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The Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) Card is like a link that helps people of Indian origin stay connected to their ancestral homeland. The card gives them a permit to live and work in India indefinitely without a visa. Moreover, it also allows them to own land and make investments in India. To enjoy the benefits of the OCI card, you must be eligible to apply for one. This article covers the eligibility criteria, application process, and processing time for an OCI card in detail.
The OCI card is an identity card given to people of Indian origin. By holding this card, you and your spouse can get a lifetime entry into India. It also allows you to study, invest, own a house, or travel within India without a problem. However, it is important to note that although the OCI card offers similar benefits to those of Indian citizens, you cannot vote in India, apply for government jobs, or purchase agricultural land.
The following are the eligibility criteria to apply for an OCI Card:
The following steps will guide you in applying for an OCI Card.
While the process may seem overwhelming, iNRI has got you covered. You can apply for OCI card through our documentation partner, who will help you through the process.
The following is the list of documents required to apply for an OCI card.
The standard fee for OCI application processing is USD 275 if you are applying from the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, or any other country. However, if you are applying from India, a fee of Rs 15,000 is charged.
Apart from the standard fee, you may also incur a fee for notarizing and translating your documents if you live in a country where English is not the official language. Apart from this, there could be travel charges to the nearest consulate or mission office and any professional fees if you take the help of an expert to handle your documents.
The following are common mistakes to avoid when applying for your OCI card.
The OCI card application process can be complex, time-consuming, and tedious. However, if you follow the instructions carefully and submit all the necessary documents on time, your entire process will be smooth, and you can obtain your OCI card. Remember to keep checking the VFS portal or the government OCI portal for regular updates on the application process and document checklist, as they change over time.
The OCI card application processing time can vary based on your location, the application's completeness and the documents' accuracy. However, on average, it takes 8 to 10 weeks for your application to be processed.
Yes, minors can apply for an OCI card, and the process is similar to that of an adult. However, minors would need additional documentation, such as content from both parents and parental documents such as passports, visas, and other proofs. Moreover, minors may also need to attend a biometric appointment at the nearest consular office or mission, depending on the consulate's requirements.
There are multiple ways to track your OCI card application. First, you can go to the OCI services portal and track your application under the 'Status Enquiry' tab. Alternatively, you can track your application on the VFS Global portal by entering your application reference number and last name. You can also track your application by contacting the Indian consulate or mission where you submitted your documents.
The standard fee charged for OCI application processing is USD 275 if you are applying from the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, or any other country. However, if you are applying from India, a fee of Rs 15,000 is charged.
In most cases, a physical appointment is necessary for document verification and biometrics collection. However, that usually depends on the consulate or mission office. It is always best to check with the consulate or mission for up-to-date information.