- This topic has 4 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 1 year, 3 months ago by
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CMy dad, originally a Sudanese citizen, but with Indian descent, and thus with an OCI applied for indian citizenship around 18 months back. It was very difficult, we were unaware of most of the procedures, but with constant follow ups and little local influence, the file is now at MHA in Delhi. I have few questions now for anyone who has gone through this process before. Experts here fully aware about how things work, please also feel free to answer.
1. How long can the file take at Delhi?
2. Is my dad putting his application status at risk by travelling out of India at this stage? He really has some obligations out of India.
3. Anyway to fast track the process? May be a lawyer or someone who are associated with these processes regularly in Delhi?
4. Once the citizenship is granted, how long can it take to get the new passport issued?
5. When is he supposed to renounce his Sudanese passport and other documents? -
B1. The processing time for citizenship applications can vary significantly. While some applications are processed within a year, others may take longer, depending on various factors, including background checks and internal procedures. Unfortunately, there is no fixed timeline, and delays are common.
2. Traveling abroad is not recommended. Even after filing, the authorities may still assess continued residence as part of final processing, especially during security verification or local police checks. An absence during this stage can raise red flags or delay the process further. I am not aware of any policy that says travel voids your application, but in practice, applicants have faced complications due to foreign travel.
3. There is no official mechanism to expedite citizenship applications.
4. Once citizenship is granted, the applicant can apply for an Indian passport immediately. Normal processing times apply.
5. The applicant should renounce Sudanese citizenship only after being granted Indian citizenship. Holding dual citizenship is not permitted under Indian law, and proof of renunciation of the previous citizenship is required to be submitted.-
CThanks a lot for the detailed replies!
Regarding first point, what is the maximum time it could take?
And for third point, I would really like to know if you are aware if any non official ways exist.
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BThere is no statutory maximum timeline under the Citizenship Act, 1955 or the rules framed under it.
Can’t really advice on non-official ways to fast-track. However, a well drafted representation could potentially move things along, if delay is prolonged and if there are compelling reasons (medical, professional, family emergency). If that does not yield a result, it is technically possible to file a writ petition in the High Court seeking a direction to the MHA to decide the application within a time-bound manner. However, this is not generally recommended unless there has been an inordinate delay (e.g., more than 3 years) and a failure to act on prior representations. But there is no guaranteed channel to accelerate the decision.
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