
The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is a document issued by the Government of India to people of Indian origin who reside outside of India. OCI cardholders are granted many of the same rights as Indian citizens, including the right to live and work in India indefinitely, to purchase property in India, and to vote in Indian elections.
The OCI card is a valuable document for people of Indian origin who live outside of India. It allows them to maintain strong ties to their homeland and to enjoy many of the benefits of Indian citizenship.
What are the benefits of an OCI card?
- Right to work and study: OCI cardholders are allowed to work and study in India without any restrictions. They are also eligible for certain government benefits, such as scholarships and subsidies.
- Indefinite stay in India: OCI cardholders are not required to register with the local police authority for any length of stay in India. They can stay in India for an indefinite period of time.
- Multiple entry, multi-purpose visa: OCI cardholders are granted a multiple entry, multi-purpose visa, which allows them to enter and exit India as many times as they like. They are not required to obtain a separate visa for each visit.
- The right to purchase property in India.
- The right to vote in Indian elections.
- Exemption from registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for stays of up to 180 days.
- The right to consular assistance from Indian embassies and consulates abroad.
Who is eligible for an OCI card?
To be eligible for an OCI card as an Indian citizen living abroad, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have been a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after, the commencement of the Constitution of India, i.e., January 26, 1950.
- You must have relinquished your Indian citizenship on or after January 26, 1950.
- You must be residing in a foreign country for at least six months immediately preceding the date of application.
- You must not be a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or any other country that the Government of India may specify.
Documents required for OCI card application
The following documents shall be enclosed for each applicant:
- Proof of present citizenship
2. Evidence of self or parents or grand parents,
(ii) being eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of commencement of the Constitution; or
(iii) belonging to a territory that became a part of India after 15th August, 1947; or
(iv) being a citizen of India on or after 26th January, 1950
These could be:
(i) Copy of the passport or
(ii) Copy of the domicile certificate issued by the Competent authority ;or
(iii) Any other proof.
3. Evidence of relationship as parent/grand parent, if their Indian origin is claimed as basis for grant of OCI.
4. PIO card holders should submit a copy of his/her PIO card.
OCI card Application fee
Application fee to be paid by way of Demand Draft (US $ 275 for each applicant or equivalent in local currency US $ 25 or equivalent in local currency for each PIO card holder).
In case of application filled in India, fee Rs.14,230/- for general category and for PIO card holders Rs.1,290/- to be paid by way of Demand Draft.
How to apply for an OCI card in USA?
If you meet OCI card criteria, you can apply for an OCI card online at the official OCI services website ociservices.gov.in. The application process is fairly straightforward, and you will need to submit a number of documents, including your passport, birth certificate, and proof of residence in the foreign country.
Once your application has been processed and approved, you will be issued an OCI card. This card will allow you to enter India without a visa and to stay in India for an indefinite period of time. You will also be able to work and study in India without any restrictions.
OCI card application processing time
The processing time for OCI card applications typically takes 2-3 months. However, it may take longer depending on the workload at the Indian embassy or consulate in your area.
The specific timing of receiving your OCI Card is contingent upon the processing time option you choose. Consequently, this leads to a modification in the price.
- The standard processing time is two days.
- The rush processing time is 24 hours.
- The processing time for super rush orders is 4 hours.
OCI card validity and renewal
The OCI card is valid for 10 years and can be renewed for an additional 10 years.
Delivery of the OCI card
Once your OCI card is approved, you will be notified by the Indian embassy or consulate. You will then need to schedule an appointment to pick up your card in person
can the Indian passport holder also have the OCI card ?
Yes, an Indian passport holder can also have an OCI card, even if they have been living outside India for more than 2 years. The only requirement is that they must have been eligible to become a citizen of India on January 26, 1950. This means that they or their parents or grandparents must have been born in India, or they must have been born in an Indian territory that became part of India after 15 August 1947.
How to check OCI card status
Status can be checked https://ociservices.gov.in/statusEnqury
Learn how to prepare for emergencies when staying abroad.
OCI card Australia
- Create an account on the VFS Global website.
- Complete the online application form
- Upload the required documents. The required documents include:**
- A copy of your passport
- A copy of your birth certificate
- A copy of your parents’ passports or birth certificates (if applicable)
- A copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Pay the application fee. The application fee is A$414 for new applicants and A$54 for PIO card holders.
- Schedule an appointment at the VFS Global Application Centre.
- Attend your appointment and submit your application.
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Please consult with an immigration attorney to discuss your specific situation.