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Overseas Citizenship of India : The OCI Card Advantage

The Government of India issues Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) to foreign citizens who are married to Indian nationals or of Indian origin. They are eligible to apply for an OCI Card in India. To apply for an OCI card, a minimum stay of 6 months is required in India, along with a minimum of 3 months valid entry visa or X visa. An OCI cardholder can study, do business, work, and travel in India for an indefinite period of time.

Learn About the Benefits of OCI Card

Benefits of an OCI cardholder in India

There are several benefits that OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders enjoy while in India. The OCI card is a document that allows foreign nationals and NRI’s of Indian origin to live, work, and do business in India indefinitely. Some key benefits of being an OCI cardholder include the following:

1. Multiple Entry: OCI cardholders can enter and exit India multiple times without the need for an Indian visa. This provides them with the flexibility to travel in and out of the country as and when required.

2. Long-term Stay: OCI cardholders can stay in India for an unlimited period of time. Unlike other visa holders, they are not required to adhere to any specific duration of stay restrictions.

3. Residential Ownership: OCI cardholders are allowed to purchase residential and commercial properties in India, which provides them with the opportunity to invest in real estate and establish a permanent residence.

4. Education and Employment: OCI cardholders have the freedom to pursue education in India, including admission to colleges and universities. They are also eligible to work in India without the need for any additional employment visas.

5. Financial Services: OCI cardholders can open bank accounts, invest in stock markets, and purchase financial instruments in India. This allows them to manage their finances and investments easily while residing in the country.

It is important to note that as an OCI cardholder, one is not entitled to the right to vote, hold public office, or own agricultural land. Additionally, certain professions such as government employment and research work involving access to restricted areas are not available to OCI cardholders.

In conclusion, the OCI card provides numerous benefits to foreign nationals of Indian origin, allowing them to have a sense of belonging and an easier integration into the Indian society.

Learn about the drawbacks of the OCI Card.

An Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is granted to foreign citizens and to those who are married to an Indian. It has many benefits in India. Along with these benefits, there are also so many drawbacks.

OCI cardholders are not eligible to vote in India.
Government jobs are not meant for OCI cardholders.
They do not have the right to acquire agricultural land, plantation property or farmhouses in India.

OCI Card Application Processing Time in India.

A foreigner of Indian origin, married for more than 2 years to an Indian national who is staying continuously in India for more than 6 months, is eligible for an OCI Card. It usually takes 2 to 3 months for individuals of Indian origin, and 3 to 4 months for foreigners who are married to an Indian national or OCI card holder. You have to visit the OCI Portal to apply online.

How to Apply for an OCI Card in India?

The Overseas Citizenship of India(OCI) Card usually takes 8 to 12 weeks for individuals of Indian origin, and 12 to 16 weeks for foreigners who are married to an Indian national/OCI card holder. Please follow the instructions provided below.

Please Visit the OCI Portal.
Select the Application type(New OCI Registration, OCI Registration Of Lost PIO-Card, and OCI Miscellaneous Service).
Fill out the application for Section A and Section B.
Upload the Signature and Photo( a Light Background with 80% face).
Upload the required documents in PDF format.
Submit the application form and download the application form.
Email to FRRO and Request for An OCI Submission appointment.
Prepare The Demand Draft needs to be in favor of “The Pay and Accounts Officer (Secretariat), Ministry of Home Affairs’ payable at New Delhi.
Visit the FRRO Office along with the application and original documents.

OCI Card fee in India

If the application is submitting an application in FRRO itself, an amount of Rs. 15,000 INR needs to be paid for New OCI Registration, 5,500 INR for OCI Registration (In Lieu Of Lost PIO-Card), and 1,400 INR for OCI Miscellaneous Service through a Demand Draft. The Demand Draft needs to be in favor of ‘Pay and Accounts Officer (Secretariat), Ministry of Home Affairs’ payable at New Delhi.

Document Checklist for an OCI Card in India

Document Checklist for an OCI Card in India:

1. Proof of Identity: Please provide a copy of your valid passport. Ensure that the passport is current and its pages containing personal information and validity dates are clear and legible.

2. Proof of Address: Please submit a copy of a utility bill (electricity, water, gas, landline telephone) or a rent agreement. The document should display your full name and current residential address. If the utility bill or rent agreement is in the name of another family member, please provide a relationship proof document such as a birth or marriage certificate.

3. Copy of Surrender Certificate: If you have previously held an Indian passport and have surrendered it to obtain foreign citizenship, please attach a copy of the surrender certificate issued by the Indian embassy or consulate.

4. Proof of Indian Origin: If you were previously an Indian citizen, please provide a copy of your Indian passport or any other document that proves your Indian origin. This could include a birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or a government-issued identification document.

5. Proof of Name Change: If your name has been changed due to marriage, divorce, or any other reason, please submit relevant documents such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or a court order.

6. Photographs: Attach two recent passport-sized color photographs. The photographs should be in the dimensions of 51mm x 51mm and should have a white background. Your face should be clear and fully visible in the photographs.

7. OCI Application Form: Complete and sign the application form for the OCI card. Ensure that all the details provided are accurate and match the documents being submitted.

Please prepare all the required documents and make sure they are in order before submitting your application for an OCI card. Failure to provide any of the necessary documents may lead to delays or rejection of the application.

How To Get Surrender Certificate

A Surrender Certificate/Renunciation Certificate is required for an OCI Card in India for an Indian who acquired foreign citizenship in India. The applicant needs to fill out an Online Surrender Indian Passport application on the Passport Seva website and has to pay the fee there. Thereafter, applicants have to book an online appointment and visit the Passport Office. It usually takes 1 to 2 working days.

What are the Photo and Signature specification for an OCI card?

The photograph for an OCI Card should be 2 inches x 2 inches (51 mm x 51 mm) and in color(not White). Ensure the photo print is clear and has a continuous tone quality and Signature on white paper with a blue pen.

How to make an Appointment for an OCI card in India?

Firstly applicant needs to file an OCI application Online and Upload all the documents according to the requirements. after that applicants need to email and contact to concerned FRRO for an Appointment or Application submission date.

Who is the demand draft payable to for the OCI card in India?

A Demand Draft drawn in favor of “Pay and Accounts Officer (Secretariat), Ministry of Home Affairs” payable at New Delhi.

How to upload a baby/Minor signature on the OCI application?

For babies/minor children who cannot sign, the thumb impression is required to be affixed in the signature box (left-hand thumb for male & right-hand thumb for female) required for an OCI Card Application.

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