Face Photo Requirements
Your face photo must meet these conditions:
- Only the applicant appears, facing forward
- Recent photo (taken within the last 6 months)
- Face not tilted left or right
- Normal expression (not smiling too much)
- Full face visible with clear face contour
Eyes & Glasses
- Eyes fully open and clearly visible
- No hair covering from eyebrows to cheeks
- No spectacles or glasses
- No colored contact lenses
- No red eyes or reflections
Background & Clothing
- Light-colored background that is NOT white (light grey or light blue recommended)
- No shadows in the background
- No borders around the photo
- Head coverings removed (unless religious)
Helpful Application Info
- OCI applications can be submitted at any time (processing typically takes 4–8 weeks)
- Check the VFS/BLS checklist for your jurisdiction to confirm required documents in advance
- Submit your application at ociservices.gov.in
- OCI requirements may vary by application jurisdiction
Category-Based Document PDFs
You need to upload document PDFs organized by category:
- Capture or import your documents for each category
- Make sure all text is clearly readable
- The app converts to PDF per category and compresses to 500KB or 1000KB
File Format & Size
- Face photo: JPEG, 900×900px, 10KB–500KB
- Signature/thumb: JPEG, 900×300px (3:1 ratio), 10KB–500KB
- This app automatically adjusts file sizes
Image Quality
- In focus and sharp
- Not too dark, no excessive glare
- No editing that changes your appearance
- Square aspect ratio (height = width)
App Scope
- This app supports New OCI and OCI Miscellaneous Services file creation
- Automatic country-specific document category detection is planned for future updates
- This app is a file preparation tool, not an application service
Always check the latest requirements on the <a href="https://ociservices.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">official OCI portal</a>.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should the OCI photo background NOT be white?
OCI portals in some regions (such as the US and France) may reject pure-white backgrounds. A light, plain, non-white color such as light grey or light blue is recommended. This app includes a background correction feature, but requirements vary by jurisdiction, so always confirm on the official OCI portal.
What size and aspect ratio must the signature image be?
The signature or thumb impression JPEG must be 900×300px (width:height = 3:1), 10KB–500KB, with blue or black ink on a white background. This app auto-crops to the 3:1 ratio and compresses under the size limit.
When is a thumb impression required instead of a signature?
Applicants who cannot sign (typically children under 5) upload a left-hand thumb impression instead of a signature, using the same 900×300px (3:1 ratio) JPEG format.
What are the document PDF size limits?
Each document category is uploaded as a single PDF, compressed under 500KB (Safe Mode) or 1000KB (Standard Mode), keeping the text clearly legible. This app compresses automatically while preserving readability.
What are the face photo dimensions and file size?
The face photo is a JPEG, 900×900px square, 10KB–500KB, with the face occupying about 50–70% of the frame. This app auto-resizes and compresses to these limits.
Can this app complete my OCI application, and is acceptance guaranteed?
No. This app is an independent helper tool for preparing upload files only; it does not submit applications and does not guarantee that files will be accepted or approved. Submit your application yourself on ociservices.gov.in and confirm the latest requirements with your VFS/BLS office.
Before you submit
Before saving or submitting your photo, review the most common points of failure.
If you are unsure, you can prepare your photo with the right app while checking these points.