FAQs
Can an applicant who previously held the nationality of Pakistan or Bangladesh be eligible for OCI?
No, if the applicant has ever held citizenship of Pakistan or Bangladesh, they will not be eligible for OCI.
The Government of India has discontinued the process of issuing "Life Long Visa Stickers" for OCI cardholders. Instead, OCI applicants are now required to carry a valid OCI card along with their current foreign passport (endorsed on the OCI Booklet).
Do you have to have a "Life Long Visa Sticker" (OCI) attached to the foreign passport for OCI cardholders?
Yes, children below the age of 18 can apply for an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card if at least one of their parents already holds an OCI card or is eligible for OCI.
Can children below the age of 18 apply for an OCI Card?
Yes, foreign nationals who are not otherwise eligible for OCI can get OCI if they are married to persons who are eligible for OCI.
Can foreign nationals marry an OCI cardholder and become eligible for OCI?
- Cannot vote in India
- Cannot be a member of a Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council, or Parliament of India
- Cannot hold Indian constitutional posts like President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme Court, or High Court, etc
- Normally cannot hold employment in the Indian Government
What can you NOT do?
- Multiple entry, multi-purpose life-long visa for visiting India
- Exemption from registration with local police authority for any length of stay in India
- Parity with Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in economic, financial, and educational fields (except for acquiring agricultural or plantation properties)
- Can be used as identity proof for application of PAN Card and driving license
- Can be used for opening a bank account if the OCI card holder is residing in India
What are the benefits?
- You are currently a citizen of another country, but you were either a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after, the commencement of the Constitution OR
- You are a citizen of another country, but you were eligible to become a citizen of India at the time when the Constitution was initiated OR
- You are a citizen of another country, but you have a connection to a territory that became part of India after August 15, 1947 OR
- You are the child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of an Indian citizen OR
- You are a minor child of a person who meets any of the above four criteria OR
- You are a minor child, and both of your parents are citizens of India OR
- You are a minor child, and one of your parents is a citizen of India OR
- If your Spouse has an OCI/Indian Passport and have been married for AT LEAST 2 years
EXCEPTIONS: OCI is not granted to individuals who, or whose parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents, are or were citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or any other country specified by the Central Government through an official notification. Such individuals are not eligible for registration as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders.
Who can apply?
What is an OCI Card?
An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is a lifelong visa that allows foreign citizens of Indian origin to stay in India indefinitely. It offers various benefits, including visa-free travel and property ownership.
How Can I Apply for an OCI Card?
You can apply for an OCI card by filling out the OCI application form and submitting the required documents. The application process can be completed online.
What Are OCI Miscellaneous Services?
OCI Miscellaneous Services are for existing OCI cardholders who need to update their personal details or obtain a new OCI booklet due to changes in their passport, among other reasons.
How Do I Check My OCI Card Status?
Kindly send us your passport number and your application reference number, we will happily update you about the status of your OCI Card Application.
What Are the OCI Application Fees?
The OCI application fees vary depending on the type of service required. Feel free to contact us for more information.
How Long Does the OCI Application Process Take?
The processing time for an OCI application can vary, but it typically takes around 4-8 weeks. However, it may take longer in some cases, depending on various factors.
What Services Are Included in OCI Registration?
OCI registration includes services related to the issuance of new OCI cards, renewals, and miscellaneous services such as updating personal information.
Can I Update My OCI Information Online?
Yes, you can update your OCI information online through our website. Be sure to fill out the OCI Miscellaneous Services form for the specific changes you require.