NEW OCI CARD APPLICATION IN INDIA

Introduction:

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.

Carry out financial Transactions

1. Buying and selling a property in India (other than agricultural land)
2. Doing investments in India
3. Opening a bank account in India
4. 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.      A former citizen of India or a person of Indian Origin.

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

POINTS TO CONSIDER BEFORE APPLYING FOR AN OCI CARD:

• While applying for an OCI, it is mandatory for former Indian nationals to provide Certificate of Renunciation of Indian citizenship. If you do not have the Renunciation Certificate, please apply for it first and after getting the renunciation certificate, please apply for OCI.

• 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

How Do I Apply?

1. Submit the application form online
2. upload all required documents, including self-attested copies, photograph, and signature (or thumb impression for minors)
3. Pay the requisite fee as specified by the Indian Mission/official Service provider.
4. Submit the original supporting documents to the relevant FRRO for prior verification.

Note: Our dedicated team can help you with the proper and form filling fee payment if you choose to apply through Documitra

What Documents are Required?

Required Documents:

• Copy of a valid passport with a minimum 6-month validity at the time of application.
• Citizenship certificate
• Marriage certificate- if any
• Address proof from applying country
• Indian origin proof documents
• For applications submitted in India: Copy of any valid Visa/Residential Permit with 3 months validity.
• Copy of the Domicile Certificate issued by the Competent Authority
• Evidence of relationship for OCI registration based on Indian origin:
• Birth Certificate from a competent authority mentioning parents' names, apostilled or endorsed by the Indian Mission if issued abroad.
• Evidence for a spouse of foreign origin:

1. Registered marriage certificate
2. In the case of spouse of an Indian citizen: Copy of Indian passport or Domicile/Nativity Certificate
3. In the case of spouse of an OCI Cardholder: Copy of spouse's valid passport and OCI Card, along with relevant issuance documents.

NOTE:

• For minor child with Indian citizen parents:

1. Child's birth certificate
2. Copy of Indian passport or Domicile/Nativity Certificate of parent(s)
3. In case of divorce, court order specifying custody

• Additional documents for Canadian nationals:

1. Landing paper/Work Permit
2. If landing paper indicates FC (Family Class): Letter from Canadian Immigration and Refugee Board, affidavit confirming no refugee status sought, and last Canadian address/visa copy.

What is the Fee Requirement?

For applications submitted in India:

Demand Draft of Rs.15,000/- drawn in favor of "Pay and Accounts Officer (Secretariat), Ministry of Home Affairs," payable at New Delhi.

Note: The fee in INR is subject to fluctuations in the current exchange rate and is susceptible to change at any time. Additionally, please note that the fee is non-refundable, irrespective of the approval or denial of your visa application

What are the Document 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.

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.

In conclusion, the application process doesn't have to be a puzzle. With our interactive guide, we've have tried to simply steps to ensure a seamless process for you. You can follow it for a complete Do-It-Yourself experience.

But if you want to have a hassle-free experience of application, Choose Documitra! We will take care of your application needs and our expert team will guide you through it, ensuring a higher chance of success.