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FAQ on OCI Consular Services

FAQ on OCI

FAQ – OCI

Overseas Citizen of India card is issued to person of Indian origin, who were earlier holding Indian passport. OCI is a life time visa for India besides it has many other facilities. This service is provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India New Delhi. The detailed information, guideline and instructions for submitting application for OCI can be seen at the below website / links:

https://ociservices.gov.in/

https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/1OCIcardholder_Introduction_15112019.pdf

https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/2OCIcardholder_Brochure_15112019.pdf

https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/6OCIcardholder_Miscservices_Introduction_15112019.pdf

https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/7OCIcardholder_miscserviceGuidelines_15112019.pdf

https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/3OCIcardholder_FAQs_15112019.pdf

https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/9OCIcardholder_Miscservices_FAQs_15112019.pdf

1

I don't have Indian passport Can I apply for OCI?

Ans:

Yes, you have to provide copy of Nativity Certificate / Domicile certificate issued by competent authority in India as your proof of Indian Origin.

2

My child born in US, Now we are in Canada, Can child get OCI from Canada?

Ans:

Yes, you have to apply OCI where ever you are residing with the present proof of address of parents.

3

Can I collect my OCI from India / High Commission?

Ans:

No, you have to collect from the office where you have applied. If you have already paid the courier charges, BLS will sent to your given address.

4

Any travel restrictions to go to India during COVID pandemic?

Ans:

OCI cardholders are permitted to go to India

5

Do I need to renew my OCI Card?

Ans:

a)    For age group between 1-20 years: No. The applicant has to upload his/her Photo and Passport (upto the age of 20 years) online under OCI Miscellaneous services each time a new Passport is issued to him/her. OCI card needs to be re-issued only once when a new Passport is issued after completing 20 years of age, soas to capture the applicant’sfacial features on attaining adulthood.

b)   For age group between 21-50: OCI card needs to be re-issued only once when a new Passport is issued after completing 20 years of age, soas to capture the applicant’sfacial features on attaining adulthood

c)    For age group 51 and above: No. The applicant has to upload his/her Photo and Passport (after attaning the age of 50 years) online under OCI Miscellaneous services only once a new Passport is issued to the applicant.

6

My child is 5 years old, he has OCI. Now he got a new passport. Can he travel with old passport and OCI? Or he has to renew OCI

Ans:

No. There is no need to renew OCI card upto age of 20 years. He has to upload his Photo and Passport (upto the age of 20 years) online under OCI Miscellaneous services each time a new Passport is issued.

7

How long it will take to get OCI.

Ans:

Usually 6-8 weeks is required for issuance of Fresh OCI and 3-6 weeks for Miscellaneous Services.

8

I lost my Indian passport and surrender certificate; I have a copy of both. Can I apply for OCI?

Ans:

Kindly submit the copies with BLS for pre-approval with explanation letter.

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