If you are a US citizen but are of Indian origin, an OCI card is a bridge that will help you maintain a strong, lifetime connection with India. An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is an identity given to people of Indian Origin. It allows its cardholder to live and work in India for any duration without the need to apply for a separate visa.
An OCI cardholder can own a property, seek employment, be exempt from registering with the authorities, and enjoy several other benefits. To enjoy the benefits of the OCI card, you need to fulfill the eligibility requirements. In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about an OCI card. Also, we will discuss the steps to apply for an OCI card from the USA.
Key Takeaways
- The Indian government launched the OCI card to fulfill the demands for dual citizenship by the Indian diaspora.
- The card serves as an identity card and provides several benefits to its holder, including a multiple-entry lifelong visa, permission to seek employment, own a property, and be exempt from registering with the authority.
- Although the OCI card offers similar benefits to those of an Indian citizen, it does not equate with Indian citizenship.
- Anyone who fulfills the eligibility criteria can apply for an OCI card, except Pakistani and Bangladeshi citizens.
What is an OCI Card?
The OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) card was introduced by the Indian government in 2005 under the Citizenship Amendment Act. The card was launched in response to meet the demands for dual citizenship by the Indian diaspora. It serves as an identity card issued to Indians residing abroad who wish to hold dual citizenship.
The card enables foreign citizens of Indian origin to live and work in India without facing any issues. Although the OCI card offers similar benefits to those of Indian citizens, it's not equivalent to Indian citizenship. An OCI cardholder is not allowed to cast a vote in India, apply for a government job, or purchase agricultural land.
The Indian government has the authority to revoke your OCI card at any time under certain circumstances. Additionally, OCI status is not provided to anyone who has ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, or who is a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of such a person.
Why Should You Apply for an OCI Card in the USA?
The OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card is a vital document that provides several advantages to its holder. You must apply for an OCI card in the USA because you get the permission to:
- Own a property, study, work, or start a business in India.
- Enter India freely without needing to apply for a new visa each time.
- Skip long immigration queues at Indian airports as OCI serves as a lifelong multiple-entry visa.
- Stay in India for any duration of stay without registering with the police.
What are the Benefits of an OCI Card for US Residents?
Applying for an OCI card comes with several benefits, including providing parity with NRIs in most financial, economic, and educational matters. Here are some of the benefits of an OCI card for US residents:
- Multiple Entries: The OCI card allows its holder to travel and enter India numerous times without requiring a new visa each time.
- Lifetime Validity: An OCI card remains valid for the entire lifetime of the cardholder. However, renewal or re-issuance may be required under certain circumstances.
- Exempt from Registration: OCI cardholders are not required to register themselves with the authorities for any length of stay in India.
- Work Opportunities: The cardholder can seek employment in various sectors in India, except for certain government positions.
- Property Ownership: A person with an OCI card can purchase and own a residential and commercial property in India. However, they cannot own agricultural land or plantation property.
Who Can Apply for an OCI Card from the USA?
Having a casual family connection with an Indian doesn't qualify you to apply for an OCI card. If you are thinking of applying for an OCI card, here are the eligibility criteria that you need to consider:
Ancestry-Based Eligibility Requirements
You must meet at least one of the following conditions to apply for an OCI card from the USA:
- You are or were an Indian citizen on or after the 26th of January, 1950.
- You are the child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of someone who was an Indian citizen on or after that date.
- You are a minor child of the aforementioned person.
Additionally, if your parent or grandparent ever held Indian citizenship after 1950, you are eligible to apply for an OCI card.
Spouse-Based Eligibility
You can apply for an OCI card if you are the spouse of an Indian citizen or an existing OCI cardholder. However, this applies only if you fulfill the following requirements:
- Your partner either holds an OCI card or has Indian citizenship currently.
- Your marriage has been legally registered and has lasted a minimum of two years at the time of applying.
*Important: If the marriage is found to be fraudulent or ends in divorce, your OCI status can be revoked.
Who Cannot Apply for an OCI Card?
You might get qualified on the papers to apply for an OCI card. However, you will automatically be considered ineligible if:
- You have ever been a Pakistani or Bangladeshi citizen.
- You have ever served in a foreign military or intelligence agency.
- You hold a criminal history or are under investigation for serious offenses.
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What are the Documents Required for an OCI Application from the USA?
If you qualify to apply for an OCI card, the next step is to gather some essential documents. You need to submit documented proof to prove your eligibility and provide the necessary information. Here is a list of some of the important documents you need to submit:
- Two passport-sized photos.
- Birth certificate and/or domicile certificate.
- Surrender certificate of your Indian passport.
- Proof of Indian Origin (e.g, Indian passport, PIO card, etc. )
- Copy of your current passport (valid for at least six months).
- Copy of parents' passports. (if applying based on your parents' Indian Origin).
- For Minors: A Copy of either both or at least one parent's passport must be provided.
What are the Steps to Apply for an OCI Card from the USA?
Once you have gathered all the documents and have all the necessary information, the final step is to start the OCI card application USA. Here are the steps to apply for an OCI card from the USA via the OCI portal and the VFS Global.
Part 1: OCI Portal Application (ocisercives.gov.in)
- Visit the official OCI Portal
Go to the official portal of OCI - ociservices.gov.in
- Login/Create a new account
If you are already registered, log in using your credentials. If not, create a new account.
Fill in accurate details as per your passport. It includes your name, date of birth, passport number, email ID, contact number, and nationality.
- Click on "Online Registration"
Start a new OCI application and choose the correct category (Indian origin/minor/spouse/others).
Fill in your personal details, passport details, nationality, marital status, family information, and address.
- Upload Your Photo and Signature
Upload your photo and signature by following the exact OCI specifications. For the photo, it is 51*51 mm with a white background.
Enter occupation details, family information, previous Indian passport details, surrender certificate, and visa details.
Upload all the required documents correctly, including address proof, employment letter, marriage certificate, etc.
- Submit and Print the Form
Cross-check all the details and submit the application form. After that, take a printout of Part A and Part B and keep them for VFS submission.
- Pay the OCI Card Fees to VFS
Use the OCI reference number to proceed further on VFS Global.
Part 2- VFS Global Application, Payment, and Courier
Navigate to the VFS USA portal and log in using your credentials to make the OCI fee payment.
Choose application type (OCI, Subtype - New OCI, select your consulate).
Enter the required details accurately according to your passport and OCI form. Review and ensure that all the information matches your current passport details, including name, passport number, date of birth, etc.
Choose "I will choose my own courier service".
Select "Purchase Third Party Courier". Click on the link and purchase the courier label for the correct consulate.
- Download the Courier Label
Once you have purchased the courier label, save it.
- Upload Tracking Details and Submit
Fill in the tracking number in the "Incoming Courier Tracking Section" and verify everything. Once verified, click on continue and submit.
- Make Payment and Download Confirmation Letter
Complete the OCI government fee payment and download the application confirmation letter.
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What is the Fee for an OCI Card Application in the USA?
The fee for an OCI card in the US depends on the type of OCI application you have applied for. The table below shows the fee structure for OCI card fees in the USA.
| OCI Service Type |
Fee (USD) |
| New OCI Card (For Minor and Adults) |
$275.00 |
| New OCI Card (If you lost your PIO Card) |
$200.00 |
| New OCI in Lieu of PIO Card |
$100.00 |
| Miscellaneous OCI Services |
$25.00 |
| OCI in case of loss or damage |
$100.00 |
| Renunciation of OCI Card |
$25.00 |
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To Conclude
The application process for an OCI card in the USA is straightforward, provided you follow the correct steps. Ensure to review your application before submitting it further to prevent any potential delays. Check your eligibility and gather all the required documents before you start filling out the OCI application form. Proper planning and carefulness while applying for an OCI card can help you avoid any delays and ensure you enjoy a smooth application process.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this guide are personal and do not constitute the views of Savetaxs. Savetaxs or the author will not be responsible for any direct or indirect loss incurred by the reader for taking any decision based on the information or the contents. It is advisable to consult either a CA, CS, CPA, or a professional tax expert from the Savetaxs team, as they are familiar with the current regulations and help you make accurate decisions and maintain accuracy throughout the whole process.
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