLS International Services Canada Inc" via Money Order/Demand Draft Note: For Walk-In, Combined payment (BLS & CGI) will be paid by cash/debit |
| Ottawa | $376 | $1.70 | $377.70 | Bank Draft/Money Order payable to "High Commission of India - Ottawa" (for Consulate fee) and "BLS International Services Canada Inc." (for BLS fee) |
Note: If you are applying in person at Toronto or Ottawa, you need to pay the BLS fee by cash or debit, and the consulate fee separately by bank draft or money order. For Vancouver, you must pay all fees together by cash or debit at the BLS center – no separate bank draft or money order is needed. Fees are non-refundable, personal cheques are not accepted, and if paying by cash, please bring the exact amount.
Spousal-Based OCI Checklist and Forms:
Download these essential documents for your Spousal-Based OCI application:
Toronto Jurisdiction
Ottawa Jurisdiction
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Frequently Asked Questions - Spousal-Based OCI Application
Can I apply for OCI based on my spouse's Indian origin if I'm not of Indian descent?
Yes, you can apply under spousal eligibility if you are legally married to an Indian citizen or an OCI cardholder, and your marriage is registered and at least 2 years old at the time of application.
Is apostilling the marriage certificate and birth certificate mandatory?
Yes. Both documents must be apostilled by the appropriate Canadian authority (e.g., Global Affairs Canada) to be accepted by the Indian government.
Can I still apply if my spouse is on a visitor visa in Canada?
No. Spousal-based OCI applications are not accepted if the Indian-origin spouse is only on a visitor visa in Canada.
Do both spouses need to be present at the time of application submission?
No. Only the applicant needs to visit the BLS center for biometric data (if required) and submission. However, spouse-related documents must be properly notarized or apostilled if required.
What if I don't have an employment letter?
If you're currently employed but cannot obtain an employment letter, you can submit your offer letter + recent pay stub. If unemployed, a self-declaration must be submitted and the application must state your occupation as "Unemployed".
How long does the Spousal OCI application process take in Canada?
Processing typically takes 6 to 8 weeks, but timelines can vary depending on jurisdiction and application volume. Always track your status using the BLS and OCI portals.