The Unique Identification Authority of India or UIDAI proposed a plan in 2016. They put forward a plan to assign a unique number to each citizen of the country. The UIDAI collects and stores citizens' biometrics. Today, the Aadhar card is a proof of identity and address for many Indians. But what about the OCI cardholders, NRIs, and foreigners? Can they get an Aadhar card if yes then how can they get one? In this article, we will learn about Aadhar cards for OCI, NRIs, and foreigners.
What is an Aadhar Card?
An Aadhar card is a 12 unique digit number issued by the UIDAI to Indian residents. When a person meets the identification needs set by the UIDAI, they get an Aadhar card.
The main aim of the Aadhar card is to give every resident of India a universal identity. Any person who is a citizen of India, irrespective of age or gender, can enroll to have an Aadhaar number. You have to enroll only once, and it is valid throughout your entire life.
There are a lot of benefits and uses of an Aadhar card. At first, Aadhar provides a source of identity all over the country for its residents. It allows them to enjoy the benefits of government subsidies. For example, LPG subsidies put signs on legal documents digitally. You can also open a bank account, apply for passports, etc.
So, the Indian government can reach out to the residents of the country with the Aadhar card scheme. They can do this by distributing some subsidies, and benefits, and providing other services.
The Aadhaar card has become the most popular scheme in the world. It is one of the biggest biometrics-based identification schemes in the world.
Eligibility For Aadhaar Cards for OCI, NRIs, and Foreigners
For Foreigners.
- LTV (Long-term visa) holders who belong to minor communities. LTV holders from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Who are namely Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists, and Christians.
For NRI's
- Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan who have valid passport or any other relevant document
- Any other resident foreigner who has stayed in India for more than 182 days in the last one year.
- Resident foreigners having valid registration certificate or resident permit issued by FRRO/FRO. Who don't have an OCI card, or LTV document and are not nationals of Nepal or Bhutan.
- A minor or adult NRI with a valid Indian passport can apply for an Aadhar card. They can apply by visiting the Aadhaar Seva Kendra in India. The NRI needs to be present in India for at least 182 days in a year before applying for the Aadhar card.
For OCI Cardholders,
- An OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) who has stayed in India for a minimum of 182 days in the last one year.
- Their application has to be three years old.
- Having a valid OCI card is important before applying for an Aadhar card.
- A valid Indian address is a must before applying.
- The OCI citizen should have lived for 182 days in 12 months before applying.
Required Documents To Apply For Aadhaar Card for OCI
NRIs who want to apply for an Aadhar card have to provide these documents:
- Birth Certificate
- Proof of Photo ID
- School Certificate.
- A valid Indian passport
- Proof of identity(POI) from NRI applicants is requisite.
Along with these documents, NRIs have to provide some extra specific documents. Those documents should provide proof of their relationship with the other nation. The government officials and competent authorities will verify all the documents. They will check if they are valid and eligible to apply for an Aadhar card.
Required Documents for Aadhar Card for OCI Cardholders
- Birth certificate.
- Proof of your OCI status
- Valid PAN card/OCI/Driving License/Passport as ID proof.
- Electric bill or ID card that has your current address for proof of address.
Required Documents for Aadhar Card for Foreigners or LTV holders.
- A valid LTV (Long term visa) document.
- Valid/expired foreign passports are also accepted as address and identity proof.
Required Documents for Aadhar Card for Nepal and Bhutan Nationals.
Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan have to provide any of the identity proofs:
In case of no passport, submit any two below-mentioned documents. It should have the same address
- Nepalese/Bhutanese Citizenship certificate.
- Voter ID issued by the Election Commission of Nepal/Bhutan.
- Limited validity photo-identity certificate issued by Nepalese Mission/Royal Bhutanese Mission in India.
- Voter ID issued by the Election Commission of Nepal/Bhutan.
Required Documents for Aadhar Card for Other Resident Foreigners
- Identity proof in the form of a valid visa.
- Valid foreign passport of resident foreigners who have stayed in India for at least 182 days.
- Valid registration certificate or
- Residential permit issued by FRRO/FRO to the resident foreigners.
Aadhar Card Application Process for OCI, NRIs, and Foreigners
You can apply for an Aadhaar card by following these steps:
Schedule an appointment
- Start by visiting the official website of UIDAI. Click on 'My Aadhar' from the list in the menu.
- Click on 'Registration' select your address and click on 'Continue'.
- If there is no security code then enter your email address. Click 'Send one-time password'. Receive your one-time password via SMS and email.
- On the next page, select a convenient time and date for an appointment.
Submission and Verification of documents
- NRIs will have to provide documents that prove their relationship with another nation.
- The documents will be a Birth certificate, Photo ID, school certificate, etc.
- You can submit a valid Indian passport for verification.
- OCI cardholders have to submit the required information mentioned by the UIDAI.
- They must submit proof of identity, proof of address, and citizenship status. in their residing country, etc.
- When you visit the registration center, make sure to take the original and copy of all the documents.
Visit the Center For Biometrics
- Applicants have to provide their biometric information after submitting the documents. This information will be linked to the information collected via documents.
- This process involves scanning the 10 fingers and taking fingerprints. It also involves iris scanning and taking live passport-sized photos of the applicant.
- The biometric information can never be changed. Children who have to update the card at the age of 15 are an exception. Disabled persons who can't provide fingerprints can skip this step. Instead, they can provide other information like photographs and iris scanning.
- Photo taken with the office's webcam will be uploaded on the Aadhar card.
The database will provide a unique ID to prevent two Aadhar cards from being alike. This can happen if a duplicate application exists in the government database. The authorities will take the data to generate the Aadhaar number and send a hard copy to your address.
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Acknowledgement Slip
- An Aadhar official will give you an acknowledgment slip that has the 28-digit enrollment ID. You can use this ID to track the Aadhar Card Status online.
Aadhar Card Form for NRIs
- Resident foreign nationals who are 18 years or above have to use an Aadhar card Form 7. They have to use this form for both enrollment and updates.
- The Aadhar card form 7 is available both online and offline free of cost.
- There is some extra information that NRIs need to fill in the Aadhar card Form 7. It includes their nationality and details of documents provided in support of nationality. Also, eligibility like details of valid foreign passport and details of valid OCI/LTV, etc.
Aadhar Card Form for NRI Minors
- Resident foreign nationals below the age of 18 have to use an Aadhar card Form 8. They can fill out this form for both enrollment and updates.
- The Aadhar card form 7 is available both online and offline free of cost.
- Extra information like the minor's nationality, foreign passport, valid OCI, etc. is requisite.
- Mother/father/lawful guardian's address and signature/thumb impression are requisite.
Things to Remember About Aadhaar Cards for OCI, NRIs, and Foreigners
Here are some things that you should keep in mind if you want to apply for an Aadhaar card.
- Having an Aadhaar card simplifies and fastens many procedures for other residents. However, it is not a compulsory requirement.
- An Aadhaar card is not proof of your Indian citizenship. It doesn't allow any foreigner to stay in India if they don't fulfill the other requirements.
- NRIs do not have to link their bank accounts to the Aadhaar card if they don't wish to benefit under section 7 of Aadhar.
- If you don't have your original Aadhaar card during any procedure or transaction. In such cases, you can use e-aadhaar, Aadhaar letter, or mAadhaar as ID proof. Each one of these has the same validity and same purpose.
- An Aadhaar card is a comprehensive document, but one cannot depend on it to enjoy every service. Authorities will ask for extra verifications to avoid even the slightest difference.
- Aadhar card issued for resident foreigners will be valid till the validity of their visa. Yet, for citizens of Nepal/Bhutan, the Aadhar card will be valid for only ten years.
- The Aadhar card issued for OCI cardholders will be valid for ten years.
- For people having LTV documents, Aadhar will be valid till the validity of the LTV documents.
Ask For Support
Getting help from an expert can help you make the process quick and stress-free. The whole process may turn overwhelming at times. To avoid that ask for support from a professional online. Contact websites like Visament to make the process easier. They can help you in booking an appointment at an Aadhar Enrolment Center. They have experts to guide you throughout the process. Not only with an Aadhaar card they can also help you with other services. For example, PIO to OCI Conversion and Police Clearance Certificate Help, etc.
To Conclude
Hence, every resident of India can apply for an Aadhaar card. NRIs and OCI cardholders with valid passports can apply for an Aadhaar card on arrival to India. They can also book an appointment prior without the waiting period of 182 days. Keep in mind that the procedure for Aadhar card application remains the same.
