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OCI Card Services Consular Services

OCI Card Services

High Commission of India, Ottawa, Canada

Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)
The Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card services offer a very convenient and long term visa rights and other privileges to the card holders. In general, persons who are of Indian origin are entitled to this card.

Eligibility

(a) The following categories of persons(except Pakistan and Bangladesh) are eligible to apply under OCI scheme:

  1. Who is a citizen of another country, but was a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after, the commencement of the constitution; or
  2. Who is a citizen of another country, but was eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of the commencement of the constitution; or
  3. Who is a citizen of another country, but belonged to a territory that became part of India after the 15th day of August, 1947; or
  4. Who is a child or a grand-child or a great grandchild of such a citizen; or

(b) A person, who is minor child of a person mentioned in clause (a); or(c) A person, who is a minor child, and whose both parents are citizens of India or one of the parents is a citizen of India; or(d)Spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an Overseas Citizen of india Cardholder registered under section 7A, Citizenship Act 1955and whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for a continuous period of not less than two years immediately preceding the presentation of the application under this section:Provided that no person, who is or had been a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh or such other country as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify, shall be eligible for the registration as Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder.

Information on OCI

You may go through the following links to know details of eligibility, benefits,FAQsetc about OCI

How to Apply

To apply for an OCI card, please visit http://www.blsindia-canada.com/oci.php and take a quick look at the sample form, download the OCI Checklist before you start filling in your own information. You can then proceed to your OCI electronic application on the MHA website.

To apply for an OCI card, click onhttp://passport.gov.in/oci/OnlineOCIRegistrationG.jsp

The OCI service has been outsourced. You need to contactone of the offices of our outsourcing agents, BLS International. Their office addresses, timings, phone numbers and e-mail address can be found by clickinghere

Processing Time

The Government of India has introduced additional security checks before granting the Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cards. The newly introduced verification steps are undertaken at New Delhi. These take about a month to complete and cannot be fast-tracked.Therefore, the OCI card cases will now take about 8 weeks to complete. Applicants may please keep this in mind while applying for the OCI card and deciding their travel plans. To mitigate the hardship, our outsourcing agents BLS International have been asked to accept OCI applications along with a photocopy of the Canadian passport instead of the original. Applicants will be required to produce the original Canadian passport at a later stage when the 'Life Long Visa Sticker' is received by us from India. In case, any applicant needs to visit India while his OCI application is under process, he can apply for appropriate Indian visa on his Canadian passport on payment of usual fee applicable.

Information for existing OCI card holders

Although the OCI Card is a life long visa card, the Card and the Life Long Visa sticker that comes with it must bereplacedeach timea new passport is issued up to the completion of 20 years of age andonceafter completing 50 years of age. This is required as both these documents contain photo of the Card holder which needs to be renewed. Read more about it by clickinghere

For getting service of change of photograph or in case of loss of the OCI card, you will need to apply athttps://passport.gov.in/oci/OnlineOCIMiscMain.jsp While filling in the details at this link, please ensure that you fill in the details of your existing OCI card EXACTLY as printed on your card. Even a slight variation in the spelling or entries will result in the computer responding "Record not Found" and you will not be able to proceed further. For example, if your place of birth is written as "OTTAWA CAN" on your OCI card, write it exactly as it is. Do not omit CAN and also do not expand it to CANADA.

Fees

The fee should be paid in Canadian Dollars by bank draft/money order in favor of "High Commission of India, Ottawa". The fee for various OCI services is as follows:

Sr. No

Subject

Fee in CAD including ICWF of CAD $4)

1.

OCI Card

421 + 4 = 425

2.

Re-issuance of OCI card (due to change of Personal particular/passport)

39 + 4 = 43

3.

Issue of duplicate OCI card in case of Loss/Damage of OCI documents

153 + 4 = 157

4.

Fee for OCI in lieu of PIO cards

153 + 4 = 157

In addition to the fee an amount of C$ 7.40 (including HST) is also to be paid to BLS International Ltd. as their service charges which can be paid in cash or by debit/credit cards at the time of submitting the OCI application.

OCI Checklist

Checklist of Documents required with OCI Application

List of Original Documents Required with OCI Application

THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF BASIC DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED IN CASES (FRESH OCI APPLICATIONS/RE-ISSUE OR TRANSFER OF OCI APPLICATION). THE HIGH COMMISSION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CALL FOR ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS, AS CONSIDERED NECESSARY.

  1. Canadian Passport - Current passport which has validity of at least 6 months.
  2. Previous Indian Passport(s)
    1. In case of an unmarried applicant, an undertaking regarding his/her marital status.
    2. In case of a married applicant, landing passport of the spouse is required even if the spouse is not applying for OCI.
    3. In case if minor children born outside Canada, landing passports of both the parents are required even if they are not applying for OCI.
    4. In case of applicants who are born in Canada and have acquired Canadian citizenship by birth, their birth certificate showing both the parent's name is required in lieu of their landing papers.
  3. Proof of Renunciation of Indian Citizenship and Surrender Certificate
  4. Record of landing (IMM1000)/ Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5392)
  5. Citizenship Certificate
  6. Marriage Certificate
  7. PIO Cardholders
  8. OCI Card(s)
  9. Copy of Naturalization certificate
  10. Copy of full version birth certificate if the applicant is a minor or the applicant is born outside India
  11. Proof of legal status
  12. Meaning of self-attestation: Write on the photocopy of the document ,"This is a true copy of the original", and sign below it.

List of Original Documents Required with OCI Application

1.Canadian Passport - Current passport which has validity of at least 6 months. (Original passport will be returned after verifying the photocopy of the same at the time of submission of OCI application at BLS Center)

2.Previous Indian Passport(s) - The passport on which the applicant entered Canada (with the landing stamp put at the time of entry in Canada) and the last Indian passport issued (before acquiring Canadian citizenship), which also needs to be surrendered before OCI process can be started. The details of surrender certificate may be seen in para 3 below.

In case of an unmarried applicant, an undertaking regarding his/her marital status.

In case of a married applicant, landing passport of the spouse is required even if the spouse is not applying for OCI.

In case if minor children born outside Canada, landing passports of both the parents are required even if they are not applying for OCI.

In case of applicants who are born in Canada and have acquired Canadian citizenship by birth, their birth certificate showing both the parent's name is required in lieu of their landing papers

In case the applicant does not have any Indian passport he/she can prove his/her Indian origin by submitting Indian passport of any one of his/her parents or grand-parents to prove his origin along with documents like birth/education* certificate etc. authenticated by the Ministry of External Affairs, as evidence of relationship with parent/grand parent of the applicant, should be submitted.

(*School Leaving Certificate, at least Secondary School onwards from required Board. Post dated school certificate /School Leaving Certificate from India should be authenticated by Director of Education/District Magistrate/District Collector of the area with name, stamp, seal and contract telephone numbers with area code for verification.)

In case the applicant does not have any of the above proofs to establish his/her Indian origin he/she must obtain a 'Nativity Certificate' issued by a State Government in India by an authority not below a District Collector/ District Magistrate and duly authenticated by Ministry of External Affairs about an applicant being Person of Indian Origin eligible for registration as OCI may be submitted for consideration of issue of OCI cards.(Please note that if the applicant was born in India and is submitting a nativity certificate then he/she needs to submit an affidavit from a notary public stating the fact about his/her Indian passport and how he/she travelled to Canada)

A copy of sample 'Nativity Certificate' application format along with copy of sample 'Nativity certificate' can be seen on Google under 'Nativity Certificate'.

* The details of the process of attestation by Ministry of External Affairs may be seen at the website:www.mea.gov.in/legalization-of-documents.htm

3 Surrender Certificate - Surrender certificate for surrender/cancellation of last Indian passport on acquisition of foreign citizenship.

Earlier than 1st June 2010, renunciation of Indian citizenship was done by cancelling the last Indian passport with the stamp "Cancelled on Account of Holder Voluntarily Acquiring Canadian Citizenship". However, since 1st June 2010, a surrender certificate is also being issued with the surrender/cancellation of last Indian passport.

4. Record of landing (IMM1000)/ Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5392) - All the applicants who are born outside Canada must submit Record of landing/Confirmation of permanent Residence showing immigration category of the applicant.

In case of unmarried/single applicants, who migrated to Canada on PR status as minor child with their parents they should submit parent's landing documents. This is not required in case of an applicant who migrated to Canada independently as major and not with parents.

In case of married applicant, spouse's landing papers are required even if the spouse is not applying for OCI.

Divorce Certificate: In case of divorcee applicant, divorce certificate issued by court is required in lieu of the landing papers of the earlier spouse. If the marriage and divorce have taken place in India and divorce certificate is issued by Indian court it will be accepted. If the marriage has taken place in India and divorce certificate is issued by Canadian court it can be accepted provided it is not an Ex-Parte decision i.e. both the parties are aware of the divorce decision and agree to it.Further, it is duly attested by DFATD.

In case of applicants who are born in Canada and have acquired Canadian citizenship by birth, their Birth Certificate/Statement of Live Birth showing both the parents' name is required in lieu of parents' landing papers.

If the parents/spouse has never landed in Canada an affidavit to this effect should be submitted.

In case, original landing paper is not available/lost, a duplicate/certified true copy or any other document, showing applicant's immigration category, issued by Canadian immigration authority can be accepted.

Please note that the document submitted in lieu of the lost/misplaced original landing document will be accepted only if it reflects the immigration category of applicant.

5. Citizenship Certificate - A citizenship certificate issued by the Canadian authority mentioning the exact date of acquiring the Canadian citizenship is required. In case citizenship certificate/exact date of acquiring Canadian citizenship is not reflected in the citizenship certificate or citizenship card, the applicant may submit an undertaking giving the exact date of acquiring Canadian Citizenship. However, if the applicant is unable to provide the exact date, a search letter or any other document issued by the concerned Canadian authorities mentioning the exact date (i.e. date, month and year) should be submitted.

6.Marriage Certificate - The spouse's name should be entered in the Indian Passport if the applicant is married. If spouse name is not entered in either applicant or his/her spouse's Indian passport then their marriage certificate issued by the competent Government authority is required.

7. PIO Card(s) - PIO card, if any, issued to applicant is required.

8. OCI Card(s) - OCI Card, if any, issued to applicant along with the old cancelled Canadian passport is required in cases of applying for OCI Miscellaneous Service for OCI transfer. Police report for loss/theft of OCI card or passport with U-visa, mentioning the passport and OCI card number, is required in case of issue of duplicate/re-issue of OCI card and U-visa.

9. All the personal particulars of applicant such as name, date of birth, place of birth, parents names etc. must be the same in all the above documents. If there is any change in personal information in different documents then the applicant should submit an affidavit explaining the reasons for change and it should be supported by documentary evidence. If there is change in first or the last name of applicant then a name change certificate issued by competent Government authority is required. If the middle part of the name has been added or deleted from the name, an affidavit in support of that is required.

10. You must submit one set of all application forms and required documents in original and one set of photocopies. All photocopies must be self-attested with a statement that" This is a true copy of the original" and your signature.

If applying as a family group, please ensure that Part A of each application is put together followed by only one Part B. thereafter, the supporting documents should be arranged in the same order as part A of each applicant.

1. Online Registration (Using Microsoft Internet Explorer only): The OCI Application is in two parts; Part A and Part B. Part A MUST be submitted on-line by visiting the link -http://ociindia.nic.in/ociindia/OnlineOCIRegistrationG.jsp

2. Alternatively, the Form can also be submitted online on the Ministry of Home Affairs websitewww.mha.nic.in at "Online Registration" on the "OCI Scheme" page.

3. Photograph: You need to paste one photograph on Part A. you don't have to provide any additional photographs.

4. Signature: Signature/thumb impression (left thumb impression for male and right thumb impression for female) of the applicant must be appended in the signature box below the photograph of the applicant on first page of application and in column number 36 of application. In case of minor applicants signatures of both the parents must be appended in column number 36 along with the signature/thumb impression of minor applicant.

5. Copy of proof of current nationality: You need to provide the copy of the information page from the present passport that contains your picture and basic details of the passport. You are required to submit your present non-Indian passport with the application. However, it will be returned after verifying the photocopy by the BLS staff at the time of accepting your application.

6. Copies of parents non-Indian passports or OCI cards: For an application for minor child as an individual (not as a family), photocopies of the parents OCI cards (both information pages on the OCI Card) or non-Indian passports are required.

7. Copies of parents Indian passports and proof of Renunciation: For an application for minor child as an individual (not as a family), photocopies of the parents Indian Passports are required. The copies should be of the first pages and the last 2 pages of each Indian passport. If one or both parents are naturalized citizens, proof of renunciation for parents must be provided.

8.PIO card holders: Original PIO card must be submitted at the time of initial application. Also, provide one copy of pages with vital information.

9. Copy of Naturalization certificate: If you are former citizen of India or were not born in Canada, a copy of your citizenship certificate is required.

In case a minor child acquired Canadian citizenship through naturalization of his/her parents and does not have separate naturalization certificate, copies of the parent's naturalization certificates and a notarized written statement signed by both parents stating the circumstances their child received his/her naturalization status and why the child doesn't possess his/her own certificate.

If you have obtained more than one nationality, provide all naturalization certificates or proof of nationality from all the countries that you have held citizenship.

10. Copy of birth certificate: If the applicant is a minor or the applicant is born outside India and did not possess an Indian passport, submit a photocopy of the full version birth certificate or any government issued document that shows parents name, date of birth and nationality.

11. Proof of Renunciation of Indian citizenship: If you ever had an Indian passport, Renunciation of Indian Citizenship and Surrender Certificate is required.

12. Proof of legal status: If you are a non-Canadian passport holder, you must provide copies of a cancelled Indian passport and the proof of legal status in the Canada such as a copy of landing paper. Parents applying for their kids must also provide their landing papers.

13. Meaning of self-attestation: Write on the photocopy of the document, write "This is a true copy of the original", and sign below it.

14.Photocopies: Make sure that the photocopies are legible (readable).Don't send colored photocopies.If the consulate is not able to read the contents and/or recognize the photograph on the photocopies, the application will be returned to you without processing.

OCI Cancellation

If it is found that the registration as an OCI was obtained by means of fraud, false representation or the concealment of any material fact, or that the registered OCI has shown disaffection towards the Constitution of India or comes under any of the provisions of section 7D of the Citizenship Act, the registration of such person will not only be cancelled forthwith but he/she will also be blacklisted for entry into India.

OCI Benefits
Overseas Citizenship of India

Benefits to OCI

The following benefits will accrue to an OCI:

  1. A multiple entry, multi-purpose lifelong visa for visiting India.
  2. Exemption from registration with the local police authorities for any length of stay in India.
  3. Parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in respect of economic, financial and educational fields, except in relation to acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.
  4. Parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in respect of -
    a) entry fee to be charged for visiting the national monuments, historical sites and museums in India
    b) pursuing the following professions in India, in pursuance of the provisions contained in the relevant Acts, namely, doctors, dentists, nurses and pharmacists; advocates, architects, chartered accountants,
    c) to appear for the All India Pre-medical Test or such other tests to make them eligible for admission in pursuance of the provisions contained in the relevant Acts.
  5. OCI Card holders are eligible for appointment as teaching faculty in Indian Institute of Science, (IISc) Bangalore and the new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) set up by Government of India under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana.

    6. Any other benefits to OCIs will be notified by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) under Section 7B (1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955.

OCI Non-Benefits

Overseas Citizenship of India

Benefits an OCI is Not Entitled to

The OCI is not entitled

  • to vote,
  • to be a member of a Legislative Assembly or of a Legislative Council or of the Parliament of India,
  • to hold Indian constitutional posts such as that of the President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court etc.
  • He/she cannot normally hold employment in the Government

FAQ about OCI

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

1. Who is eligible to apply?

Following categories of foreign nationals are eligible for registration as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cardholder:-

  1. Who was a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after the commencement of the Constitution i.e. 26.01.1950; or
  2. who was eligible to become a citizen of India on 26.01.1950; or
  3. who belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15.08.1947; or
  4. who is a child or a grandchild or a great grandchild of such a citizen; or
  5. who is a minor child of such persons mentioned above; or
  6. who is a minor child and whose both parents are citizens of India or one of the parents is a citizen of India; or
  7. spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder registered under section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955 and whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for a continuous period of not less than two years immediately preceding the presentation of the application.

Note : No person, who or either of whose parents or grandparents or great grandparents is or had been a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh or such other country as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify, shall be eligible for registration as an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder.

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 grandparents 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: 

(i)

Sikkim

- 26.04.1975

(ii)

Puducherry

- 16.08.1962

(iii)

Dadra & Nagar Haveli

- 11.08.1961

(iv)

Goa, Daman and Diu

- 20.12.1961

4. Can the spouse of the eligible person apply for registration as OCI Cardholder?

A spouse of eligible person can apply if he/she is eligible in his/ her own capacity.

Further, spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder registered under section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955 and whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for a continuous period of not less than two years immediately preceding the presentation of the application can apply.

5. Can Minor children apply for registration as OCI Cardholder?

Yes. However, if either of the child‟s parents or grandparents or great grandparents is or had been a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh or such other country as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify, the child will not be eligible for registration as an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder.

6. In what form should a person apply for registration as an OCI Cardholder and where are the forms available?

Applications for registration as OCI Cardholder is to be submitted only on the online system. For this purpose, please log on to https://passport.gov.in/oci.

7. What documents have to be submitted with the application?

List of supporting documents to be uploaded along with the application are :-

    1. Proof of present citizenship – Copy of present valid passport (applicable in all cases), with validity of minimum 6 months at the time of submission of application.
    2. In case application is submitted in India, copy of any type of Visa (other than Missionary Visa and Mountaineering Visa)/ Residential Permit with 3 months validity as on the date of application.
    3. Evidence of self or parents or grandparents or great grandparents-
      1. Being a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after the commencement of the Constitution i.e. 26.01.1950; or
      2. Being eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of commencement of the Constitution i.e. 26.01.1950; or
      3. Belonging to a territory that became part of India after 15th August, 1947.

These could be:

    1. Copy of the Indian Passport; or
    2. Copy of the Domicile Certificate issued by the Competent Authority; or
    3. Copy of Nativity Certificate from the competent authority; or
    4. OCI Card/ PIO card of parents/ spouse along with the base papers/ documents upon which the OCI/ PIO card was issued; or
    5. Any other proof substantiating the request. Usually applicants are able to submit a certificate of residence or place of birth of self/parents/grandparents from First Class Magistrate/District Magistrate (DM) of the concerned place.
  1. Evidence of relationship as parent/grandparent/ great grandparent, if their Indian origin is claimed as basis for registration as OCI Cardholder:

    The document of relationship could be “Birth Certificate” issued from competent authority mentioning both parents‟ name. In case the birth certificate is issued by a foreign authority, it is to be Apostled or endorsed by the concerned Indian Mission abroad.

  2. In case of minor child whose both parents are citizens of India or one of the parents is a citizen of India –
    1. Copy of child‟s birth certificate
    2. Copy of Indian passport of the parents / one of the parents or copy of the Domicile Certificate or Nativity Certificate issued by the Competent Authority in respect of the parents/ one of the parents or any other proof substantiating the status of the parents/ one of the parents as being Indian citizen(s).
    3. If the parents are divorced, court order of dissolution of marriage, which specifically mentions that the legal custody of the child is with the parent who is applying for the OCI card.
  1. Evidence as spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an OCI Cardholder –
    1. Registered marriage certificate; and
    2. In the case of spouse of an Indian citizen - copy of the Indian Passport of the spouse or copy of the Domicile Certificate or Nativity Certificate issued by the Competent Authority in respect of the Indian spouse or any other proof substantiating the status of the spouse as being an Indian citizen.
    3. In the case of spouse of an OCI Cardholder - Copy of the present valid Passport of the spouse and copy of the OCI Card of the spouse and copies of the documents upon which the OCI Card was issued to the spouse
  1. In case of applications of Canadian nationals for registration as OCI cardholder, following documents should also be submitted:-
    1. Landing paper/ Work Permit of applicant/ sponsor
    2. If landing paper at Column 19 shows FC (Family Class), then-
      1. Letter from Canadian Immigration and Refugee Board
      2. A notarized affidavit pleading that neither the applicant nor the sponsor has sought Refugee status in Canada
    3. Last Canadian address
    4. Last Canadian Visa copy

8. Application Fee - till such time, the online payment facility is introduced –

  1. in case of application submitted in Indian Mission/ Post abroad - By way of Demand Draft for US $ 275 for each applicant or equivalent in local currency.
  2. (b) in case application is submitted in India - a fee of Rs.15,000/- by way of Demand Draft drawn in favour of “Pay and Accounts Officer (Secretariat), Ministry of Home Affairs” payable at New Delhi.

8. What are the requirements to be fulfilled by erstwhile PIO cardholders for registration as OCI Cardholder?

In terms of the notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on 9th January, 2015, all the existing PIO Card holders as on 9.1.2015 shall be deemed to be OCI Cardholders. However, all persons having valid PIO cards as on 9th January, 2015 are advised to apply for registration as OCI cardholder in view of the following advantages in possessing an OCI card:-

  1. OCI card is a smart card
  2. Possession of an OCI card will facilitate quicker immigration clearance at the Immigration Check Posts
  3. It will help in obtaining various Consular Services from the Indian Missions
  4. For those who are resident in India, it will facilitate in availing various services in India.

The date for submission of applications for registration as OCI cardholder in lieu of the PIO card online has been extended till 30th June, 2017. This cutoff date will be only for submission of the applications online by the applicants. A separate online

application form for submission of application for registration as OCI cardholder in lieu of PIO card is available in the website https://passport.gov.in/oci/

The erstwhile PIO cardholder with a valid PIO card as on 9.1.2015 will have to upload only the following documents with his/ her application:-

  1. Copy of the valid Passport
  2. Copy of the PIO card

The applicants can submit the applications online from anywhere. The grant of OCI card in lieu of the PIO card will be on a gratis basis.

The OCI card shall be issued by the Indian Mission/ Post/ FRRO concerned within the jurisdiction of the applicant‟s place of residence. The applicant will have to approach the Indian Mission/ Post/ FRRO concerned only for collecting the OCI Card by surrendering the PIO card.

9. What are the specifications for the Photograph?

Photograph to be affixed on the application should be of square shape of size not less than 51x 51 mm (with 80% coverage of face). It should have plain light color background (not white) without the border with front view of person‟s head and shoulders showing the full face in middle of the photograph. It should not be stapled and should not have any signature.

Photographs that do not conform to the above standards will be rejected and may cause delay in processing the applications.

10. How many copies of application have to be submitted?

Only one set of Application has to be submitted for each applicant.

11. Whether applicant(s) have to go to the Indian Mission/ Post/ FRRO concerned to submit hard copy of the application (s)?

Hard copy of the applications are not to be submitted. However, after submission of the application online along with supporting documents, photograph and signature, the applicants have to submit the original supporting documents to the Indian Mission/ Post/ FRRO concerned for prior verification.

12. Whether the applicant (s) have to take oath before the Counsel of the Indian Mission/Post?

No. Earlier provision in this regard has been done away with.

13. Where to submit the original documents?

Details of offices where the applicants have to submit the original supporting documents for prior verification are as follows:-

Applicants outside India

  1. The Indian Mission /Post having jurisdiction over the country of which applicant is a citizen; or
  2. If he/she is not living in the country of his/her citizenship, to the Indian Mission /Post having jurisdiction over the country of which the applicant is ordinarily resident.

Applicants in India

If the applicant is residing in India, to the Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs) according to their jurisdictional control. To know the jurisdiction of FRROs, please see “Addresses of offices to submit OCI applications” in the website of the Ministry of Home Affairs – www.mha.nic.in.

14. Can a person apply in the country where he is ordinarily residing?

Yes.

15.What are the consequences of furnishing wrong information or suppressing material information?

If the registration as an OCI Cardholder was obtained by means of fraud, false representation or the concealment of any material fact, the registration as OCI Cardholder shall be cancelled under section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955. The person will also be blacklisted thereby banning his/her future entry into India.

16. What is the fee for application for registration as an OCI?

In case of applications submitted to the Indian Mission/ Post abroad – US $ 275 or equivalent in local currency for each

applicant. In case of application submitted in India, the fee is Rs.15,000/- .

17. What is the time taken for registration as OCI?

In all cases, other than the application submitted as a spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an OCI Cardholder, if there is no adverse information available against the applicant, the Indian Mission/Post/ FRRO concerned shall register a person as an OCI Cardholder within 30 days of the date of acknowledgement. If there is any adverse information against the applicant, final decision to grant registration as OCI cardholder or otherwise will be taken within 120 days.

In the case of application submitted as a spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an OCI Cardholder, the person shall be registered as an OCI Cardholder only after prior clearance of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division) in terms of the proviso to clause (d) of sub-section (1) of section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955 as incorporated by the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2015 notified on 10th March, 2015. In all such cases, it is expected that the final comments/ clearance of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division) shall be uploaded on the online system within 30 days of acknowledgement of the application.

18. If the registration as an OCI Cardholder is not granted, what amount will be refunded?

If registration is refused, an amount of US $ 250 or equivalent in local currency shall be refunded. US $ 25 is the processing fees, which is non-refundable. In case of application submitted in India, the processing fee is Rs.1400/-, which is non- refundable.

19. What will be issued after registration as an OCI?

After grant of registration, a registration certificate in the form of a booklet will be issued. This will serve as a life-long multiple entry visa to visit India. The OCI booklet can be collected by the person or by an authorized person. The condition is that the applicant should be physically present in the country of issuance of OCI cardholder registration booklet when it is collected through an authorized person. If a person is not in a position to travel to the country of issuance of the OCI cardholder registration booklet, he/she could procure it through the concerned Indian Mission/ FRRO of their present place of stay by making a formal request to the office issuing the OCI Cardholder registration booklet.

20. Whether the ‘U’ Visa sticker will be pasted on the passport?

No. Instructions have been issued on 29th January, 2015 to all Indian Missions/ Posts, FRROs etc. conveying the decision to dispense with the „U‟ (Universal) visa sticker on the foreign passport of OCI card holders with immediate effect. It has been advised that immigration authorities in ICPs should not insist on production of foreign passport containing the „U‟ visa sticker in the case of OCI cardholders while they enter/ exit India.

21. Will a separate OCI passport be issued?

No.

22. Will a duplicate certificate of registration as an OCI Cardholder will be issued? 

Yes. For this purpose, an application has to be made to the Indian Mission/Post/ FRRO with evidence for loss of certificate of registration. In the case of mutilated/damaged certificate of registration, an application has to be made enclosing the same. The applications in both the cases are to be submitted to the concerned Indian Mission/ Post/FRRO along with payment of a fee of US $ 100 or equivalent in local currency in case of application submitted to Indian Missions/ Posts abroad & Rs.5500/- in case of application submitted in India.

23. Will the applicant lose his citizenship after registering as an OCI Cardholder?

No.

24. Can a person registered as an OCI Cardholder travel to protected area/restricted area without permission?

No. He/she will be required to obtain Protected Area Permit/ Restricted Area Permit for such visits.

25. Would the Indian civil/criminal laws be applicable to persons registered as OCI Cardholder?

Yes, for the period the OCI Cardholder is living in India.

26. Can a person registered as an OCI Cardholder be granted Indian citizenship?

Yes. As per section 5(1)(g) of the Citizenship Act,1955, a person registered as an OCI cardholder for 5 years and who is ordinarily resident in India for twelve months before making an application for registration is eligible for grant of Indian citizenship. Central Government, if it is satisfied that special circumstances exist, may after recording the circumstances in writing, relax the period of twelve months, up to a maximum of thirty days which may be in different breaks.

27. Will any category of persons be registered as an OCI Cardholder on gratis basis?

No. However, registration as OCI cardholder in lieu of PIO card will be on gratis basis.

28. What are the benefits to an OCI Cardholder?

  1. Multiple entry lifelong visa for visiting India for any purpose (However OCI Cardholders will require a special permission to undertake research work in India for which they may submit the application to the Indian Mission/ Post/ FRRO concerned).
  2. Exemption from registration with Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) for any length of stay in India.
  3. Parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in respect of all facilities available to them in economic, financial, and educational fields except in matters relating to the acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.
  4. Registered Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder shall be treated at par with Non-Resident-Indians in the matter of inter-country adoption of Indian children.
  5. Registered Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder shall be treated at par with resident Indian nationals in the matter of tariffs in air fares in domestic sectors in India.
  6. Registered Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder shall be charged the same entry fee as domestic Indian visitors to visit national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India.
  7. Parity with Non-Resident Indians(NRI) in respect of:-
    1. entry fees to be charged for visiting the national monuments, historical sites and museums in India;
    2. pursuing the following professions in India, in pursuance of the provisions contained in the relevant Acts, namely:-
      1. doctors, dentists, nurses and pharmacists;
      2. advocates;
      3. architects;
      4. chartered accountants;

    3. to appear for the All India Pre-Medical Test or such other tests to make them eligible for admission in pursuance of the provisions contained in the relevant Acts.

  8. State Governments should ensure that the OCI Cardholder registration booklets of OCI Cardholders are treated as their identification for any services rendered to them. In case proof of residence is required, Overseas Citizens of India Cardholder may give an affidavit attested by a notary public stating that a particular/specific address may be treated as their place of residence in India and may also in their affidavit give their overseas residential address as well as e-mail address, if any.

Any other benefits to an OCI Cardholder will be notified by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) under section 7B(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955.

29. What are the benefits to which the OCI Cardholder is not entitled to?

The OCI Cardholder is not entitled to vote, be a member of Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council or Parliament, cannot hold Constitutional posts such as President, Vice President, Judge of Supreme Court or High Court etc. The OCI Cardholder shall not be entitled for appointment to public services and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or of any State except for appointment in such services and posts as the Central Government may, by special order, in that behalf, specify. Further, the OCI Cardholder cannot acquire agricultural or plantation properties in India.

30. If a person is already holding more than one nationality, can he/she apply for registration as OCI Cardholder?

Yes.

31. Whether an OCI Cardholder be entitled to apply for and obtain normal Indian passport which is given to a citizen of India?

No. Indian Passport is given only to an Indian citizen.

32. Whether nationals of Commonwealth countries are eligible for registration as OCI Cardholder?

Yes, if they fulfill the eligibility criteria.

33. Can a person renounce his/her registration as OCI Cardholder?

Yes. He/she has to make a declaration renouncing the Card registering him/her as an OCI Cardholder to the Indian Mission/Post/ FRRO from where the registration as OCI Cardholder was granted. After receipt of the declaration, the Indian Mission/Post/FRRO shall issue an acknowledgement in the prescribed form. Upon such registration of the declaration, the person shall cease to be an OCI Cardholder. Where a person ceases to be an OCI Cardholder, the spouse of foreign origin of that person who has obtained OCI Card under clause (d) of sub-section (1) of section 7A and every minor child of that person registered as an OCI Cardholder shall thereupon cease to be an OCI Cardholder.

34. Can an OCI holder undertake Research work in India?

Yes, after getting prior approval/special permission from the Indian Mission/Post/FRRO concerned.

35. Whether foreign military personnel are eligible for grant of OCI?

No, foreign military personnel either in service or retired are not entitled for grant of OCI.

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Revised guidelines for OCI applicants

Guidelines regarding OCI(Overseas Citizen of India) applications and related Services effective from 23rd November 2015.

1.   All OCI applications will be submitted online along with the requisite documents (self-attested), photograph and signature (in the case of minors who cannot sign, left hand thumb impression (for boys) and right hand thumb impression (for girls).
2.   After filing ofthe online OCI application and uploading the supporting documents, signature and photograph online, applicants must submit the originals of the supporting documents (along with photocopies)to BLS International (outsourced agency of High Commission/Consulate General of India) for necessary verification.
3.   If there is any discrepancy in the application or uploaded documents/photograph, BLS International shall inform the applicant by email, who will need to physically submit the required documents to BLS International, for necessary online modifications. 
4.   Once all documents are received and verified, the applicant will receive an automated email message that the application is under process.
5.   No OCI application or service request will be accepted in the off line mode any longer.