
Thinking of reconnecting with India while living in the USA? Getting an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) Card is a great way to visit India as often as you like—without needing a visa every time. It also lets you stay longer, work, study, or even start a business. In this guide, we'll explain how to apply for an OCI Card from the USA, what documents you need, the fees involved, and how to track your application step-by-step.
The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card is a valuable document issued by the Government of India, offering several privileges to foreign nationals of Indian origin. As an OCI Cardholder, you are entitled to:
Say goodbye to paperwork stress! Hassle-free OCI card application for NRIs in the USA & UK.
Apply NowFollow these steps to apply for an OCI Card from the USA successfully:
Step 1: Begin by completing the application for an OCI Card in the United States. Visit the VFS Global website and start filling out the online form. The official portal also provides a direct link to apply for an OCI Card from the USA.
Step 2: As you begin filling out the application, ensure that you verify your eligibility to confirm whether you're qualified for the card.
Step 3: Once the OCI Card application is complete, gather all the necessary documents to ensure your application is accepted for further processing. A downloadable PDF on the portal lists all required documents. Even a small mistake can lead to rejection, so double-check that all details match those on your foreign passport. Submit your documents at the VFS center.
Step 4: After completing the previous steps, pay the applicable OCI Card fee in the US. Bring all your documents to the VFS Center, where your identity will be verified and your details confirmed.
Step 5: Once submitted, the VFS Center will forward your application for processing. The average processing time for an OCI Card in the US is about 6 to 8 weeks. You can track your OCI Card Application Status using your application reference number on the VFS website.
Step 6: Check your OCI Application Status on the VFS site. If the status shows "Processed," visit the VFS center to get a printout of your application and submit your passport.
Step 7: The final step is receiving your OCI Card and passport by mail at your registered address.
Note: If you're an Indian citizen, you may also want to explore the process of renewing your Indian passport in the USA.
Here is the list of documents required to show originals and photocopies at the VFS Center.
One thing that always comes to our mind is the fees for OCI Cards in the USA. So here is the fee structure we provided below.
OCI Service Type | Fee (USD) |
---|---|
New OCI Card (For Minor and Adult) | $275.00 |
New OCI (If You Lost Your PIO Card) | $200.00 |
New OCI in Place of PIO | $100.00 |
Miscellaneous OCI Services | $25.00 |
OCI in Case of Loss or Damage | $100.00 |
OCI Renunciation | $25.00 |
When you're applying for an OCI Card in the USA, make sure to avoid these common mistakes:
Applying for an OCI Card from the United States can be a straightforward process if you follow the correct steps. Regularly check your OCI Application Status and avoid common mistakes to prevent delays. It's also essential to understand the advantages and disadvantages of OCI card before applying, so you're fully aware of what it offers and any limitations. If you're also looking to renew your Indian passport in the USA, check out our detailed guide on Indian Passport Renewal in the USA.
To Pay an OCI fee in the USA, You Need to Submit the Demand Draft in Local Currency $275 Per Applicant. You Can Also Check the Authority Websites and Find the Exact Amount That You Need to Pay.
A Person Who is a Citizen of India, or Whose Parents, Grandparents, or Great-grandparents Belong to Indian Origin.
To Get an OCI Card, It Will 7 to 8 Weeks to Process and to Get an OCI Card.
You Will Need Two Passport-size Photos to Fill Out the Form for an OCI Card in the USA.
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