Surrender of Indian Passport in the USA for OCI Application

Are you acquiring U.S. citizenship and seeking guidance on surrendering your Indian passport in the U.S. for an OCI application? Applying for Renunciation, obtaining an Indian passport surrender certificate, and acquiring an OCI card is a complex process that can be handled alone. If you are facing a similar situation, then there's no need to worry, as Visament is here to assist you.

We have expert team members with years of experience in the passport and immigration field. Additionally, we offer personalized guidance to our clients. From filling out the application form to booking an appointment, our team does everything for you.

To help you understand the process and how we simplify it for you, this blog offers an overview of the Indian passport surrender process, its role in OCI applications, and the steps to obtain an OCI card.

What Is Indian Citizenship Renunciation and Why Is It Required for OCI USA?

When a person voluntarily opts to surrender their Indian passport, it denotes that they have acquired citizenship status of a foreign country. This decision signifies their choice of selecting foreign citizenship over Indian citizenship. In India, dual citizenship is not permitted.

According to the Indian Passport Act, 1955, an Indian citizen is not permitted to hold two passports of different countries simultaneously. Hence, an Indian citizen who has acquired foreign citizenship must surrender their Indian passport.

Note: Holding an Indian passport in addition to foreign citizenship is an offense and can result in penalties and legal consequences.

However:

• You can use your Indian passport for up to three months after acquiring foreign citizenship.
• You must renounce your Indian citizenship within three years to be eligible to apply for an OCI card and travel to India.

Also Want to Know About OCI Card for Minors Check Now!

Why You Must Surrender Your Indian Passport Before Applying for an OCI Card in the USA

The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is a status granted by the Indian government to individuals of Indian origin who hold foreign citizenship. It helps them retain strong ties to India and enjoy visa-free, unrestricted access for living or working in the country.

To apply for an OCI card, you must have a renunciation certificate. Here's why:

• It proves that you have legally surrendered your Indian passport and citizenship.
• Only foreign citizens of Indian origin (or those who have held an Indian passport in the past) are eligible for an OCI card. 

You cannot apply for the renunciation and OCI card simultaneously. The renunciation certificate is a mandatory document for the OCI application.

Apply for Indian Passport Renunciation & OCI Card in the USA with Visament Experts

To surrender your Indian passport and apply for an OCI card in the U.S., follow the official process:

Steps:

1. Download the surrender application form from the Indian consulate/embassy website or VFS Global portal.
2. Fill out the form online and upload all required documents.
3. Book an appointment for biometric data and document submission.
4. Print and carry the documents to your appointment at the selected VFS center.

While this process can be done independently, missing even a small step can cause rejection or delays. That’s where Visament helps.

Surrendering of Indian Passport and Applying for OCI Card via Visament

With the guidance of experts, at Visament, we ease the Indian passport surrender certificate process and OCI application for you. We ensure a smooth application process with our streamlined services. Here is how we help you with surrendering your Indian passport and applying for an OCI card in the USA:

Here’s how we help:

1. Select Service and Pay the Fee
   Visit the Visament website, choose 'Surrender of Indian Passport' and 'OCI Application Services,' and pay using any online method.
2. Document Checklist
   After payment confirmation, our team shares a document checklist tailored to your application.
3. Document Submission
   Please upload the requested documents to our site. Our experts verify them and initiate your application.
4. Application Prep & Appointment Booking
   We fill out the renunciation form and schedule your VFS appointment in the U.S.
5. Receive Application Kit & Appointment Letter
   We send your completed file and appointment details. Print and carry them to the VFS center.
6. Start OCI Process After Renunciation
   Once you receive the renunciation certificate, please mail it to us. We then begin your OCI application, which involves filling out your forms, uploading documents, and booking your appointment.
7. OCI Appointment and Fee
   Please carry the OCI application kit we have prepared and provide your biometric data during your VFS appointment.
8. Track Status & Get OCI Card
   The process takes approximately 50 days or more, and we’ll keep you updated via email or WhatsApp.

This is how, with Visament, you can surrender your Indian passport in the USA and obtain an OCI card. Moving ahead, let's know the required documents for both processes in the USA.

Documents Required for Indian Passport Surrender and OCI Application USA

When surrendering your Indian passport in the USA, you need to provide the following documents to the authorities:

For Indian Passport Surrender:

• Original Indian passport
• Copy of foreign passport
• Renunciation application form
• Passport-size colored photographs
• Naturalization certificate
• Address proof
• Payment receipt

For minors, additional documents are needed:

• Copies of parents' passports
• Parental affidavit
• Parental authorization form

Required Documents for OCI Application in the USA

Depending on the type of OCI application, the required documents vary in the USA. To give a clear idea of this, here is the list of necessary documents needed during the OCI application in the USA:

These are the documents required for surrendering an Indian passport and for applying for an OCI card in the USA. Moving forward, let's examine the processing time and fees for surrendering an Indian passport and obtaining an OCI card in the United States.

Processing Time and Fees for Indian Passport Surrender and OCI Application in the USA

Processing Time:

• Surrender Certificate: 15–21 working days
• OCI Application: 5–6 weeks after submission

Delays may occur due to document errors or a high volume of applications.

This is about the fees and processing times for Indian passport surrender and OCI applications in the USA. Moving further, let's discuss the mistakes to avoid when applying for a renunciation certificate for an OCI application in the USA to ensure timely processing without any delay.

Mistakes to Avoid During Surrender of Indian Passport in the USA for OCI Application

To ensure smooth processing, avoid these common errors:

• Not reading official guidelines before applying
• Delaying the renunciation after foreign citizenship
• Applying for both surrender and OCI at the same time
• Missing the cancellation stamp on your passport
• Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents
• Leaving fields blank in the form or attaching the wrong files

Here are some key points to consider when applying for a surrender certificate for your OCI card in the USA. It provides a smooth application process without any hurdles.

Surrender Your Indian Passport and Apply for OCI Card in USA with Visament

By now, you understand the entire process of how to surrender your Indian passport and apply for an OCI card in the USA. If you’re still unsure about managing it yourself, don’t worry — Visament is here to take the burden off your shoulders.

From filling out forms and uploading documents to booking appointments and tracking your status, we handle everything for you. We also offer a guaranteed pass service, providing you with complete peace of mind.

Contact Visament today and let’s begin your OCI application after Indian passport surrender — the easy and expert way.