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Eligibility Criteria for an OCI Card  A foreign national was a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after 26th January and a minor child and whose parents are citizens of India or one of the parents is a citizen of India is eligible for registration as OCI cardholder. Also, a spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or Indian Citizen or spouse of an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for a continuous period of more than two years, except whose parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents are or had been citizens of Pakistan and Bangladesh. Benefits and Privileges of holding an OCI card in India An OCI card holder has several benefits and privileges in India, including the ability to live, study, do business, and work in India. You do not need to apply for FRRO registration with the Foreign Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) and are eligible to open bank accounts and purchase property in India. Limitations and Restrictions for an OCI Cardholder There are several benefits to holding an OCI Card in India, but there are some limitations and restrictions for them, as OCI cardholders are not eligible to vote and cannot purchase agricultural or farming properties in India.   What are the documents required for an OCI card? A Valid Foreign Passport with Validity of Minimum 6 Months at the time of submission of OCI Application.  Copy of Certificate of registration of Citizenship/Naturalization (if acquired foreign nationality).  Cancelled/ Surrender Indian Passport with surrender Certificate (for those who have surrendered Indian Passport in or after 2010).  Address proof in India: – A. Copy of the last 3 Months Electricity bill / Telephone bill in own/ Parents/ Grandparents/Spouse Name. B. If the above is in any other relatives Name, we need an undertaking from the relative stating that the foreigners are residing with him/her. c. Lease license in case of talent.   Copy of Indian Visa [Foreign nationals holding Tourist visa cannot apply for registration as OCI cardholder in India] with 3 months validity at the time of submission of application.  Applicant Passport size photograph 51 mm (about 2.01 in) X 51 mm (with 80% Coverage of face) plain light colour background (not white).  Copy of applicant’s Birth certificate for Indian origin (if the birth certificate is solemnized in a foreign country. It should be an apostle/certified from the concerned department.   Copy of applicant’s Marriage certificate. [Married Indian citizen]: – A. If the marriage is solemnized in India, a marriage certificate issued by the Marriage Registrar is required. B. If the marriage certificate is solemnized outside India. It should be an apostle from a concerned authority. NOC letter from parents. (if minor)  An INR 15,000/- Demand Draft in Favor of.  “PAY & ACCOUNTS OFFICER (SECRETARIAT) Ministry of Home Affairs” payable at New Delhi. In addition to these documents, applicants may also be required to provide additional documents depending on their specific circumstances. It is important to carefully review the requirements and ensure that all necessary documents are included with the application.  Fees and Payment The fee for an OCI Card application depends on the type of application being submitted. An INR 15,000/ Demand draft for New OCI Registration, INR 5,500/ Demand Draft OCI Registration (For PIO Card Holder), INR 1,400/ Demand draft Miscellaneous OCI Services  A Demand Draft in Favor of.  “PAY & ACCOUNTS OFFICER (SECRETARIAT) Ministry of Home Affairs” payable at New Delhi.  What is OCI Application Process ? The Application Process for an OCI Card has several steps. First, applicants must complete the online application over the government portal and upload all required documents. Once the application has been submitted successfully, applicants must request an appointment at the concerned FRRO in India or the Indian embassy or consulate abroad.     The OCI card is issued to foreign nationals who are of Indian origin or have an Indian national spouse. The OCI card is valid for the lifetime of the cardholder if the cardholder’s passport is valid. An Indian national spouse must surrender his/her OCI card after the divorce. The OCI card has a multi-entry, multipurpose lifelong visa for a stay in India.

FRRO (Foreign Regional Registrar’s Office) is an Indian government agency responsible for administering foreign registration and immigration-related services for Foreigners in India. The parent agency is the Bureau of Immigration (BOI), which works under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to administer immigration-related functions such as immigration facilitation services at Seaports, Integrated Check Posts and Airports, and foreign registration in India. What does FRRO do for Foreigners in India? FRRO is part of the Bureau of Immigration, which helps to ensure the safety and security of foreign nationals who visit India. It keeps track of the movements of Expats and makes sure that they are following the rules and regulations of the country. FRRO Provides services to foreigners for Visa and Immigration Services in India like Indian Visa Registration, Indian Visa Extension, Indian Visa Conversion, Exit Permit, etc. All Expats who travel to India on a long-term visa need to register their Visas with FRRO before 180 days of stay In India. FRRO Offices in India Foreigners Need to Visit FRRO Offices for OCI Card Interviews, Visa Interviews, and Document Verification. The following FRRO’s according to their jurisdictional control as mentioned against per FRRO: – FRRO, Amritsar Bureau of Immigration, D-123, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar – 143001 Tel: 0183-2500464 Email: frroasr@nic.in. In India, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Chandigarh fall under its jurisdiction. FRRO, Bangalore, 5th Floor, A. Block, TTMC, BMTC Bus Stand Building, K.H. Road, Shantinagar, Bangalore-560027, Tel.: 080-22218195;22218183, Email: frroblr-ka@nic.in. In India, Karnataka falls under its jurisdiction. FRRO, Chennai No.26, Shastri Bhawan Annexe, Building, 26 Haddows Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai- 600006 Tel: 044-23454970;28251721, Email: frrochn@nic.in,chiochn@nic.in. In India, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andaman & Nicobar Islands fall under its jurisdiction. FRRO, Delhi, East Block VIII, Level 2, Sector-1, R.K.Puram, New Delhi – 110066 Tel.: 011-26711384, Support Centre:011-26711443; 26713851, Email: frrodli@nic.in. In India, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand fall under its jurisdiction. FRRO, Goa, Foreign Branch, Goa Police Head Quarters, Opposite Azad Maidan, Panaji – 403001 Tel.: 0832-2426545, Email: frrogoa@nic.in. In India, Goa, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli (However, till further orders, cases pertaining to Goa and Dadra & Nagar Haveli will be handled by the FRRO, Mumbai) fall under its jurisdiction. FRRO, Hyderabad, Bureau of Immigration, Room, no.301, 3rd Floor, CGO Tower, Kavadiguda, Hyderabad-500080 Tel.: 040-27541022 Email: frrohyd@nic.in. In India, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh fall under its jurisdiction. FRRO, Kochi (Cochin) 2nd Floor, Airlines Building, Cochin, International Airport Ltd., Airport P.O., Kochi – 683111, Tel.: 0484-2611277, Email:frrococ@nic.in. frro.cochin@nic.in. Kerala (excluding the jurisdiction of other FRROs in Kerala) falls under its jurisdiction. FRRO, Kolkata 237, A.J.C.Bose Road, Kolkata Tel.: 033-22900549 Email: frrokol@nic.in In India, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura falls under their jurisdiction. FRRO, Kozhikode Presently Calicut 6th Floor, Nikarathil Chambers, Mini Bypass Rd, Near Baby Memorial Hospital, Thiruthiyad, Kozhikode, Kerala– 673004, Tel: 0495-2323550, Email: frrocal@nic.in frro-clt@nic.in In India, Kerala (excluding jurisdiction of other FRRO’s in Kerala) falls under their jurisdiction. FRRO, Lucknow, 557, Hind Nagar, Kanpur Road, Near Old Chungi, Lucknow – 226012 Tel: 0522-2432431, Email: frrolko@nic.in In India, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand falls under their jurisdiction. FRRO, Mumbai 78/1, Badruddin Tayabji Marg, Dhobi Talao, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001 Tel.: 022-22621169, 022-22621167 (OCI enquiry)Email: frromum@nic.in. In India, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Daman & Diu. Till further orders, cases pertaining to Goa and Dadra & Nagar Haveli will also be handled by the FRRO, Mumbai falls under their jurisdiction. FRRO, Thiruvananthapuram T.C.14/1377, Vazhuthacaud, opposite Ganapati Temple, Thycaud P.O., Thiruvananthapuram – 14 Tel.: 0471-2333515 Email: frrotvm@nic.in. In India, Kerala (excluding the jurisdiction of other FRRO‘s in Kerala) and Lakshadweep fall under their jurisdiction. Step to register Indian Visa over FRRO Portal Foreigners traveling to India on Long term e-visa/Stamp Visa need to register their visa with Concern FRRO within 14 days of Arrival in India. Along with registration, FRRO Provides Visa extension, Exit Permit, and OCI Card Services in India. Applicants need to follow the following steps: – Register your email over the FRRO Portal. Verify your email and set up an Account. Select on the new Application button. Select your nationality and FRRO Jurisdiction in India Select Your service like – Registration, Visa Extension, Exit Permit, Visa Conversion, Change of address, Changes of Passport. Fill out the Application form. Upload passport size photographs in JPEG format and documents in PDF format. Submit your application and download it. Check your application status regularly and wait for further instructions from FRRO. Conclusion Foreigners who traveling to India need to follow the FRRO instructions very carefully. Any delay in registration, your Indian visa or overstay in India leads to Fines and Imprisonment of up to 5 years and even a ban on entering India. It’s very important for foreign nationals to follow Indian law during their stay period, otherwise they will face a lot of difficulties in India like-No hotels will provide accommodation; Indian Sim Card will be deactivating same day of visa expiry.

Everything You Should Know About Registering for and Extending an Indian Visa Extension in India Indian Visa Registration and Extension Issued by The FRRO. Extending your visa and completing the registration process in India is crucial to ensure your legal status in the country. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the process of Indian visa extension and registration: Indian Visa Registration 1. Indian Visa Registration Within 14 Days: Foreign nationals staying in India for more than 180 days are required to register themselves with the local FRRO or the Foreigners’ Registration Office within 14 days of arrival. 2.  Indian Visa Required Documents: Passport and visa copies. Passport-sized photographs. A completed registration form. Proof of residence in India. 3. Visit the Local FRRO or FRO: Visit the FRRO or FRO office and submit the necessary documents. Pay any applicable registration fees. 4. Acknowledgment Slip: After submission, you’ll receive an acknowledgment slip. 5. Awaiting Registration Certificate: The registration process can take several weeks, and you may need to make a follow-up visit.   6. Carry Registration Certificate: Once your registration is approved, you will receive a Registration Certificate in your email. Always carry this certificate with you as proof of your legal status in India.   Indian Visa Extension 1. Determine Eligibility: Not all Visa Types are extendable, so check the specific guidelines for your visa category. Start the extension process well before your current visa expires. 2. Required List of Documents for Indian Visa Extension: The list of documents depends on the Visa Type, here are the details.  Passport with at least six months validity beyond your intended stay. Indian Visa Extension Application Form (available at the Foreign Regional Registration Office or FRRO). A cover letter explaining the reason for the extension. Proof of financial sustainability during your extended stay. Any additional documents specific to your visa type. 3. Visit the FRRO OFFICE: Visit the nearest Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or the Foreigners’ Registration Office (FRO). Submit your application and documents. Pay the visa extension fee. Fees vary based on visa type and extension duration. 4. Interview and Verification: You may be required to attend an interview. FRRO may conduct background checks or verify the information provided in your application. 5. Awaiting Decision: The extension processing time varies but can take several weeks. Keep your visa status legal while your extension is pending. 6. Get a Visa Certificate: Once your extension is approved, collect your Get Visa Over the Email.   General Tips for Indian Visa: Always keep copies of all your visa and registration documents, and maintain records of your fee receipts. Be aware of the specific rules and requirements for your visa category, as they may differ. If you’re uncertain about any aspect of the process, consult the nearest FRRO or FRO office or the official website of the Bureau of Immigration, India. The information provided here is a general guideline, and the specific requirements and processes may change over time. It is essential to stay updated with the latest information and requirements from the relevant authorities to ensure a smooth visa process.

How to Obtain an Indian Exit Visa Permit Exit Visa Permit is a legal document issued by the Indian government to foreigners in India. Each year, millions of international tourists and non-resident Indians arrive in India, down from about 18 million in 2019. In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic heavily affected the tourism sector globally. IGI (Indira Gandhi International) Airport in Delhi received over 3 million tourists in 2020. As per a Times of India report, more than 40,000 foreign nationals overstayed in India after the expiry of their Indian visas in 2020. If any foreign national visits India on any e-visa for more than 180 days continuously, they will need to register their Indian visa with the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival in India. If you have overstayed in India due to the loss of your passport/visa, you will need an Exit Visa Permit to leave the country. An Exit Visa Permit is a legal document issued by the Foreign Regional Registration Office that allows foreigners to go to India. An Exit Visa Permit is a legal document issued by the Foreign Regional Registration Office that allows foreigners to leave India after their Visa expires, their passport is lost, or their newborn is born in India. How to Apply for an Exit Visa Permit An Exit Visa Permit is a legal document issued by the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) for foreigners to leave the country. For Exit Visa Permit, Foreigners need to register their email on the FRRO portal.  Once you’re Registered on the FRRO Portal, you’ll have to select the Exit Permit option and you’ll need to Fill out the Application Form Online. After Filling out the Online Application Applicants need to Upload all the related documents in PDF format and Passport-size photographs in JPEG Format. After Completing all the Processes, you need to Wait for Further Instructions from the Concerned FRRO. The following Documents are required to obtain an Exit Permit from the FRRO. A copy of the applicant’s valid passport along with a copy of the Indian visa. Applicant’s passport-size photograph. Address proof in India: –A. Copy of Electricity Bill / Telephone Bill in Own/Parents/ Grandparents/Spouse Name.B. Form – C (if the Applicant is staying at the hotel).c. Lease license in case of talent. Applicant Indian Immigration arrival stamp. Applicant Cancelled Indian Passport and Surrender Certificate (For acquiring Foreign Citizenship). Applicant Flight ticket (Not Mandatory). Fines and Penalties for Overstaying in India As per FRRO, overstaying in India beyond the visa expiry date leads to a fine, imprisonment of up to five years and even a ban on entering the country again. The penalty for overstaying in India is 500 in the first 15 days, Rs 10,000 if it is 16 days to 30 days, Rs 20,000 if it is 31 days to 90 days, and Rs 50,000 if it is beyond 90 days. As per the report, a total of 32,79,315 foreign nationals visited India between April 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020. According to Home Ministry data, the maximum number of foreigners who visited India were from the United States ( 61,190) followed by Bangladesh (37,774), the United Kingdom (33,323), Canada (13,707), Portugal (11,668) and Afghanistan (11,212). All foreign nationals must adhere to Indian laws and ensure they do not break the rules when it comes to visas and their visiting period in the country. It is extremely important to take care of their Visa things. Due to an expired Indian Visa, foreigners face a lot of difficulties in India.  Also Read –  Exit Visa Permit India : Overstay, Newborn, Acquired foreign Passport Exit Visa Permit : A Step-by-Step Guide on Exit Visa Permit