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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Persons of Indian origin who have already acquired foreign citizenship until 31 May 2010 will not be required to pay renunciation fees of USD 175.00, he/she will be required to pay Miscellaneous fees of USD 20.00 when getting the old Indian passport cancelled/surrendered.
In future those Indian citizens who acquire foreign citizenship on or after June 1 2010 will have to submit declaration of renunciation of their Indian citizenship and a fees of USD 175.00.
PLEASE SEND RENUNCIATION FORM, RENUNCIATION FEE AND OCI APPLICATION FEE CHEQUES SEPARATELY, BUT SEND IT TO US IN THE SAME PACKET TO
Embassy of India
OCI Cell
2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20008
A. If the applicant has already renounced Indian citizenship, he/she should have one of the following as proof:
1. A Certificate of Renunciation issued by a Embassy of India or,
2. An Indian Passport that contains a cancelled stamp.
Those applicants who do not have Indian passport can submit any other documentary evidence like a notarized copy of birth certificate, educational certificate issued by an institution in India; and land ownership certificate by which eligibility may be reasonably ascertained or a duly notarized affidavit to that effect. The decision of the Consular Officer (deciding your Indian identity) will be final in such cases.
OR
If parents’/grand parents’ origin is being claimed as basis for grant of OCI, enclose the following documents:
1. Evidence of relationship with the applicant as parent/grand parent: If you are claiming OCI card on the basis of parent Indian origin then your birth certificate (where parents name is mentioned) is required, if you are claiming the same with your grand-parents’ origin then you have to submit your birth certificate as well as your parents’ birth certificate showing the parents names clearly so that it establishes the relation with your parents and grand parents.
Please add US$ 20 as postage fee along with your application fee.
Please use Internet Explorer browser for printing the OCI application form.
THERE IS NO EMERGENCY SERVICE FOR OCI. DO NOT PLAN TRAVEL BEFORE YOU RECEIVE OCI CARD IN YOUR HAND. For any questions or clarifications, please click here to send email.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Processing Time: It takes 8 weeks to acknowledge OCI application online. It takes about 3 months to process OCI application. If you do not see progress after 3 months, please send an email quoting Web Application Number.
Enquiry: There is no counter service for OCI. There is no telephone enquiry facility for OCI. All queries should be made through sending an email. Email queries will only be replied after 12 weeks of receipt of OCI application in the Embassy.
Online Status Enquiry: You can check the status of OCI application online by clicking: Check OCI Status Online
Dispatch: After seeing the online status : Documents Received at Washington on -------- (date will be shown), send your Original US Passport for OCI stamping. Please write "OCI Dispatch" on the envelope and quote your " File No.". It takes about 20 working days to dispatch US passport from the date of receipt of US passport in our office. Please refrain from making queries before stipulated time.
Indian Passport: If your Indian passport is already cancelled , you need to send only notarized copy of the relevant pages. Otherwise, send original Indian Passport with the OCI application. If holding PIO card, it should also be enclosed in original with OCI application.
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OVERSEAS CITIZENSHIP OF INDIA (OCI) INFORMATION
Jurisdiction of Embassy of India, Washington, DC
1. Applications for OCI are accepted only from residents of the following States and Territories: Bermuda, Delaware, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Proof of residence (copy of driving license or utility bill or bank statement) should accompany the application.
Eligibility Criteria
2. A foreign national, eligible to become a citizen of India on January 26, 1950 or was a citizen of India on, or at any time after, January 26, 1950 or belonged to a territory that became part of India after August 15, 1947 and his/her children and grand children, provided his/her country of citizenship allows dual citizenship under the local laws, is eligible for registration as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). Minor children of such person are also eligible for OCI. However, if the applicant had ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, he/she will not be eligible for OCI.
3. Therefore, the applicant must satisfy the following criteria in order to be eligible to apply for OCI Status:
a. If the applicant or one of the applicant's parents or one of the applicant's grandparents was a citizen of India after January 26, 1950.
b. If the applicant or one of the applicant's parents or one of the applicant's grandparents belonged to a former territory (Goa, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Sikkim and Pondicherry) that became part of India after August 15, 1947.
c. If the applicant or one of the applicant's parents or one of the applicant's grandparents was eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of commencement of the Constitution of India on January 26, 1950.
Privileges
4. With OCI status, a foreign passport holder is entitled to the following:
a. Multiple-entry, multi-purpose, life-long visa to visit India. The holder of the OCI Certificate would still need to carry his/her foreign passport, with a "U" Visa ("U" for Universal) sticker affixed on the foreign passport;
b. Exemption from reporting to police authorities for any length of stay in India;
c. Parity with NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) in financial, economic and educational fields EXCEPT in relation to acquisition of agricultural and plantation properties.
5. Please note that OCI is NOT Dual Citizenship. The Constitution of India does not permit the facility of holding Indian Citizenship simultaneously with a foreign citizenship. The OCI holder would therefore not be eligible for the following rights in India:
a. Right to vote;
b. Right to hold constitutional office (i.e. parliament, courts, cabinet posts, etc.); and
c. Right to hold posts in the Government services.
Cancellation of OCI Registration
6. The OCI Status is a privilege extended only to those persons who qualify for that privilege. The OCI Status accorded to a person can be revoked by Government of India in cases that warrant such action. For detailed information on the "Overseas Citizenship of India", visit the web site of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
7. Additional Notes:
While filling up the OCI application online the surname and given name should be completely written as appearing in your US Passport.
A PIO card holder can substitute his PIO Card with the OCI. The holder would be required to surrender the PIO Card in that event. All PIO Card holders seeking to substitute PIO cards with the OCI facility must submit a copy of the PIO Card during submission of the application for OCI.
When applying as a family of four (4) members, applicants may apply jointly in a single application as spouses and no more than two (2) of applicant's minor children. The necessary fee would be charged for each applicant.
OCI Applications can be made on behalf of a minor child by a guardian/parent.
8. Processing of the OCI application is a joint effort between the applicant and the OCI Cell at the Embassy of India. Therefore, the applicant needs to clearly understand the process of filing the application. This would facilitate smooth and quick processing of the OCI application.
9. Visit www.mha.nic.in and click Online Registration. If applying as an individual or as a family, select the appropriate option. Family of 4 (spouses and two minor children) are to fill in Part A in one go. If a family consists of more than 2 minor children, the application for the third minor child must be filled-in as an individual by selecting option (i). In cases where the child has crossed 18 years of age, independent application needs to be filled-in.
10. The OCI application consists of Part A and Part B. Part A should be completed online through Online Registration at www.mha.nic.in. Part B should be completed by typing the required information or writing in capital block letters with black or blue ink. The computer will assign a Reference Number. Retain this reference number as it would be required when submitting the OCI application to the Embassy.
Documents to be submitted
HOW TO ARRANGE THE APPLICATION(S)?
(a) “Individual” Application Option
1. Part-A.
2.Part-B – only one (pl do not include the pages containing instructions after Part B)
3. Proof of present nationality (copy of first two and last two pages of US/foreign passport)
4.Copy of birth certificate – applicable only if applicant is born abroad
5. Copy of the PIO card (if you are holding)
6.Proof of address (copy of utility bill like electricity or telephone bill or driving license where your address is mentioned)
7.Proof of previous nationality (copy of first three and last three pages of last Indian passport held) or any other documentary evidence like a notarized copy of educational certificate issued by an institution in India and land ownership certificate by which eligibility may be reasonably ascertained or a duly notarized affidavit to that effect. The decision of the Consular Officer (deciding your Indian identity) will be final in such cases.
OR
If parents’/grand parents’ origin is being claimed as basis for grant of OCI, enclose the following documents:
1. Evidence of relationship with the applicant as parent/grand parent: If you are claiming OCI card on the basis of parent Indian origin then your birth certificate (where parents name is mentioned) is required, if you are claiming the same with your grand-parents’ origin then you have to submit your birth certificate as well as your parents’ birth certificate showing the parents names clearly so that it establishes the relation with your parents and grand parents.
2. Copy of their Indian passport, OR
3. Copy of their domicile certificate issue by the competent authority; or any other documentary evidence like a notarized copy of school certificate, land ownership certificate by which eligibility may be reasonably ascertained. The decision of the Consular Officer will be final in such cases.
(b) “Family” Application option
1. Part A (First Applicant) + Part A (Spouse)+ Part A (Minor Child 1) + Part A (Minor Child 2)
2. Part B – only one (as only one part B comes with four part A from the system), irrespective of number of applicants under Family Group (pl do not include the pages containing instructions after Part B)
3. Proof of present nationality (copy of first two and last two pages of US/foreign passport)
4. Copy of birth certificate – applicable only if applicant is born abroad.
5. Copy of the PIO card (if you are holding)
6. Proof of address (copy of utility bill like electricity or telephone bill or driving license where your address mentioned)
7. Proof of previous nationality (copy of first three and last two pages of last Indian passport held) or any other documentary evidence like a notarized copy of school certificate, land ownership certificate by which eligibility may be reasonably ascertained or a duly notarized affidavit to that effect. The decision of the Consular Officer will be final in such cases.
OR
If parents’/grand parents’ origin is being claimed as basis for grant of OCI, enclose the following documents:
Evidence of relationship with the applicant as parent/grand parent; If you are claiming OCI card on the basis of parent Indian origin then your birth certificate (where parents name is mentioned) is required, if you are claiming the same with your grand-parents’ origin then you have to submit your birth certificate as well as your parents’ birth certificate showing the parents names clearly so that it establishes the relation with your parents and grand parents.
Copy of their Indian passport, or
Copy of their domicile certificate issue by the competent authority; or any other documentary evidence like a notarized copy of school certificate, land ownership certificate by which eligibility may be reasonably ascertained. The decision of the Consular Officer will be final in such cases.
Please note that you need to submit application as follows:
One SET of application comprised of items mentioned in 1 to 7 of (a) or (b) above as per the receptive case (Individual or family) and applicable documents.
Application needs to be submitted in two such sets.
One photo each (as per the specifications given) should be affixed with glue on part A of two sets.
In case of minor applying with their parents under “Family Group”, copies of parents’ Indian passports need not be again enclosed with the documents of these children.
In case you are sending application for your minor child as individual, then photocopies of parents OCI cards or US passports & earlier Indian Passports are essential.
Fees of all the applicants to be put with Part A of the first applicant only and not with the Part A of respective applicant.
Please note that you have to self-attest all the photo copies stating “This is a true copy of the original” and your signature.
Make sure that all the photo-copies should be legible (readable), and it is better to send the colour photocopies. If we are not able to see the contents and recognize the photo on the photocopies, application will be sent back to you without processing.
Remember that at the application stage, do not send your original passports or documents, these should be sent only at the time of collection of OCI documents.
The minor children (having US or foreign passports) whose both parents are Indian passport holder are not eligible for OCI card, but they are eligible for PIO card.
For any further information or clarification on OCI, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions at the OCI Section of this website.
Please send any further inquiries about OCI Card, preferably by e-mail
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OCI - STEPS TO APPLY
Note: Applications for OCI are accepted only from residents of the following States and Territories: Bermuda, Delaware, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Proof of residence (copy of driving license or utility bill or bank statement) should accompany the application.
All adults (18 Years and older) applicants should sign in the front page signature box (Non-signed applications will not be processed). (Children who can sign their names can also sign in the box, instead of thumb impression).
Please use Internet Explorer for Online Registration. Other browsers may have a problem saving the data in the application.
Please register the applications online before mailing (non-registered applications will not be processed and returned to the applicant).
Please send clear photographs, many applications are pending because of poor quality photographs.
Copy of proof of residence is required (copy of driving license/utility bill/bank statement/lease agreement)
Keep a copy of OCI application (also note down the reference number) before sending the online registered forms to the Embassy.
Children born outside India and whose parents are Indian passport holders are not eligible for OCI Cards. They can apply for OCI after attaining majority (18 years of age).
Please peruse the OCI status page.
Step 1:
Visit Ministry of Home Affairs, and the OCI section of the Embassy website for information about the OCI.
Step 2:
Click “Online Registration” and complete the form (Part A) online.
When you have completed filling in Part A, click Save. A Print Window will appear. Click OK to print out your application form consisting of Part A (which has been completed as Online Registration). The blank form of Part B will automatically print itself. Please mention the name of country in the field Place of Birth (eg India, UK, USA and not village, town or state).
Applicant must then complete Part B, preferably TYPED. It may also be handwritten but in CAPITAL LETTERS, with Blue or Black Ink.
While filling up the OCI application online the surname and given name should be completely written as appearing in your US Passport.
The completed application form (Parts A and B) must be submitted in duplicate to the Embassy.
[Please print the covering letter and send it with the application for expeditious scrutiny and granting.]
The Applicant should send self-attested copies of the documents. The US passport and PIO card can be sent at the time of collecting OCI card. (When applicants send attested copies of the passport, only a copy of the first page should be sent in case of U.S. passports; in case of Indian passports, copies of pages containing vital information, i.e., first three pages and the last two pages may be sent. (Visa pages or blank pages should not be sent).
Application Fee is US$275 per applicant. A separate fee of US$20 for return mailing is also charged. The fee for PIO card holder is US$145 for each MINOR PIO card holder and US$ 25 for each adult PIO card holder. Applicants can send PIO card, U.S. passport at the time of collection. Fee will be accepted in money orders & certified checks only (in favor of Embassy of India) and not by Personal checks. This money is not refundable.
Notes for PIO Card Holders
Holders are required to surrender the PIO Card in order to receive an OCI Card.
Holders must submit a notarized copy of the PIO Card with the OCI application.
Birth certificate of US/foreign born children (should indicate the name of both parents). This may be attested by either of the parents.
Step 3:
Please mail the OCI application and the required enclosures to:
Embassy of India
OCI Cell
2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20008 |
Note: Please ensure that self-attested copies of your passport and PIO Card and other supporting documents are submitted. The envelope should be boldly marked “OCI Application”.
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OCI - ARRIVAL DETAILS OF CARD
The applicant will not receive any letter regarding the OCI status. He should check the OCI status online. There is no need of confirming by phone or by e-mail. After the status shows that the card has reached the Embassy, he/she should mail the US (foreign) passport(s) to the Embassy of India, OCI Cell, 2536 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC 20008 so that the Embassy can issue the OCI card and OCI visa sticker.
The Applicant should not forget to write their file numbers in a cover letter along with the passport/s (this file no. is found when applicant checks status online with the assigned ref. no.).
To find out applicant's "file no.", please enter "reference no." here: http://ociindia.nic.in
If the applicant is a PIO card holder, he/she is also required to surrender the same to Embassy.
In case delivery is desired by mail, the applicant has to pay the postage charge of $20 through a postal money order/cashier’s check favoring "Embassy of India”. This money is not refundable. No personal check is acceptable.
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OCI - MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES
Salient Features of OCI Miscellaneous Services
While filling the Miscellaneous Form Online, use the details as mentioned in the OCI card. This service can be availed for re-issuance/issuance of duplicate OCI documents in the following category of cases:
a. In case of issuance of new passport;
b. In case of change of personal particulars viz. nationality etc.;
c. In case of loss/damage of OCI registration certificate/visa;
d. In case of filling of wrong personal particulars while submitting online application viz. name, father’s name, date of birth etc.;
e. In case of manually filled in applications (discontinued now) mistakes have been committed by the Indian Mission/Post/Office while entering the personal particulars;
f. In case of change of address/occupation.
1. In case of issuance of new passport:
OCI registration certificate and visa carries the passport number of the registered OCI. Accordingly, each time a new passport is issued to an OCI holder, it has to be captured on the registration certificate and visa. This would require re-issuance of OCI registration certificate and visa each time a new passport is issued. However, as the major benefit of OCI Scheme is life long visa to visit , problems arise each time a new passport is issued. In some countries old passport s are not returned. Further, in many countries, the validity of passport is for 5 years. To obviate these difficulties, the following scheme has been incorporated:
a. Up to the completion of 20 years of age, OCI documents have to be re-issued each time a new passport is issued;
b. After the completion of 50 years of age, OCI documents have to be re-issued once after issuance of a new passport;
c. Between 21-50 years of age, there is no need to seek re-issuance of OCI documents each time a new passport is issued. However, if the applicant desires, he may avail the service for re-issuance of OCI documents.
2. In case of change of personal particulars viz. name, nationality etc./Filing of wrong personal particulars while submitting online application:
In case of change of personal particulars/wrong filing of personal particulars while submitting online application, OCI holders may seek re-issuance of OCI documents by availing the services. They have to enclose the documentary evidence for the change of the personal particulars. However, in case of change of photograph without the change of the passport, a personal interview shall be taken by the Competent Authority before the grant of the service.
3. In case of Loss/damage of OCI registration certificate/visa:
In case of loss of OCI documents, a copy of the complaint filed with the Police authorities shall be enclosed. Personal interview of the applicant shall be taken by the Competent Authority before the grant of the service.
4. In case of filling of wrong personal particulars while submitting online application viz. name, father’s name, date of birth etc.:
In case of filling of wrong personal particulars while submitting the online application, OCI holders may seek re-issuance of OCI documents by availing the services. They have to enclose the documentary evidence for the correct personal particulars.
5. In case of mistakes committed by the Indian Mission/Post/Office while entering the personal particulars of manually filled applications (now discontinued):
Since the mistake is committed by the Indian Mission/Post/Office, no fee shall be charged for re-issuance of OCI documents.
6. In case of change of address/occupation:
In case of change of address/occupation, new set of OCI documents will not be issued. The applicant may take a print out of the new address/occupation after online submission and keep for record purposes. No fee shall be charged from the applicant.
Procedure to be Followed by the Applicant
A software module has been developed by NIC named as OCI Miscellaneous Services. The public interface for this has been hosted on MHA’s website: www.mha.nic.in
The procedure to be followed by the applicant is as under:
After accessing the OCI Miscellaneous Services and going through the Guidelines and Instructions for filing the application form, the applicant has to fill in at least one of the following data fields:
a. U-Visa number
b. OCI Registration number
c. OCI File number
Thereafter, the applicant has to fill in all the following fields:
a. Current Passport number
b. Date of birth
c. Place of birth
d. Mother’s name
The applicant would be able to proceed ahead and seek the particular service(s) only if, the above data (except (1) above) matches with the OCI database. This feature has been incorporated as a security measure so that the scheme is not misused.
The applicant, thereafter has to select any one or many of the following services:
a. Change of Passport particulars
b. Change of Personal particulars
c. Loss/damage of OCI certificate/visa
d. Change of Address/Occupation
After selection of the service(s) to be availed, a Registration Form will appear having only the relevant fields, which need to be entered as per the services (s) sought. The applicant has to fill in all the relevant fields afresh online. The reasons for availing the services shall also be filled by the applicant.
Upon submission of the Registration Form, a hard copy of the application with Reference number along with the instructions for filling application form shall be printed. The applicant has to sign the application form, paste the photograph and append his signature in the box provided and submit one copy of the application form along with the relevant enclosures and fee as mentioned in the instructions. The application can be submitted to the Indian Mission/Post/Office in whose jurisdiction the applicant is ordinarily residing irrespective of the fact whether the same Indian Mission/Post/Office has issued the original OCI documents or not. Each applicant shall submit separate application form.
No hard copy of the application shall be generated in case of change of address/occupation since no application needs to be submitted to the Indian Mission/Post/Office.
Enclosures
Copy of OCI registration certificate and visa
In case of issuance of new passport, copy of U-visa pasted on the old passport along with copy of registration certificate has to be enclosed. If the old passport is not returned by the concerned authorities while issuing new passport and copy of the U-visa had not been taken prior to the surrender of old passport, they may not be enclosed. A copy of new passport also to be enclosed.
In case of loss of OCI Registration Certificate and/or Visa, copy of the complaint lodged with Police authorities and copy of visa and registration certificate to be enclosed. If a copy of the registration certificate and/or visa was not taken prior to the loss, they may not be enclosed.
In case of change of personal particulars (due to change by the applicant or wrong filling of particulars by the applicant or Indian Mission/Office), copy of the document (s) relevant for affecting the requisite changes viz. Nationality Certificate in case of change of nationality etc to be enclosed.
Fees
US $ 25/- or equivalent in local currency for re-issuance of OCI documents in case of issuance of new passport , change of personal particulars, wrong filing of particulars.
US $ 100/- or equivalent in local currency for issuance of duplicate OCI documents in case of loss/damage.
The fee is payable by certified Cheque/Money Order drawn in favour of Embassy of India.
If return of documents are required by mail, please include an additional payment of $ 20/-.
(Both OCI registration certificate and visa shall be issued in respect of any/all service (s)).
In respect of the service for change of address/occupation, no hard copy of the application shall be submitted to the Indian Mission/Post/Office. Accordingly, the issue of Enclosures and payment of fee does not arise.
The completed application with supporting documents and fees are required to be sent by Mail only to:
Embassy of India
OCI Cell
2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20008 |
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RENUNCIATION OF INDIAN CITIZENSHIP
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Persons of Indian origin who have already acquired foreign citizenship until 31 May 2010 will not be required to pay renunciation fees of USD 175.00, he/she will be required to pay Miscellaneous fees of USD 20.00 when getting the old Indian passport cancelled/surrendered.
In future those Indian citizens who acquire foreign citizenship on or after June 1 2010 will have to submit declaration of renunciation of their Indian citizenship and a fees of USD 175.00.
PLEASE SEND RENUNCIATION FORM, RENUNCIATION FEE AND OCI APPLICATION FEE CHEQUES SEPARATELY, BUT SEND IT TO US IN THE SAME PACKET TO
Embassy of India
OCI Cell
2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20008
A. If the applicant has already renounced Indian citizenship, he/she should have one of the following as proof:
1. A Certificate of Renunciation issued by a Embassy of India or,
2. An Indian Passport that contains a cancelled stamp.
Those applicants who do not have Indian passport can submit any other documentary evidence like a notarized copy of birth certificate, educational certificate issued by an institution in India; and land ownership certificate by which eligibility may be reasonably ascertained or a duly notarized affidavit to that effect. The decision of the Consular Officer (deciding your Indian identity) will be final in such cases.
OR
If parents’/grand parents’ origin is being claimed as basis for grant of OCI, enclose the following documents:
1. Evidence of relationship with the applicant as parent/grand parent: If you are claiming OCI card on the basis of parent Indian origin then your birth certificate (where parents name is mentioned) is required, if you are claiming the same with your grand-parents’ origin then you have to submit your birth certificate as well as your parents’ birth certificate showing the parents names clearly so that it establishes the relation with your parents and grand parents.
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OCI - FREQUENLTY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Applicants should only be from the states and territories within the jurisdiction of Embassy of India viz. Bermuda, Delaware, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Proof of residence (copy of driving license or utility bill or bank statement) should accompany the application.
1. Who is eligible to apply?
A foreign national, who was eligible to become a citizen of India on 26.01.1950 or was a citizen of India on or at anytime after 26.01.1950 or belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15.08.1947 and his/her children and grand children, provided his/her country of citizenship allows dual citizenship in some form or other under the local laws, is eligible for registration as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). Minor children of such person are also eligible for OCI. However, if the applicant had ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, he/she will not be eligible for OCI.
2. Who was eligible to become Citizen of India on 26.01.1950?
Any person who or either of whose parents or any of whose grand-parents was born in India as defined in the Government of India Act, 1935 (as originally enacted), and who was ordinarily residing in any country outside India was eligible to become citizen of India on 26.01.1950.
3. Which territories became part of India after 15.08.1947 and from what date?
The territories, which became part of India after 15.08.1947 are:
1. Sikkim from 26.04.1975
2. Pondicherry from 16.08.1962
3. Dadra & Nagar Haveli from 11.08.1961
4. Goa, Daman and Diu from 20.12.1961
4. Can the spouse of the eligible person apply for OCI?
Yes, if he/she is eligible in his/her own capacity.
5. Can children of parents, wherein one of the parents is eligible for OCI, apply for OCI?
Yes. They are eligible.
6. In what form should a person apply for OCI and where are they available?
A family of spouses and up to 2 minor children can apply (together) online. Registration: http://ociindia.nic.in
7. Can application form be filled and submitted online?
Yes registration is online. Once registered, application form/s have to be sent by mail to the Embassy of India, OCI Cell, 2536 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC 20008 (no applications will be accepted in person).
8. What documents have to be attached with the application?
The following documents shall be enclosed with each application:
1. One photo on each form and one additional photo
2. Proof of citizenship of applicant(s) (passport copy)
3. Documentary Evidence of self or parents or grand parents:
being eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of commencement of the Constitution of India (on 26th of January, 1950); or
belonging to a territory that became part of India after August 15, 1947.
The acceptable documents in this regard are:
Self-attested copy of the passport; or
Copy of the domicile certificate issued by the Competent authority.
4. Birth certificate of US/foreign born children (should indicate the name of both parents). This may be attested by either of the parents.
5. Evidence of relationship as parent/grand parent, if their Indian origin is claimed as basis for grant of OCI.
6. Proof of fee payment US$275 for each applicant or equivalent in local currency. (US$145 for each MINOR PIO card holder and US$ 25 for each adult PIO card holder). (Receipt issued by Embassy of India in case of applications submitted in person and certified cheques, bankers’ cheques or postal/money order). No personal cheques will be accepted.
7. PIO card holders must also submit a copy of their PIO card.
9. How many copies of application have to be submitted?
Application has to be submitted in duplicate.
10. Whether applicant(s) have to go in person to submit the application(s)?
No. Application(s) are required to be sent by mail only.
11. Do the applicant(s) have to take oath before the Consul of the Indian Mission /Post?
No. Earlier provision in this regard has been done away with.
12. Where to submit the application?
To the Indian Mission/ Post of the country of citizenship of the applicant. If the applicant is not in the country of citizenship, to the Indian Mission/Post of the country where he is ordinarily residing. If the applicant is in India, to the FRRO Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata or Amritsar or to CHIO, Chennai or to the Under Secretary, Citizenship section, Foreigners Division, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Jaisalmer House, 26, Mansingh Road, New Delhi-110011.
13. Can a person apply in the country where he is ordinarily residing?
Yes.
14. What are the consequences of furnishing wrong information or suppressing material information?
All applications will be subject to pre or post enquiry, depending on whether any information is available, pointing to false material is provided. If the Government comes to know that any false information was furnished or material information was suppressed, the registration as OCI already granted shall be cancelled by an order under section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955. The persons will also be blacklisted banning his/her entry into India.
15. What is the fee for application for registration as OCI?
US$ 275 for each applicant to be drawn by certified check/money order in favor of Embassy of India. In case of PIO card holder, the fee is US$145 for each MINOR PIO card holder and US$ 25 for each adult PIO card holder. The OCI fee for more than one applicants, including mailing fee, can be consolidated in to one certified check/money order.
16. What is the time taken for registration as OCI?
Within 60 days of the application, if there is no adverse information available against the applicant. If any adverse information is available against the applicant, the decision to grant or otherwise is taken within 3 months. Once the online status shows as granted and reached Embassy of India, Washington, DC (also the file No. will be updated in Arrival details of OCI Card) please bring or send applicant's passport/s (don't forget to send your original U.S. passport , PIO card and mailing charges ) for pasting the Universal visa sticker and the passport will be returned along with the OCI Card. In some cases after granting also the application is pending because of the improper photograph. Once you see a file number above the reference number. it means the application has reached at our office and it is registered from our side.
17. If the registration as OCI is not granted, what amount will be refunded?
An amount of US$ 250 or equivalent in local currency shall be refunded, if registration is refused. US$ 25 is the processing fees, which is non-refundable.
18. Can a PIO cardholder apply?
Yes, provided he/she is otherwise eligible for grant of OCI like any other applicant.
19. Will the PIO Cardholder be granted OCI registration gratis?
No. He/she has to make a payment of US$ 145 for each MINOR PIO card holder and US$ 25 for each adult PIO card holder or equivalent in local currency along with the application.
20. Will the PIO card be honored till the time they are valid even after acquisition of OCI?
No. The PIO card will have to be surrendered to Indian Mission/MHA for grant of OCI registration certificate and OCI ‘U’ visa sticker.
21. What will be issued after registration as OCI?
A registration certificate in prescribed format will be issued and a multiple entry, multi-purpose OCI ‘U’ visa sticker will be pasted on the foreign passport of the applicant. For this purpose, the applicant has to send the passport (in original form) to the Indian Mission/Post after receipt of the acceptance letter/OCI registration certificate.
22. Will a separate OCI passport be issued?
No.
23. Will a duplicate certificate of registration as OCI be issued?
Yes. Please see the procedure for OCI Miscellaneous services.
24. Will a new OCI visa sticker be issued on the new foreign passport after the expiry of the old passport?
Yes. Please see the procedure for OCI Miscellaneous services.
25. Will the applicant lose his/her citizenship after registering as OCI?
No. Only citizens of the country, which allows dual citizenship under the local laws in some form or the other, are eligible for applying for registration as OCI.
26. Can a person holding OCI travel to protected area/restricted area without permission?
No. He/she will be required to seek Protected Area Permit (PAP)/ Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for such visits.
27. Would the Indian civil/criminal laws be applicable to persons registered as OCI?
Yes, during the period that the OCI is living in India.
28. Can a person registered as OCI be granted Indian citizenship?
Yes. As per the provisions of section 5(1) (g) of the Citizenship Act, 1955, a person who is registered as OCI for 5 years and is residing in India for 1 year out of the above 5 years, is eligible to apply for Indian Citizenship.
29. Will OCI be granted gratis to certain categories of people?
No.
30. Can OCI be granted to foreign nationals who are not eligible for OCI, but married to persons who are eligible for OCI?
No.
31. Will foreign-born children of PIOs be eligible to become OCI?
Yes, provided one of the parents is eligible to become OCI.
32. What are the benefits of OCI?
Following benefits will be allowed to OCI:
1. Multi-purpose, multiple entry, lifelong visa for visiting India.
2. Exemption from registration with local police authority for any length of stay in India.
3. Parity with NRIs in respect of economic, financial and education fields, except in matters relating to the acquisition of agricultural/plantation properties.
33. Will any other benefit be granted to OCI?
Any other benefits to OCI will be notified by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) under Section 7B(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
34. Is the OCI entitled to voting rights?
No.
35. Is the OCI entitled to hold a constitutional post in India?
No.
36. Is the OCI entitled to hold Government posts in India?
No, except for the posts specified by an order by the Central Government.
37. If a person is already holding more than one nationality, can he/she apply for OCI?
Yes, as long as the local laws of at least one of the countries allow dual citizenship in some form or other.
38. What are the advantages of OCI when compared to PIO cardholders?
(i) an OCI is entitled to life long visa-free travel to India whereas for PIO cardholder, the period of visa-free travel is 15 years.
(ii) a PIO cardholder is required to register with local Police authority for stay exceeding 180 days in India on any single visit whereas an OCI is exempted from registration with Police authority for any length of stay in India.
39. Can an OCI be entitled to apply for and obtain a normal Indian passport which is given to a citizen of India?
No, an Indian Passport is only given to an Indian citizen.
40. Are nationals of Commonwealth countries eligible for OCI?
Yes, if they fulfill the eligibility criteria.
41. Can a person renounce OCI?
Yes. He/she has to declare intention of renunciation to the Indian Mission/Post where OCI registration was granted. After receipt of the declaration, the Indian Mission/Post shall issue an acknowledgement in Form XXIIA.
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