| Important Notice |
1. Who is eligible to apply?
A foreign national, who was eligible to become 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’s previous nationality had 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of whose parents or any of whose grand-parents was born in India as defined in the Government of India Act, 1935 (as originally enacted), and who was ordinarily residing in any country outside India was eligible to become citizen of India on 26.01.1950.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: (i) Sikkim from 26.04.1975, (ii) Pondicherry from 16.08.1962, (iii) Dadra & Nagar Haveli from 11.08.1961; (iv) 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. In what form should a person apply for OCI and where are they available?
A family of four including Husband, wife and to 2 minor (less than 18 years) children can apply in the same family group option available on the website.
6. Can application form be filled and submitted on line?
Only Part A of the application can be submitted on-line. After saving part-A, Part B comes while taking printout. Complete application (not leaving any columns blank wherever applicable) comprising Part A and Part B, along with supporting documents and fee may be submitted to the Consulate General of India, Chicago.
7. What documents have to be attached with the application?
The detailed information is available at “How to apply for OCI card?” caption. The following documents shall be enclosed with each application:
(1) Two sets of application, (2) Three additional photographs. (3) Proof of present citizenship of applicant(s), (4) Proof of previous citizenship, (5) Proof of address in the USA, (6) If Parent’s origin is the basis to claim OCI, evidence of self or parents or grand parents:
(a) being eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of commencement of the Constitution; or (b) belonging to a territory that became part of India after 15th August,1947; or (c) being citizen of India on or after 26th January, 1950
These are – (i) Copy of the passport (or), (ii) Copy of the domicile certificate issued by the Competent Authority (or) (iii) Any other proof
(7) Evidence of relationship as parent/grand parent, if their Indian origin is claimed as basis for grant of OCI (8) Payment of US $ 275 for each applicant or equivalent in local currency (US $ 25 or equivalent in local currency for each PIO card holder by way of cashier Cheque or money order or Postal order only. (8) PIO card holders must also submit a copy of their PIO card.
8. What documents would qualify for “Any other proof” for evidence of self or parent’s or grand parent’s being eligible for grant of OCI?
Any documentary evidence by which the officer equivalent to Under Secretary to the Government of India in the Indian Mission/Post can diligently arrive at the decision.
9. How many copies of application have to be submitted?
Application has to be submitted in two sets. One set comprised of Part A + Part B+ US Passport copy + Indian passport copy + Birth certificate (for applicants born outside India)+ Address proof+ proof of relationship and Indian passport copies (if claiming on the basis of Parents or grandparents OCI status or Indian citizenship)
10. Whether applicant(s) have to go in person to submit the application (s)?
Yes, they can submit their OCI application as well as collect the ready OCI documents from the Consulate during the prescribed timing of 1100 to 1230 hours on working days.
11. The applicant (s) has to take oath before the Counsel of the Indian Mission/Post? No
12. Where to submit the OCI application?
OCI Cell, Consulate General of India, Chicago, 455 N. Cityfront Plaza Drive, NBC Tower Building, Suite No. 850, Chicago, Illinois-60611, USA
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 the applications will be subject to pre or post enquiry depending on whether any adverse information is available or not. If the Government comes to the knowledge 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/- per applicant to be paid by Cashiers Cheque / Money Order/ Postal Order. In case of PIO card holder, US $ 25/- for each applicant. In case of non-US citizens, you have to add US$ 20/- in both cases. For minor PIO card holders the fees is US$ 145/-. Apart from this you have to pay US$ 175/- towards surrender certificate (if you do not provide the copy of surrender certificate).
16. If the registration as OCI is not granted, what amount will be refunded?
An amount of US $ 250/- shall be refunded, if registration is refused. US $ 25 is the processing fees, which is non-refundable.
17. Can a PIO cardholder apply?
Yes, provided he/she is otherwise eligible for grant of OCI like any other applicant.
18. Will the PIO Cardholder be granted OCI registration gratis?
No. He/she has to make a payment of US $ 25 along with the application. For minor Pio card holders the fees is US$ 145/-. Apart from this you have to pay US$ 175/- towards surrender certificate (if you do not provide the copy of surrender certificate).
19. Will the PIO card be honored till the time they are valid even after acquisition of OCI?
No. PIO card should be got cancelled from the Consulate General of India, Chicago while collecting the OCI documents.
20. What will be issued after registration as OCI?
(i) An OCI registration certificate (OCI card) in prescribed format will be issued and (ii) 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 original passport to the Indian Mission/Post after receipt of the acceptance letter/OCI registration certificate. Please note that you need to carry both (OCI card as well as your foreign passport carrying OCI visa sticker.
21. Will a separate OCI passport be issued?
No. There is no separate OCI passport other than OCI card and U-visa sticker.
22. Will a duplicate certificate of registration as OCI will be issued?
Yes. For this purpose, an application has to be made to the Consulate General of India, Chicago with evidence for loss of certificate. In case of mutilated/damaged certificate an application has to be made enclosing the same. The applications in both the cases have to be made to the Consulate which issued the certificate along with payment of fee of US $ 100.
23. Will a new OCI visa sticker be issued on the new foreign passport after the expiry of the old passport?
Yes. On payment of requisite fee, a new OCI ‘U’ visa sticker will be issued. However, the applicant can continue to carry the old passport wherein OCI ‘U’ visa sticker was pasted along with new passport for visiting India without seeking a new visa, as the visa is for life-long visa. However he has to carry his New passport, Old passport (where U-visa sticker is affixed) and OCI card.
24. Will the applicant lose his citizenship after registering as OCI?
No. As only citizen 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, hence losing foreign citizenship does not arise.
25. Can a person holding OCI travel to protected area/restricted area without permission?
No. He/she will be required to seek PAP/RAP for such visits.
26. Would the Indian civil/criminal laws be applicable to persons registered as OCI?
Yes, for the period OCI is living in India.
27. 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.
28. Will OCI be granted gratis to certain categories of people? No.
29. Can OCI be granted to foreign nationals who are not eligible for OCI, but married to persons who are eligible for OCI? No.
30. Will foreign-born children of PIOs be eligible to become OCI? Yes.
31. Are minor children whose both parents are Indian citizens, eligible for OCI?
No there are not eligible for OCI. They are eligible for PIO card.
32. Can children of parents, wherein one of the parents is eligible for OCI, apply for OCI? Yes.
33. What are the benefits of OCI?
OCI card holders can enjoy following benefits
- Multiple entry, multi-purpose life long visa to visit India;
- Exemption from reporting to Police authorities for any length of stay in India; and
- Parity with NRIs in financial, economic and educational fields, except in the acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.
- Parity with NRIs in respect of Entry fee to be charges for visiting the national Monuments , historical sites and museums in India ; Pursuing the following professions in India, in pursuance of the provisions contained in the relevant acts, namely:- (a) Doctors, Dentists, Nurses and Pharmacists; (b) Advocates; (c) Architects; & (d) Charted Accountants
34. 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.
35. Whether the OCI is entitled to voting rights? No.
36. Whether the OCI is entitled to hold constitutional post in India? No.
37. Whether the OCI is entitled to hold Government posts in India?
Except for the posts specified by an order by the Central Government of India, OCI card holders are not eligible for Government posts.
38. 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.
39. What are the advantages of OCI when compared to PIO cardholders?
(i) OCI is entitled to life long visa free travel to India whereas for PIO cardholder, it is for 15 years.
(ii) PIO cardholder is required to register with local Police authority for stay exceeding 180 days in India on any single visit whereas OCI is exempted from registration with Police authority for any length of stay in India.
40. Whether an OCI be entitled to apply for and obtain a normal Indian passport which is given to a citizen of India?
No. Indian Passport is given only to Indian citizen.
41. Whether nationals of Commonwealth countries are eligible for OCI?
Yes, if they fulfill the eligibility criteria.
42. Can a person renounce OCI?
Yes. He/she has to declare intention of renunciation in Form XXII to the Consulate General of India, Chicago where OCI registration was granted. After receipt of the declaration, the Indian Mission/Post shall issue an acknowledgement in Form XXII A.
43. Whether adopted children are eligible for OCI?
Adopted children are eligible for OCI subject to their Parents’ eligibility for OCI.
44. Who can avail the OCI Miscellaneous services?
Only a registered Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) that is OCI card holder can avail the OCI-Miscellaneous Services.
45. Under what circumstances OCI Misc. services can be availed?
OCI Miscellaneous services can be availed for re-issuance/issuance of duplicate OCI Registration Certificate and Visa in the following cases:
(i) Seeking of new passport.
(ii) Change of personal particulars viz. nationality etc,
(iii) Loss/damage of OCI registration certificate/visa-sticker.
(iv) Filling of wrong personal particulars while submitting online applications viz. name, father’s name, date of birth etc.,
(v) Change of address/occupation
46. How to avail OCI Misc. services?
The services can be availed by applying online and submitting two hard copies of the application along with the requisite fee and enclosures as mentioned in the application to the concerned Indian Mission/Post/Office. However, in case of change of address/occupation, hard copy of the application need not be submitted.
47. Whether hard copy of the application is required to be submitted for the change of address/occupation? No.
48. Whether a family can apply in the same OCI Misc. service form?
No. Each person has to individually apply online for availing the OCI Misc. services.
49. How many copies of the OCI Misc. service application have to be submitted?
Two sets of application should be submitted. One set includes (i) Application form (ii) Copy of previous OCI card, (iii) Copy of current passport, (iv) address proof and any other document supporting change that you are requesting. This should be submitted along with requisite fees and mailing fees.
50. Whether the applicant has to submit the OCI Misc. service application in person or can be sent by mail?
Yes, you can submit in person or by mail (USPS Express or FEDEX) to the Consulate General of India, Chicago, 455, North Cityfront Plaza Drive, NBC Tower Building, Suite No. 850, Chicago, Illinois-60611, USA;
51. What is the fee for availing the OCI Misc. services?
The fee is US $ 25 for re-issuance of OCI documents. In case of issuance of duplicate OCI documents (for loss/damage of old documents), the fee is US $ 100.
52. Whether the fee would be refunded in case the requisite OCI Misc. service(s) are not granted?
No, as this fee of US$ 25/- is only the processing fee.
53. What documents have to be enclosed along with the OCI Misc. Service application?
(a) After seeking new US/foreign passport: (i) Two copies of printouts of the online application. The applicant must affix one colour photo [35 mm x 35 mm] on each form and sign in the signature box. For photo specifications please click below (ii) Two Copies of existing OCI card and U-visa sticker pasted on expired/cancelled US/foreign passport, (iii) Two copies of new US/foreign passport (iv) Two copies of address proof in the form of utility bill (electricity / telephone bill) or lease deed, driver’s license copy (v) Fees in the form of Cashier cheque/ Money Order/Postal order only.
(b) In case of change of personal particulars (or due to wrong filling of particulars by the applicant in previous online application): (i) As per Point number (i) to (iv) of the above column 53 (a); (ii) Two Copies of the document (s) in support of the change requested {for example new Citizenship certificate in case of change of nationality}; (iii) Fees in the form of Cashier cheque/ Money Order/Postal order only.
(C) In case of loss or damage of OCI card and/or OCI Visa: (1) As per Point number (i) to (iv) of the above 53 (a); (2) Two copies of the detailed police report of the complaint lodged in case of loss of the document or original OCI document with its two copies in case of damaged OCI document; (3) A note giving details of the circumstances of loss. (4) Fees in the form of Cashier cheque/ Money Order/Postal order only.
(d) In respect of change of address/occupation –Since no hard copy of the application is required to be submitted to the Consulate, thus no fees is charged for this service.
54. How to verify the status of the OCI Misc. service application?
The status of the application can be verified from the Online Status Enquiry. Pl click here http://ociindia.nic.in/ociindia/OnlineOCIenquiry.jsp
55. What will be issued after availing the OCI Misc. services?
A new OCI Registration Certificate (OCI card) and U-Visa sticker would be issued. The old OCI documents will be cancelled and returned back to the applicant.
56. Whether both OCI Registration Certificate (OCI card) and U-Visa would be issued afresh after OCI Misc. Service application? Yes.
57. Whether the applicant has to go in person to the Indian Mission/Post/ Office for obtaining the new OCI documents after OCI Misc. service application?
In case of lost and damaged OCI Misc. service application case, applicants have to come in person to the Consulate both for submission of OCI Misc. service application as well as collection of the OCI documents. For other OCI Misc. service applicants can come in person as well as send their application by mail (USPS Express mail or FEDEX) both for submission of OCI Misc. service application as well as collection of the OCI documents.
58. Whether OCI documents have to be re-issued each time a new passport is taken?
- Up to the completion of 20 years of age, OCI documents have to be re-issued each time a new passport is issued to the holder as the physical appearance changes.
- Between 21-50 years of age, there is no need to seek re-issuance of OCI documents each time a new passport is issued. You can travel with new passport, Old passport (where OCI visa sticker is affixed) and OCI card. It is always better to be on the safer side and get the new OCI card as we often forget to carry our old passport while travelling. This is suggested as OCI card holder will have mental peace.
- After the completion of 50 years of age, OCI documents have to be re-issued once after issuance of a new passport and whenever physical appearance changes.
59. What should be done for issuance of duplicate OCI documents in case of loss of OCI registration certificate and/or U-visa?
In case of loss of OCI documents, file a complaint with the Police authorities and enclose a copy of the complaint with the hard copy of the application. In this case, you have to come in person for interview while submitting your OCI Misc. service application and also for collection of the OCI documents.
60. What is the time period for grant of the requisite service(s)? Between 10 to 14 weeks.