🚨 Mandatory: Surrender Indian Passport After Naturalization
India does not permit dual citizenship. Once you become a Canadian citizen and take the Oath of Citizenship, you are legally required to surrender your Indian passport. Continuing to travel on an Indian passport after acquiring Canadian citizenship is a punishable offense under the Citizenship Act of India. You must complete the passport surrender process within a reasonable timeframe.
Phase 1 — Surrender Your Indian Passport
- Complete Online Application on Passport Seva Portal:
Visit mportal.passportindia.gov.in (Mission Portal) and complete the online surrender/renunciation application form. Save and print the application reference number.
- Book BLS Appointment:
Schedule an appointment at your nearest BLS International Canada center (Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, etc.) through the BLS India Canada website. In-person submission is required.
- Gather Documents:
Bring: (1) Printed surrender application form, (2) Your Indian passport (original), (3) Canadian Citizenship Certificate, (4) Canadian Passport, (5) Proof of Canadian address (utility bill or bank statement).
- Pay the Surrender Fee:
The renunciation/surrender fee is CAD $168 for those who acquired foreign citizenship on or after June 1, 2010. Additional BLS service fees apply. Check the BLS Canada website for the current total before your visit.
- Receive Surrender Certificate:
After processing (typically 4–8 weeks), you receive a Renunciation / Surrender Certificate from the High Commission of India. This is your proof that you have legally renounced Indian citizenship.
Phase 2 — Apply for OCI Card
- Wait for Surrender Certificate:
You cannot apply for OCI until you have received your Surrender Certificate. It is a mandatory document at every OCI processing stage.
- Apply Online at OCI Services Portal:
Visit ociservices.gov.in to register and complete your OCI application form online. Upload required photos and document scans.
- Book In-Person Biometrics at BLS:
Schedule an in-person BLS appointment to submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photo capture). As of April 2026, this is mandatory — you cannot skip this step.
- Documents for BLS Visit:
Bring: (1) Surrender Certificate, (2) Canadian Passport (valid), (3) Previous Indian Passport, (4) Proof of Indian origin (if parents or grandparents are Indian), (5) OCI application printout, (6) 2 recent passport-size photos.
- Receive OCI Card:
After processing (estimated 6–8 weeks), your OCI Card is mailed to your Canadian address. The OCI card works as a lifelong visa allowing you to visit India without a separate visa. It also grants certain rights similar to NRI status.
✅ What the OCI Card Gives You
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa-Free India Travel | Lifelong, multiple-entry visa to India. No need to apply for a visa before every trip. |
| No Registration with FRRO | No need to register with the Foreigner's Regional Registration Office regardless of length of stay. |
| Economic Rights | Can open NRI bank accounts, invest in mutual funds, purchase residential/commercial property (not agricultural land). |
| Education | Eligible for NRI-quota seats in Indian educational institutions. |
| Not a Citizen | OCI is NOT citizenship. You cannot vote, hold government jobs, or purchase agricultural land in India. |
💰 Fees & Timeline Summary
| Step | Fee (CAD) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Indian Passport Surrender | ~$168 + BLS fees | 4–8 weeks to receive Surrender Certificate |
| Phase 2: OCI Card Application | Check ociservices.gov.in | 6–8 weeks after biometrics submission |
| Total Process | ~$250–$300 CAD all-in | 3–5 months end-to-end |
🔗 Useful Links & Official References
🔑 OCI vs PIO — What Changed
India merged the PIO (Person of Indian Origin) card scheme into the OCI scheme in 2015. All former PIO cardholders were automatically upgraded to OCI status. There is no longer a separate PIO card application process.
📋 BLS Center Locations in Canada
- Toronto, ON (Main)
- Mississauga, ON
- Vancouver, BC
- Calgary, AB
- Ottawa, ON
- Edmonton, AB
- Winnipeg, MB
How to Become a Canadian Citizen
Not yet a Canadian citizen? Learn about the CIT 0002 application, 1,095-day residency rule, and citizenship test.
Open Citizenship Guide