- Visit the government of India’s "OCI Online Services" web page. ...
- Complete the A and B application forms. The government of India’s OCI application consists of 2 individual forms that you’ll need to fill out thoroughly.
- Upload a photo, signature, and any other required items. To complete your government OCI application, you’ll need to upload a photo of yourself and a photo of your signature ...
- Update your Cox and Kings forms to show you filed with the government. ...
How to apply OCI from India?
Step 1: Fill in OCI Card Application Online
- Visit the OCI Website for OCI Registration Online. The official OCI website is where you can fill in your application, upload the documents and submit it.
- Fill in OCI Application Part A. One important field here is your connection to India. ...
- Upload Image and Signature. ...
- Complete OCI Part B. ...
- Upload the Required OCI Documents. ...
Is OCI considered dual citizenship?
Usually, the grant of OCI to a PIO whose local or domestic laws allow for some sort of double citizenship, is mistakenly referred to as double citizenship. However, the differences between the status of an OCI and a citizen are varied and significant.
How long does it take for OCI?
OCI application normally takes 8-10 weeks for processing. The complete processing of OCI card involves a number of steps. The processing can be further delayed because of incomplete applications. Following is the general processing time and steps involved in applying for an OCI card:
Can OCI work in India?
Can OCI Work in India? Yes, they can. As an OCI holder, you can easily work in the private sector, while there are some limitations to working in Government jobs and the Military. You can work as long as you want, in any capacity, hold multiple jobs- basically anything that applies to an Indian citizen. You wouldn’t need a work visa.
How long does it take to get an OCI in India?
8-10 weeksOCI application normally takes 8-10 weeks for processing. The complete processing of OCI card involves a number of steps. The processing can be further delayed because of incomplete applications.
How to get OCI in India?
Applicants are required to fill the online application form on the website https://passport.gov.in/oci/ and submit the printed application form with Supporting Documents. Applicants are required to Submit TWO sets of Application Form. The applicants need to fill Part-A and Part-B of the application online.
Who is eligible for OCI?
Any person who, or whose parents or grand-parents were born in India as defined in the Government of India Act, 1935 (as originally enacted), and who was ordinarily residing in any country outside India was eligible to become citizen of India on 26.01. 1950. 3.
How much does OCI cost in India?
In case of issuance of duplicate OCI documents (for loss/damage of old documents), the fee is US $ 100 or equivalent in local currency. In case of application filled in India, fee Rs. 1,400/- for re-issuance of OCI & in case of issuance of duplicate OCI (for loss/damage of OCI) fee Rs. 5,500/- to be paid.
How long is OCI valid for?
The OCI card is a lifelong visa available for citizens of Indian origin. Once you get it, you will obtain all the rights any resident in India has. You can live and work in India. The OCI card is valid for 10 years after issued and it allows Multiple Entry to the country.
How long does OCI take to process?
Your OCI card processing time will be 5 to 6 weeks. Check more information about the OCI card processing time.
How long OCI can stay in India?
As per the provisions of section 5(1) (g) of the Citizenship Act, 1955, a person who is registered as an OCI for 5 years and is residing in India for 1 year out of the above 5 years, is eligible to apply for Indian Citizenship.
What are the disadvantages of OCI card?
For OCI CardholdersAdvantagesDisadvantagesLifelong multiple entries for visiting India.Not eligible for purchasing agricultural land.No requirement for registering with local police authorities after 180 days.Not eligible for a government job.2 more rows
Can I travel to India while OCI is in process?
As per the latest guidelines, all OCI card holders (with valid reason) holding US Passport are permitted to enter India.
How can I apply for OCI online?
Step-by-step guideKnow your OCI type and documentation required for OCI types. Determine which OCI services you need and check the required documentation. ... File your application online at government of India website. Complete your OCI Application at the Indian government website. ... Track your application Status.
Can OCI holder live permanently in India?
Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is a form of permanent residency available to people of Indian origin and their spouses which allows them to live and work in India indefinitely.
Can OCI have Aadhar card?
Aadhaar Card enrollment is presently available to residents in India. OCI Cardholders who stay in India for a long time (over 182 days in twelve months immediately preceding the date of application for enrolment) and have an Indian address can also enroll for Aadhaar Card in India.
What are the disadvantages of OCI card?
For OCI CardholdersAdvantagesDisadvantagesLifelong multiple entries for visiting India.Not eligible for purchasing agricultural land.No requirement for registering with local police authorities after 180 days.Not eligible for a government job.2 more rows
How long can you stay in India with OCI?
An OCI card holder does not need a visa to live or work in India. An OCI card holder can stay in India for life time. It is important for an OCI card holder to ensure that they hold valid passports from their home country.
Is OCI dual citizenship?
The OCI is not actually a dual citizenship as the Indian constitution forbids dual nationality (Article 9). On 9 January 2015, the Person of Indian Origin Card scheme was withdrawn by the Government of India and was merged with the Overseas Citizen of India card scheme.
Is OCI card mandatory for India?
A: You will be allowed entry into India if you have a valid OCI Card and a valid foreign passport. You do not need to carry the old passport on which your "U” (OCI) Visa was stamped, if that happens to be different from your current passport.
What is an overseas citizen of India?
Overseas Citizen Of India. A foreign national, - (i) who was a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after 26th January, 1950; or (ii) who was eligible to become a citizen of India on 26th January, 1950; or (iii) who belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15th August, 1947; or ...
Can I apply for OCI in India?
Foreign nationals cannot apply for OCI in India while on Tourist Visa, Missionary Visa and Mountaineering Visa. Moreover, the foreigner has to be ordinarily residen t of India to be eligible to apply for OCI registration in India.
What is an OCI card?
The OCI Card (Overseas Citizenship of India) is a document which grants permanent residency to people of Indian origin and their spouses to live and work in India indefinitely. The application process for the OCI can be rather long and contain a lot of requirements, which is why we’ve developed an application process to guide you from start to finish. The OCI Card processing time depends upon how quickly you want to receive your document. You can find precise processing times in the FAQs below.
How long does it take to get an OCI card?
You must follow the instructions and send all your paperwork to the VFS Application Center. Your OCI card processing time will be 5 to 6 weeks. Check more information about the OCI card processing time. Check the application page now.
How to make your first trip to India memorable?
We know that traveling to India for the first time may seem overwhelming. Therefore, we have gathered all the tips to make your first journey to India memorable. Keep your cool at times. You may encounter people who want to scam you or overcharge you for extra services that never happen. Be aware of people who want to take you to a specific hotel or travel agency. They could charge you a lot for a commission for this small favor. Stay calm and think that if a situation seems too good to be true, don’t trust it.
Can an OCI card be used to become an Indian citizen?
Apply now. Remember that although holders of the OCI Card have many of the same rights as Indian citizens, the card does not actually grant citizenship despite its name. Having this document can provide many advantages for people of Indian origin, but the application process can be complicated. Check out the most important information about ...
Do I need more documents for OCI?
More documents could be necessary according to the purpose of your application. We can help you with the OCI card processing time.
Is the OCI card higher than ivisa?
Due to the extensive application process, our services fees for the OCI Card are higher than most of our iVisa.com products. However, keep in mind that we provide every applicant with a detailed OCI Card Preparation Guide as well as 24/7 customer service to make sure your application process is smooth from start to finish. With such an important document, you don’t want to miss a single detail.
Where to submit OCI application form?
Application form, complete in all respects, along with all relevant enclosures and requisite fee may be submitted to the Indian Mission/Post/Office in whose jurisdiction the applicant is ordinarily residing irrespective of the fact whether the same Indian Mission/Post/Office has issued the original OCI documents or not.
How much is the OCI fee?
In case of applications submitted to the Indian Mission/ Post abroad, OCI registration fee of US$ 275 (US$ 100 for conversion of PIO to OCI card) for each application or equivalent amount in local currency to be paid by way of Demand Draft (till online payment facility is introduced).
What to do if you are already an OCI card holder?
If you are already an OCI Card Holder, kindly use OCI Miscellaneous Services.
What is an outside India post?
Outside India, to the Indian Mission/Post having jurisdiction over the country of which the applicant is a citizen or if he/she is not living the country of his/her citizenship, to the Indian Mission/Post having jurisdiction over the country of which the applicant is ordinarily resident.
When will PIO cards be accepted?
Bureau of Immigration (BoI) will accept PIO cards as valid travel document till 30th September, 2019 along with valid foreign passport and the Indian Immigration check posts will continue to consider all PIO cards valid for exit/entry into India till 30th September, 2019.
How long is a visa valid in India?
In case application is submitted in India, copy of any type of Visa (other than Missionary Visa and Mountaineering Visa)/ Residential Permit with 3 months validity as on the date of application.
How to verify status of application?
The applicant can verify the status of his/her application online by quoting the online Registration Number or File (or Acknowledgement) Number.
Where to Submit Application for OCI in India?
You can submit the OCI application in India is one of the FRROs that has jurisdiction over where you live. It’s also important to note that not all FRROs accept OCI applications.
How long does it take to get an OCI card in India?
See, the OCI card processing can take 60 days or more. It involves interviews, verifications, and all that. So if you are applying OCI in FRRO India, make sure that you would be in India for at least 3-4 months. Leaving India when the OCI card application process is underway, may jeopardize the process.
What is OCI Card Exactly?
I have heard people referring to it as OCI Card Visa, OCI stamp on passport, etc, but it’s not a visa. It’s definitely not a stamp on your passport.
What is an OCI cardholder?
Spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or OCI cardholder. A citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after 26th January 1950 or someone who was eligible to become a citizen at that time.
How long do you have to be registered with FRRO in India?
As a foreigner in India, you need to be registered with an FRRO once you stay beyond 180 days in most cases. That involves police verification and a lot of bureaucracy.
How much does an OCI card cost?
OCI card fees in USA or any other country outside India are $275. However, you might need to pay some extra amount as service charge and all, in case you are applying through a third party agent.
How much is OCI in India?
The OCI fee in India is 15000 INR.
How to apply for OCI?
One can apply for an OCI by logging on to passport.gov.in/oci. The OCI requirements must be satisfied to obtain one’s OCI within 30 working days from the date of application. Every application is stringently scrutinized by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
What is the eligibility criteria to apply for an OCI card ?
One can apply for an OCI card if they satisfy any one the following criteria:
What is an OCI card?
OCI Card or the Overseas Citizenship in India is an immigration status that permits a foreign citizen (except Bangladesh and Pakistan) with an Indian origin to indefinitely live and work in India.
How long can a foreigner marry an Indian?
A foreign spouse of an Indian citizen or OCI card-holder is not eligible until having subsisted two years of marriage. Military personnel with a foreign passport are not eligible for an OCI if serving retired or otherwise. Entry/exit from the country is determined by the authenticity of the foreign passport.
Can I travel to India with an OCI?
That being said, we recommend you enter/travel India using your India visa. And, although, you may carry your old passport with your OCI, there are chances of your entry being denied into the country . Thus, we reckon OCI applicants and existing cardholders to apply for an India visa as it enables you to enter/travel the nation irrespective of the OCI discrepancies.
Can a non-ordinary passport be used for OCI?
Holders of non-ordinary passports are not eligible for an OCI. OCI not granted when either of the applicant’s parents, grandparents, great grandparents are or were citizens of Pakistan and Bangladesh. A foreign spouse of an Indian citizen or OCI card-holder is not eligible until having subsisted two years of marriage.
Is an Indian visa cheaper than an OCI?
And comparatively, the cost of acquiring an Indian online visa is far less than that of an OCI.
Where to submit OCI application?
You should submit your OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) application at the VFS India Consular Application Centre.
What to do if you are already an OCI card holder?
If you are already an OCI Card Holder, kindly use OCI Miscellaneous Services.
Do I need to renounce my Indian passport before applying for OCI?
If you have ever held Indian Citizenship, then it is mandatory to complete Renunciation of Indian Citizenship or Surrender of Indian Passport/ is the first step to complete before applying for OCI Visa. If you have not yet renounced your Indian Citizenship, then you must apply for Renunciation before applying for the OCI.
What is an OCI card?
The OCI stands for Overseas Citizenship of India , and it’s a card that has multi-entry life-long visa for India, it doesn’t have any restrictions on the length of stay in India. This OCI is a smart card which help you facilitate your immigration clearance faster and also, using consular facility.
Can I vote with an OCI card in India?
Additionally, holding an OCI card does not make one an Indian citizen, which means you don’t get any voting rights in India.
Can I do missionary work in India with OCI card?
OCI card holders are restricted from opting any kind of mountaineering, missionary and/or research work in India. One needs to take prior permission from Ministry of Home Affairs in India if you intend to do any of these on your trip to India.
What is an OCI card?
1. Grant of multiple entry lifelong visa for visiting India : The OCI card gives cardholders multiple entry lifelong visas to India for any purpose. However, OCI cardholders will need to seek prior permission of the Foreigner Regional Registration Officers (FRRO) to undertake the following activities:
What is the new rule for OCI cardholders?
It is believed that the new rule will place the OCI cardholders in the same category as foreign nationals concerning economic, educational and financial fields and is seen as a setback for cardholders when it comes to employment opportunities.
Can OCI cardholders travel to India?
While they give cardholders parity with Indian nationals in domestic airfare tariffs or entry fees for national parks, museums and monuments in India, overseas Indians will have to take permission to take up employment and visit the prohibited areas in India.
Is India changing its policies on NRIs?
In the last couple of months, the Government of India has made many changes in policies with respect to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI). Here is everything you need to know about new rules for OCI cardholders and how could they impact them.
When did the OCI rule come into effect?
On 4th March, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs notified new rules for Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) under Section 7B of the Citizenship Act 1955. The new rules supersede three previous notifications issued in April 2005, January 2007 and January 2009.
Do I need an OCI card to travel to India?
According to a government notification, Indian diaspora holding Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cards don’t need to carry their old, expired passports to travel to India. The OCI card is issued to people of Indian origin globally which enables them to enjoy almost all privileges as an Indian national, except for government services, right to vote and purchase of agricultural land. Benefits of having an OCI card include visa-free travel to India, multiple entry, lifelong visa to India, etc.
Does OCI have parity with Indian nationals?
2. Parity with Indian nationals: OCI cardholders will have parity with Indian nationals with respect to tariffs in airfares in domestic sectors in India and in entry fees charged for visiting national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, national monuments, historical sites and museums in India.
How to apply for OCI card?
To apply for an OCI card as a U.S. citizen, first visit Cox and Kings’ official website and fill out the “OCI Application - Get Started” web form. From there, the website will direct you to an online application you must complete by filling in your personal information and uploading any requested documents.
What is an OCI card?
An Overseas Citizenship of India card, or OCI card, is a form of identification that gives people of Indian origin certain travel and residency rights within India. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can apply for an OCI card through Cox and Kings Global Services, the official OCI partner of the Embassy of India. Steps.
How to complete OCI?
To complete your government OCI application, you’ll need to upload a photo of yourself and a photo of your signature to the website. In addition, you may need to provide scanned evidence of official documents like your passport. If Cox and Kings requested an application photo, make sure you upload the same version here.
How to avoid inconsistencies between application forms?
To avoid creating inconsistencies between application forms, save your answers in a text document so you can refer back to them easily.
Do I need to complete both the Indian government and Kings and Cross applications to get an OCI card?
In order to receive an OCI Card, you’ll need to complete both the Indian government and Kings and Cross applications, not just 1 or the other.
