How to Apply for an OCI Card from the USA: Step-by-Step Guide

If you're a foreign national with Indian roots and wondering how to apply for an OCI Card from the USA, you're in the right place! This guide will walk you through the process, from application steps to required documents, fees, and tracking your OCI Application Status.

Why Should You Apply for an OCI Card in the USA?

The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card is a valuable document issued by the Government of India that grants multiple benefits to foreign nationals of Indian origin. As an OCI Cardholder, you can:

• Enter India freely with a lifelong multiple-entry visa.
• Stay in India without needing to apply for a separate US visa.
• Own property, study, work, or do business in India.
• Access Home Consular Services OCI for assistance.
• Skip long immigration lines at Indian airports.
• Travel to India without any restrictions on the length of stay.

Eligibility Criteria for Applying for an OCI Card in the USA

• You were a citizen of India before or after the Constitution came into effect.
• You belonged to Indian territory after August 15, 1947.
• You are a spouse of foreign origin married to an Indian citizen for at least two years.
• Your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were Indian citizens (except for citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh).
• You are a minor child of an OCI Cardholder.
• You once held an Indian passport but later obtained foreign citizenship (Surrender Certificate required).

How to Apply For an OCI Card From the USA? Step-By-Step Process 

Follow these steps to successfully apply for an OCI Card from the USA:

Step 1: The first step is to fill out our application for an OCI Card in the USA. Simply, you need to visit the VFS Global website and start filling out the application. The official portal also helps you to provide a direct link, to apply for an OCI Card from the USA.

Step 2: When you start filling out the application, you need to check eligibility, whether you're eligible for the card or not.

Step 3: Gather all documents once you have completed the OCI Card Application in the USA to get your application accepted for the further process. In the pdf link, you can check all the required documents listed. One mistake can make your card rejected, so you need to collect all the required documents that are asked in the documents list, and ensure all details match your foreign passport. Then submit them at the VFS center.

Step 4: Once you have completed all three steps, you need to pay the OCI Card US Fee. Carry all your documents to the VFS Center, where they check your identity and verify all your details.

Step 5: After all this, the VFS center accepted your application and sent it for further processing. The processing for US OCI Card is around 6 to 8 weeks. You can check your OCI Card Application Status in the US with the help of the application reference number on the official website of VFS

Step 6: By checking your OCI Application Status at VFS, if you see "Processed", visit the VFS center and get a print of the application to show them. At that time, you need to submit your passport. 

Step 7: The last and final step of getting an OCI Card in the USA is that you will receive your OCI Card and passport at your address. 

Note: If you're an Indian, you can also check the process and how to fill the application for Indian Passport Renewal in USA.

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Required Documents for OCI Card Application in the USA

Here is the list of documents required to show original and photocopies at the VFS Center.

1. A Photo Copy of Your current passport (Validity Min. 6 Months)
2. Passport Size Photos (2)
3. Proof of the Indian origin document.
4. Birth Certificate, Domicile Certificate.
5.  Domicile Certificate
6. If you're applying based on your parents, in case you need a copy of their passport.
7. Original copy of the Surrender Certificate of Indian passport.
8. In the case of Minors, both parents or one parent need to provide a photocopy of the passport.

OCI Card Fees: How Much Does It Cost in the USA?

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.

Also want to know about OCI Application Timeline in the USA Check Now!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for an OCI Card from the USA

When you're applying for an OCI Card in the USA, you need all of these mistakes:

• Blurry or Incorrect Photos - Do not submit poor-quality pictures; always use clear images.
• Incorrect Signatures - Upload your signature in high resolution as required in the application form.
• Mismatched Details - Always double-check the information before clicking the final submit button.
• Incorrect Mailing Address - Ensure your address is accurate for document delivery.
• Wrong Fee Payment - Always check which OCI Card you need and pay the fees accordingly.

Simplifying Your OCI Card Application Process for NRIs in the USA

Applying for an OCI Card from the USA can be a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. Regularly check your OCI Application Status and avoid common mistakes to prevent delays. 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.