Note: Please be advised that the answers provided below are subject to change and may vary based on different countries, embassies, and jurisdictions. It's advisable to consult the nearest embassy or consulate in the state or country where you currently reside for the most accurate and updated information. Additionally, fees and regulations can change periodically; therefore, it's recommended to check the government's official website for the latest updates regarding fees and procedures.
Foreign nationals eligible for OCI Cardholder registration include:
Note: Individuals or their lineage connected to citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or as specified by the Central Government are ineligible for OCI registration.
Persons born in India as defined in the Government of India Act, 1935, or whose parents/grandparents were Indian citizens and were residing outside India were eligible for Indian citizenship on January 26, 1950.
The territories that became part of India after 15.08.1947 include:
The spouse of an eligible person can apply if they meet the eligibility criteria separately. Additionally, a foreign-origin spouse of an Indian citizen or OCI Cardholder, whose marriage is registered and has continued for at least two years preceding the application, can also apply.
Yes, minor children can apply for OCI registration. However, if any of the child's parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or any other country specified by the Central Government in the Official Gazette, the child will not be eligible for OCI registration.
Applying for registration as an OCI Cardholder must be done exclusively through the online system. To begin the process, please visit https://passport.gov.in/oci.
The following supporting documents need to be uploaded along with the application:
Fee structure varies from country to country, where the applicant is applying for his OCI. For your reference we are giving the fee structure currently applicable for the United States residents applying for their OCI in the U.S. itself:
As per the Ministry of Home Affairs' notification on 9th January, 2015, all existing PIO Card holders by that date will be considered OCI Cardholders. However, it's advised that individuals with valid PIO cards as of 9th January, 2015 apply for OCI card registration for various advantages. The submission deadline for these applications was extended until 30th June, 2017, and a separate online application form is available on https://passport.gov.in/oci/.
Former PIO cardholders with valid PIO cards as of 9th January, 2015 are required to upload only their valid passport and PIO card copies along with their application. The grant of OCI cards in place of PIO cards will be done without any charge. The OCI card will be issued by the relevant Indian Mission/Post/FRRO within the applicant's residential jurisdiction, and the applicant must approach the concerned authorities to collect the OCI card by surrendering the PIO card.
The photograph to be affixed on the application must be square-shaped, not less than 51x51 mm (with 80% coverage of the face). It should have a plain light-colored background (excluding white), no border, display the person's head and shoulders in a front view, and center the full face. Stapling or signatures on the photograph are not allowed. Failure to adhere to these standards will result in rejection, potentially causing delays in processing applications.
Only one set of the application needs to be submitted for each applicant.
No hard copies of the applications are required. After completing the online application process and attaching supporting documents, photographs, and signatures, applicants must submit the original supporting documents to the concerned Indian Mission/Post/FRRO for prior verification.
No, this requirement has been eliminated.
For applicants outside India:
For applicants in India:
Yes, they can.
If registration as an OCI Cardholder is obtained through fraud, false representation, or concealing material facts, it shall be canceled under section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955. Additionally, the individual will be blacklisted, prohibiting their future entry into India.
As menitoned above, for applications submitted abroad at Indian Missions/Posts: US $275 or equivalent in local currency per applicant; and for applications submitted in India: Rs. 15,000/-.
For most applications, except those submitted as a spouse of foreign origin to an Indian citizen or an OCI Cardholder, if no adverse information is found, the concerned Indian Mission/Post/FRRO will complete OCI Cardholder registration within 30 days from the date of acknowledgement.
If there is adverse information, the decision will be made within 120 days.In the case of applications submitted as a spouse of foreign origin to an Indian citizen or an OCI Cardholder, registration as an OCI Cardholder will only occur after prior clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division). It's expected that the Ministry will provide comments/clearance within 30 days of application acknowledgement.
If registration is refused, a refund of US $250 or the equivalent in local currency will be issued. However, the processing fee of US $25 (or Rs. 1400 in India) is non-refundable.
Upon successful registration, a booklet serving as a registration certificate will be issued. This booklet acts as a lifelong multiple entry visa to visit India. It can be collected by the applicant in person or by an authorized individual, provided the applicant is physically present in the country of issuance. Otherwise, the booklet can be obtained from the concerned Indian Mission/FRRO at the applicant's present location by making a formal request.
No, instructions have been issued to discontinue the 'U' visa sticker for OCI cardholders. Immigration authorities are advised not to require the foreign passport with the 'U' visa sticker when OCI cardholders enter or exit India.
You can track the status on the below link:
https://ociservices.gov.in/statusEnqury
No.
Yes, by applying to the Indian Mission/Post/FRRO with evidence of loss or damage. A fee of US $100 (or equivalent) for applications abroad and Rs. 5500/- for applications in India is required.
No.
No, a Protected Area Permit/Restricted Area Permit is required for such visits.
es, during the period they are living in India.
Yes. After being registered as an OCI cardholder for 5 years and residing in India for twelve months before applying, they are eligible for Indian citizenship. The Central Government, under special circumstances, may relax the twelve-month residency requirement up to thirty days, on a case-by-case basis.
No, except for the conversion of PIO card to OCI card, which will be processed without any fees.
An OCI Cardholder cannot vote, hold certain constitutional positions, be appointed to specific public services/posts, or acquire agricultural or plantation properties in India.
Yes.
Yes, numerous agents/consultants are available to assist in the OCI status application. Our agency is one such option, and you can reach out to us via email for any required assistance.
No, Indian passports are exclusively for Indian citizens.
Yes, if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Yes, by making a declaration renouncing the OCI Cardholder status to the respective Indian Mission/Post/FRRO. Upon registration of this declaration, the individual ceases to be an OCI Cardholder, affecting their spouse of foreign origin and minor children's OCI status.
Yes, after obtaining prior approval or special permission from the relevant Indian Mission/Post/FRRO.
No, both serving and retired foreign military personnel are not eligible for OCI status.