OCI Card Re-Issue After Divorce & Marital Status Change

If you are a divorcee and want to change your marital status, then you need to apply for an OCI re-issue.

It is not the same as the OCI update. For a change in marital status, you will get a new OCI card.

In this blog, we will help you apply for an OCI reissue due to a change in marital status, covering the different types of applications, the required documents, and the processing time.

When Should You Apply for an OCI Re-Issue for Marital Status?

If you are married or have a change in your marital status, then you need to apply for an OCI card re-issue in the following cases:

• If you are divorced and want to remove your spouse's details from your OCI card.
• For changing your surname after marriage.
• If your marital status has changed, but it doesn't change in your passport or doesn't match it.
• If you are married and want to add your spouse's name to your OCI card.

In the above cases, you can apply for an OCI re-issue application for a change in marital status. For more information, you can go to the official OCI service portal.

How to Apply for Re-Issue of the OCI Card After Divorce?

Follow the steps given below to apply for an OCI card re-issue after a divorce.

1. Go to the Official OCI service portal.
2. Choose the OCI reissue application option.
3. Fill out the online application form with all the correct documents.
4. Go to the VFS Global website and register or log in.
5. Then upload the printed application and all the documents for your OCI reissue application.
6. Book an appointment with the VFS Global.
7. Go to the appointment centre with all the documents for verification.
8. Pay the required fees for OCI reissue.
9. Wait for processing. You will get your new OCI card within a few weeks. 

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What is the list of Required Documents for the Change of Marital Status Re-Issue?

Here are the mandatory documents for changing the marital status on the OCI card.

•  Original Marriage certificate.
• Self-attested copies of the original certificate.
• Self-attested copies of the applicant's spouse's passport.
• Existing OCI card.
• Signature of the applicant.
• Proof of employment (if applicable).
• Proof of address.
• 2 passport-size photos.
• Proof of name change

Documents Required for the Change of Name Due to Remarriage

For a spouse name change, you need to provide additional documents.

• A Divorce Decree issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• A death certificate (if applicable).
• A copy of the current spouse's passport.
•  A Marriage certificate.

Documents Required for Change of a Marital Status from a Divorce

You need to submit the following documents:

• A Divorce Decree issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• A deed poll or affidavit of divorce.

Documents Required for a Change in Marital Status due to the Death of a Spouse

Additional documents are provided below; you need to submit them for the OCI card reissue application.

• A copy of the death certificate of the spouse.
• Deed poll or a Sworn Affidavit.

What is the Processing Time for an OCI Card After a Divorce?

The processing time for the OCI card reissue is generally 4-6 weeks. However, the application processing time also depends on the following:

• Number of applications received by the consulate or embassy.
• Verification of documents.
• Information entered by the applicant in the OCI card application.

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 OCI Marital Status is a Re-Issue, not an Update

An OCI re-issue is not the same as the passport updates after turning 20 years of age. If you apply for the OCI re-issue for marital status, then you need to:

• Apply online through OCI services under miscellaneous services.
• Submit your supporting documents to VFS Global.
• Processed within 4-6 weeks.

When your OCI application re-issue is still in process:

• You cannot use your existing OCI card.
• You can also apply for an Indian visa.

Conclusion

If you are divorced or remarried, you need to apply for an OCI card reissue. It is essential to update your details on your OCI card for a smoother travel experience and to enjoy its benefits hassle-free.

You can choose Visament services, which will help reduce the chances of mistakes in your OCI card reissue process. We have a team of experts who know the OCI application process and documentation inside and out.

For more information, you can contact the Visament website, where our agents will provide you with an instant solution related to your OCI application queries and doubts.