Getting an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is important for people with strong connections to the overseas Indian community. It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional, student, or traveler; having an OCI card can make your travel easier and help you connect with your roots.1 However, the application process can be difficult to navigate without guidance.
An OCI card is a document that grants you many benefits and privileges in India, such as:
- You can travel to India without requiring a visa multiple times without any limits and stay there for as long as you want.
- You can live and work in India indefinitely and enjoy the same economic, financial, and educational rights as Non-resident Indians.
- You do not have to register with the local police authorities (FRRO/FRO) in India every time you stay there for more than 180 days.
Get your OCI card fast! This step-by-step guide helps you navigate the application process like a pro. It covers everything you need to know, from checking your eligibility to submitting your application. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or renewing your card, we’ve got you covered. Our guide is easy to follow and will make the process straightforward. We have removed any unnecessary details and kept the language simple and easy to understand. This way, you can be sure that you know exactly what you need to do. With our service, you can be certain that your India OCI application will be handled with care and accuracy.
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 order forms are easy and simple.
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Steps and procedures for applying for an Indian OCI card
India OIC Application process:
- Visit Visas for future.
- Choose India OCI and click the button ‘‘Get India OCI Now”
- Fill out the order form with your name, email, and place of submission.
- Click ”Complete Purchase” to make payment via credit or debit card.
- Fill out the intake form and ensure correct and complete details.
- Review your input details and then submit.
- Once approved, you’ll receive your OIC card in your email.
Sample Order Form
Sample Intake Form
Tips for applying for an Indian OCI card
Applying for an OCI card can facilitate living, working, and studying in India. These tips can help you navigate the application process smoothly:
Gather your documents:
- Proof of Indian origin: This could be your Indian passport, birth certificate, parent’s marriage certificate, or grandparent’s certificate, among others.
- Proof of current nationality: Your valid passport from the country where you currently hold citizenship.
- Recent passport photos: Meeting the specified size and format requirements.
- Address proof: Utility bills, bank statements, or property tax receipts can work.
- Other documents: Depending on your specific situation, you may need additional documents like marriage certificates, adoption papers, or renunciation of Indian citizenship certificates.
Prepare online:
- Fill out the online application form. Carefully review and double-check all information before submitting.
- Upload scanned copies of documents: Ensure they are clear, legible, and meet the specified size and format.
- Pay the application fee: Fees vary depending on location and application type.
Processing Time for an Indian OCI Card
You can apply for the card in two (2) business days, but it will take seven (7) to eleven (11) weeks to receive it.
Requirements for applying for an Indian OCI card
The documents required for an Indian OCI are as follows:3
General Requirements
- Completed online application form.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (50x50mm).
- Original and copies of a current passport and any previous Indian passport (if applicable).
- Proof of Indian origin includes birth certificates, parents’ passports, marriage certificates, or PIO cards.
- Proof of address (residence permit, utility bill).
- Application fee paid through prescribed methods.
Additional Requirements for Specific Cases
- Spouse of an Indian citizen or OCI cardholder: Marriage certificate and copy of the spouse’s Indian passport/OCI card.
- Children of OCI cardholders: Birth certificate and copy of parent’s OCI card.
- Individuals born before 15th August 1947: Proof of Indian origin of your ancestor born before 15th August 1947.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new rules for OCI card holders in India?
There are no major new rules for OCI card holders in India. Notable updates include the re-issuance requirement for new passports issued under the age of 20 and the necessity for re-issuance for passports issued after the age of 20. OCI cardholders can enter India with a valid OCI card and passport.
Can I travel to India while my OCI card is being processed?
Traveling to India while your OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) application is still being processed is impossible. This is because OCI is not a visa but a lifelong privilege that allows eligible foreign nationals to travel to India visa-free.
Can I travel to India without my OCI card?
Yes, you can travel to India without an OCI card. However, you will need to apply for a regular visa based on your specific travel purposes, such as a tourism visa, business visa, or work visa, also offered by Visas for Future.
How much does an OCI of India cost?
India OCI Cost: $368 fee including government fee, multiple entries for unlimited stay.
- 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.)<https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-07/oci-faq.pdf> [↩] [↩]
- Embassy of India, Manila, Philippines. (2022, June 12). www.eoimanila.gov.in. https://www.eoimanila.gov.in/eoi.php?id=oci/ [↩]
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Written by
Charlyn Miguel 
Charlyn is a science researcher and a content writer at Visas for Future. She is trained to write informatively, engaging her contents about visas for Turkey, India, Colombia, Egypt, and Aruba. She also does and manages client orders for efficient customer service. She had published academic articles and co-authored a book. She handles actual visa orders once every three months to preserve his knowledge and communication with the factual visa processing system.
Managed by Glen Vidania
Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.
Published by Visas for Future
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MLA Style
Miguel, Charlyn. "Step-by-Step Guide on How To Apply For An India OCI Card." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/india-oci-card-steps/. Accessed on 8 October 2023.
Chicago Style
Miguel, Charlyn. "Step-by-Step Guide on How To Apply For An India OCI Card." Visas For Future. October 8, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/india-oci-card-steps/.