Guide for OCI RENEWAL And OCI UPDATE after getting NEW PASSPORT

Introduction

Understanding OCI card

What is an OCI Card?

An OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card is a form of identification and travel document that allows foreign nationals of Indian origin to stay and work in India indefinitely. The OCI card is not equivalent to Indian citizenship but provides certain benefits to foreign nationals of Indian origin. 

What are the benefits of having an OCI card?

1. Identification and Travel Document:

The OCI card serves as both an identification and travel document for foreign nationals of Indian origin.

2. Permanent Residency:

Holders of OCI cards are allowed to stay in India for an indefinite period. It is not equivalent to Indian citizenship but offers certain benefits to those of Indian origin.

3. Visa-Free Travel:

OCI cardholders enjoy visa-free travel to India. And even while their stay in India, they can stay for more than 180 days in India without notifying FRRO or FRO Office. 

Benefits for Indian-Origin Foreign Nationals:

OCI status is primarily designed for foreign nationals who are of Indian origin or descendants of Indian citizens. It allows them to reconnect with their roots and contribute to the Indian community.

1. Carry out financial Transactions 
2. Buying and selling a property in India (other than agricultural land)  
3. Doing investments in India 
4. Opening a bank account in India 
5. To claim a family property in India 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR AN OCI CARD?

Eligibility for New OCI Card Registration:

A foreign national who:

1.       Was a citizen of India on or after 26th January 1950.

2.      Was eligible to become a citizen of India on 26th January 1950.

3.      Belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15th August 1947.

4.      Is a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of such a citizen.

5.      Is a minor child of the mentioned individuals.

6.      Is a minor child with both parents as Indian citizens or one parent as an Indian citizen.

Spouse of foreign origin of:

1.       A citizen of India.

2.      An Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder.

3.      Marriage registered and subsisted for at least two years.

POINTS TO CONSIDER BEFORE APPLYING FOR AN OCI CARD:

• Ineligibility:

No person with a connection to Pakistan, Bangladesh, or countries specified by the Central Government can apply.

• Application Restrictions:

Foreign nationals cannot apply for OCI in India on Tourist, Missionary, or Mountaineering Visas.

• Residency Requirement:

The foreigner must be ordinarily resident in India to apply for OCI registration. "Ordinarily Resident":  A person staying in India or a particular country for a continuous period of 6 months.

1.2 Miscellaneous Services for OCI Card Holders:

Important: To avail Miscellaneous Service, you must be an existing OCI Card Holder

Miscellaneous Services for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders serve the practical purpose of facilitating updates and changes to personal information. Other than this, OCI miscellaneous service is also available if you have lost your OCI card or your OCI card has been damaged by any ways. This guide provides a detailed understanding of the available services and the step-by-step procedures for availing them.

Existing OCI card holders can avail the OCI misc. service in following conditions:

(i) In case of issuance of new passport.

(ii) In case of change of personal particulars on existing OCI card which includes, but not limited to: 

• Nationality
• Address, 
• Occupation 
• Name of OCI card holder
• Father/ Mother/ Spouse’s name 
• Date of birth etc.,

(iii) In case of loss/damage of OCI registration certificate/visa. ( In case of loss/damage of OCI documents, the service would be granted only after personal interview.)

(v) In case of manually filled in applications (discontinued now) mistakes

have been committed by the Indian Mission/Post/Office while entering

the personal particulars.

(vii) If you wish to renunciate/ surrender your existing OCI Card

2. Types of Miscellaneous Services

2.1 Updating Passport Details

OCI cardholders can avail services for updating passport details each time a new passport is issued, up to the age of 20, and once again after completing 50 years of age. The primary objective is to maintain accurate records in the OCI system.

2.2 Change in Address/Occupation/Contact Details

OCI cardholders have the flexibility to request changes in address, occupation, or contact details. This service ensures that the OCI system records remain current and accurate.

2.3 Reissuance of OCI Card

The re-issuance of new OCI card will be applicable for following categories:

• In case of issuance of new passport (once a new passport is issued after completing 20 years of age.)
• In case of change of personal particulars viz. name, father's name, nationality etc.
• In case of loss/damage of OCI Card.

2.4 Renunciation of OCI Card

For those wishing to renounce their OCI status, specific procedures need to be followed, ensuring a clear and transparent process. The renunciation process involves submitting the required documentation to the designated authorities.

3. Application Process for OCI Miscellaneous Services

1. Process for Updating Information online:

1. Start the online application process on the OCI government portal 
2. Select the desired update option(s) and provide the necessary details.
3. Upload the latest photograph, signature (for applicants above 5 years) / Thumb impressions (for applicants below 5 years) digitally on the portal and any required documents (as per update requirement).
4. Note the Government application reference number for future correspondence 
5. An acknowledgment will be sent to your registered email ID upon successful submission. 

1. Process for Re-issuance of OCI Card:
2. Submission of online application on the government portal with photo and signature 
3. Enclose relevant documents such as the current passport, proof of address, and other supporting documents.
4. Pay the requisite fee as specified by the Indian Mission/official Service provider.
5. Submit the application to the Indian Mission application center as per your jurisdiction via in person or by post as required

What are the Document Requirements?

Although, the exact documents requirement differs upon the category to category and case to case basis, the below documents requirement list is a Generic list. This can vary depending upon your location and situation. 

(a) Issuance of New Passport (for applications eligible for online process):

1. Copy of U-visa pasted on the old passport- if any 
2. Copy of OCI Card 
3. Copy of the new passport
4. Photo 
5. 
   
6. signature 

(b) Loss of OCI Card 

1. Current passport 
2. 
   
3. Address proof 
4. 
   
5. Copy of the complaint lodged with Police authorities (with OCI card mentioned in list of documents).
6. Copy of the lost  OCI card.
7. If a copy of the registration certificate and/or visa was not taken prior to the loss more documents to prove the Indian origin will be required.
8. 
   
9. Photograph (2x2 inch in size) 
10. 
    
11. Signature 
12. 
    
13. Fee as required 

(c) In case of Change of Personal Particulars:

Applicable in case of changes made by the applicant or due to incorrect filling of particulars by the applicant or Indian Mission/Office.

1. Copy of the document(s) relevant for affecting changes (e.g., Nationality Certificate in case of a change of nationality).
2. 
   
3. Address proof
4. Current passport 
5. 
   
6. Original OCI card
7. 
   
8. Marriage certificate/ divorce decree - if marital status has changed 
9. 
   
10. Fee as required 

Ensure all necessary documents are enclosed to facilitate the processing of the OCI service requested.

WHAT IS THE FEE REQUIREMENT?

Fees:

(a) In USA, fee of US$25 in case of: 

1. Issuance of new passport after turning 20 years of age, 
2. Change of personal particulars, 
3. Wrong filing of particulars

 In India, a demand draft for Rs.1,290/- drawn in favour of “PAO (Secretariat), Ministry of Home Affairs” payable at New Delhi has to be enclosed.

(b) US$ 100 or equivalent in local currency for issuance of duplicate OCI documents in case of loss/damage. 

In case of application filed in India, an amount of Rs.5,170/- has to be paid.

4. Submission Locations:

The submission locations vary based on your residential  location:

In India: Submit the application to the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) in specified cities. Ensure to check the designated cities where FRRO services are available.

In India to the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO), Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Amritsar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Lucknow, Kochi, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) , Ahmedabad and Goa.

Outside India: Submit the application to the Indian Mission/Post with jurisdiction over your country of citizenship or residence.

5. Verification and Status:

Upon submission of your application, a File (or Acknowledgment) Number will be issued. Use this number to check the application status online. Most Indian Missions/Posts provide an online portal where applicants can track the progress of their application. 

Note: It is advisable to wait for at least 10 days from dispatch or upon the receipt of documents before checking the status.

6. OCI Document Collection:

In-person Collection: If applied in India, You, as the applicant/an Authorized person, need to collect the OCI card in person from the designated Indian Mission/Post/Office. Ensure you carry the necessary identification documents for verification.

Delivered to Address: If applied in USA or Canada, the final OCI card will be delivered to the registered address only. 

Note: It is crucial to follow the specific instructions provided by the Indian Mission/Post/Office regarding the collection process to avoid any delays or issues.

How can we help?

Our team at Documitra is dedicated to making the entire application process streamlined and hassle-free. We specialize in guiding you through each step, ensuring accuracy, and expediting the process. Contact us for a seamless experience.

Conclusion

This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on the miscellaneous services available for OCI cardholders. Whether you are updating passport details, changing personal information, or applying for the reissuance of OCI cards, the process is designed to be methodical and accessible. It is recommended to carefully follow the guidelines provided by the Indian Mission/Post/Office for a smooth and successful application process.