US citizens who are of Indian origin, whether born in India before or after independence, can apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card if they meet the eligibility criteria. The OCI card provides almost permanent residency and work rights in India, along with most citizen privileges, except for voting, public office, and farmland ownership. Spouses of US citizens of Indian origin can also apply for an OCI card.1
Our team here at Visas for Future makes applying for an OCI for US citizens easy. We offer an excellent service for your OCI card application. If you apply with us, we will assist you throughout your application until you get your OCI card on hand.
Here are the steps on how to apply for India OCI for US citizen like you:
Step 1: Go to Visas for Future, look for our services on India OCI, and click “Get India OCI Now”.
Step 2: Fill out the box with your essential information (complete name, email address, billing address).
Step 3: Select the payment method that is convenient for you (Debit or Credit Card).
Step 4: Wait, and we will process your OCI on your behalf.
Visas for Future is committed to providing visa application process and services. Our team is dedicated to helping and assisting all our clients with our user-friendly OCI card application. Apply with us now.
What We’re Offering
If you are a foreign national of Indian origin, you may want to consider applying for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, our service will process your application within two business days, after which you will receive your OCI card within seven to eleven weeks.
Why choose us
Our visa forms are easy and simple.
We validate your application.
We answer your questions.
We plant a tree!
Eligibility criteria for applying for an OCI card
Here are the eligibility criteria for applying for an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) Card:2
1. Nationality
- Citizenship: You must be a US citizen and not hold Indian citizenship.
- Your country of citizenship must allow dual citizenship in some form.
- You cannot be a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh.
2. Indian Origin
You must meet one of the following criteria related to Indian origin:
- You were a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after, 26th January 1950.
- You were eligible to become a citizen of India on 26th January 1950.
- You belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15th August 1947.
- You are a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of such a citizen.
- You are a minor child of Indian citizens or an OCI cardholder.
- You are the spouse of a citizen of India or an OCI cardholder, and your marriage has been registered and subsisted for at least two years immediately preceding the application.
Applying for an India OCI for US citizens
- Go digital. You can conveniently apply for your OCI card online through our link, just click here.
- Complete the Application Form: Carefully fill out the online form with our assistance and help.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare documentation as per your eligibility path, including proof of Indian origin, valid passport, marriage certificate (if applicable), financial documents, passport-sized photos, etc.
- Pay Fees: You can pay your OCI application using your debit or credit card.
- Card Issuance: Upon approval, you’ll receive a notification from us and you can collect your OCI card through your registered mail.
Requirements and documents needed for applying for an India OCI as a US citizen
Essential Documents:3
1. Proof of Current Citizenship:
- Valid passport with at least six months’ validity (applicable to all).
- Citizenship/naturalization certificate for your current nationality (relevant to all).
- For Indians who surrendered their passport after 2010: canceled/surrendered passport with surrender certificate.
2. Proof of Address:
- Utility bill (electricity, phone) in your name, parents’/grandparents’/spouse’s name.
- If the bill is in another relative’s name, include an undertaking stating your residency with them.
- Tenants: Lease license document.
3. Evidence of Indian Origin:
- For yourself or your ancestors:
- Indian passport.
- Domicile certificate issued by the competent authority.
- Nativity certificate from the competent authority.
- PIO/OCI card of parents/spouse with proof of their Indian connection.
- Other proof like a certificate of residence/birth from the magistrate.
- Relationship proof (if claiming Indian origin through parents/grandparents):
- Birth certificate with names of both parents, issued by authorized authorities.
- For foreign birth certificates, apostille, or endorsement from relevant embassies.
- If parents are divorced, a court order granting legal custody to the applying parent (translated if in a foreign language).
4. Additional Documents (depending on category):
- Minor child of Indian citizens or one Indian parent:
- Child’s birth certificate.
- Parent’s marriage certificate (or explanation for its absence).
- Parents’ Indian passport/domicile/nativity certificate/other proof of Indian citizenship.
- If parents are divorced, a court order with legal custody is granted to the applying parent (translated if in a foreign language).
- Spouse of Indian citizen or OCI cardholder:
- Registered marriage certificate.
- Indian spouse’s passport/domicile certificate/nativity certificate/other proof of Indian citizenship.
- OCI cardholder spouse’s current passport, valid OCI card, and copies of documents used for obtaining the OCI card.
- Declaration from Indian/OCI cardholder spouse stating responsibility to surrender OCI card in case of divorce/separation/death of a foreign spouse.
Marriage certificate guidelines:
- In India: issued by marriage registrar.
- Abroad: apostilled/certified by relevant Indian mission/post.
- Translated by an authorized translator if in a foreign language other than English.
Cost and processing time for an India OCI
Here at Visas for Future, opens the door to unlimited stays and multiple entries in India with the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card! Secure access for just $368, covering all government fees. The streamlined application process takes just 2 business days, and you’ll receive your card within 7-11 weeks. Our form validation ensures a smooth journey – apply today and start planning your extended Indian adventures!2
Benefits and limitations of having an OCI card
Benefits:
- Unlimited stay and multiple entries in India: Live and work in India indefinitely with no visa restrictions. Travel in and out as often as you like, making India your second home.2
- Near-citizen privileges: Enjoy most rights of Indian citizens, including purchasing non-agricultural property, investing in businesses, and accessing educational opportunities.
- Simplified banking and finances: Open bank accounts and conduct financial transactions within India without hurdles.
- Stronger connection to India: Deepen your roots in India, participate in cultural events, and contribute to the community.
Limitations:
- No voting rights: You cannot vote in Indian elections or hold public office.
- Restricted land ownership: Cannot purchase agricultural land or farmhouses.
- Dual citizenship limitations: Some countries, including India, do not allow dual citizenship. Obtaining an OCI might require renouncing your current citizenship.
- Tax implications: Income earned in India might be subject to Indian taxes.
- Registration requirement: Foreign Regional Registration Officers might require registration depending on your stay duration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it permissible to travel to India while the process of applying for OCI is still ongoing?
No, unfortunately, you cannot go to India while OCI is in process. You can still go, but you need to have a valid visa or e-visa to enter the country.
How long can a US citizen stay in India with an OCI card?
There’s no specific limit on how long a US citizen can stay in India if you hold a valid OCI card.2
Can US citizens get a visa on arrival in India?
No, US citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in India. The Indian government currently does not offer visa-on-arrival facilities for US passport holders.
Can I live in India permanently with OCI?
An Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cardholder enjoys several benefits such as multiple entries and long stays in India. Still, it does not grant permanent residency and has certain limitations, while permanent residency allows indefinite residence, social security schemes, and citizen-like benefits with stricter requirements and limited availability.2
- Embassy of India, Manila, Philippines. (2022, June 12). www.eoimanila.gov.in. https://www.eoimanila.gov.in/eoi.php?id=oci/ [↩]
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2023, from https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-07/oci-faq.pdf [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩]
- Embassy of India, Manila, Philippines. (2021, April 22). www.eoimanila.gov.in. https://www.eoimanila.gov.in/eoi.php?id=oci/ [↩]
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Cite this article
MLA Style
Orcales, Wences. "India OCI application for US citizen 2025." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/india-oci-application-for-us-citizen/. Accessed on 2 October 2023.
Chicago Style
Orcales, Wences. "India OCI application for US citizen 2025." Visas For Future. October 2, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/india-oci-application-for-us-citizen/.