OCI Card Benefits & Eligibility in the USA

OCI stands for Overseas Citizenship Of India. It is a pass for people who are of Indian origin but stay in other countries. A person has to fulfill OCI Card Benefits & Eligibility to avail of OCI status.

An OCI allows them to live, and, work in India for an indefinite period. They don't have to apply for a visa each time they travel.

To enjoy OCI Card Benefits & Eligibility you have to fulfill the eligibility criteria. You will also have to complete the application process for OCI.

Let us learn a little more about what is OCI, OCI Card Benefits Eligibility, document required, etc.

What Is OCI in the USA?

OCI stands for Overseas Citizenship of India. The government of India launched the OCI in 2005. Launched to fulfill the demands of Indians residing abroad who wanted dual citizenship. Allowed under the Citizenship Amendment Act of 2005.

It is an immigration status for a foreign citizen of Indian origin to live and work in India for as long as they want. There is no limit on how many times you can enter and exit the country. However, OCI is not the same as Indian citizenship.

OCI cardholders can enjoy several benefits. To get the OCI status, you are subject to meet the eligibility criteria and procedures.

Read this article to gain knowledge about all the OCI card benefits and eligibility. Also, if you wish to apply for the OCI status

OCI Eligibility Criteria for the USA

The OCI status focuses on person of Indian origin and their family who are citizens of any other country. The eligibility criteria for an OCI are:

• If you were a citizen of India on or after January 26, 1950, or you were eligible to become an Indian citizen at that time.
• If your spouse is an OCI cardholder or someone who is an Indian citizen then you are eligible for OCI status. Prove that your marriage has been lawful and valid for at least two years.
• If either you or your spouse are Indian citizens or OCI holders. Then your minor is eligible for the OCI status despite their parent's nationality.
• If you ever held Indian citizenship but gave it up later then you are eligible for OCI status. But you are subject to meet certain conditions.

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Required Documents for the OCI Status

You have to submit these documents when applying for OCI status in the USA::

• Applicant’s valid passport
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Proof of payment for the OCI registration fees
• For OCI registration a duly filled and signed application form.
• For a former Indian citizen, a renunciation certificate is requisite
• Proof of evidence of Indian origin like birth certificates, old Indian passports, etc.
• Marriage Certificate, if a foreign spouse married to an Indian citizen is applying

Benefits of Applying for the OCI Status In The USA

• The cardholder does not have to register with the authorities in case of long-term stays.
• They can get access to Indian educational institutions like an Indian citizen.
• An OCI card allows a person to enter India countless times. They can enter whenever they want without applying for a visa each time.
• The OCI holder can seek employment in India. However, some government positions are an exception.
• OCI holder gets equal opportunities in terms of economic, financial, and educational fields. Although agricultural land and plantation properties are exceptional.

How To Apply for an OCI Card In the USA?

Follow these below-mentioned steps if you want to apply for OCI:

OCI Card Application

Visit the official website of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government Of India. Fill out the application form without any error by adding all the relevant details.

Submit the Documents

Upload every required document like your passport, photographs, proof of Indian origin, etc.

Also, upload your application form in the proper format. Pay the required fees online for the registration.

Schedule an Appointment

You may have to submit your biometric data also. You will have to schedule an appointment and visit the nearest Indian consulate for the same.

Processing Time

The concerned authorities will verify and process the documents once you submit them. The processing time will vary for each visa depending on some factors.

OCI Card Issuance

If your application gets processed in favor. Then your OCI card will get issued and you will get notified about it. You will now enjoy the benefits of an OCI card.

To Sum Up

An OCI cardholder can avail of several benefits. It helps to continue ties with Indians even after being a citizen of another country. Although when you apply for the OCI status it does not give you Indian citizenship. You can still live, work, study, and do a lot of activities without applying for a visa every time. This is why it is hassle-free and beneficial.