What Is An Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)?

OCI stands for Overseas Citizenship of India. It acts like a unique pass for people who live in other countries but have Indian roots. An OCI card allows them to live, and work in India without applying for a visa every time they visit. A person can stay in India as long as they want with an OCI card. Keep reading to learn more about Overseas Citizenship of India or an OCI card.

What Is An OCI Card?

The Indian Government launched the OCI card in the year 2005. The OCI card was presented under the Citizenship Amendment Act of 2005. It was launched for Indians who were residing overseas and wanted dual citizenship. Since India didn't have the option of dual citizenship they introduced the OCI card.

(OCI) is an immigration status that permits a foreign citizen of Indian origin to live and work in India. There are no limits on how many times you can enter and exit the country. However, remember that an OCI card is not the same as having Indian citizenship. Although it gives you the right to own property and work here, it doesn't allow you to cast a vote in Indian elections. Also, it doesn't permit you to do certain government jobs. It is favorable if you wish to maintain strong ties with India without leaving your current nationality.

The Indian Constitution doesn't allow an Indian citizen to have dual citizenship. The best alternative for this is the OCI card for NRIs residing overseas. Keep in mind that there is a huge difference between NRI and OCI cards.

What Are The Eligibility for OCI?

There are some eligibility needs that an individual has to fulfill to get the OCI status. The following are the eligibility requirements for an OCI:

• If you were a citizen of India on or post-January 26, 1950 or you were eligible to get Indian citizenship at that time. Then you and your descendants are eligible to apply for the OCI status.
• If you are married to an Indian citizen or someone who already has an OCI card. You can apply for an OCI card if your marriage has been valid legally for at least 2 years.
• If your child is a minor and you/your spouse are either Indian citizens or OCI cardholders. Your child is eligible for the OCI status even if they have a different citizenship.
• If you ever held an Indian citizenship but gave it up later. You can still apply for an OCI card by proving that you meet certain requirements.

What Are The Benefits of OCI?

There are a lot of benefits to having an OCI card. One must fulfill the eligibility requirements to avail of these benefits. These are the advantages of OCI card in India:

• NRIs get equal opportunities for intercountry adoption.
• It gives a person multiple entries and a lifelong visa for visiting India.
• OCI cardholders don't have to register with the authorities for long-term stays.
• Equal entry fees for national parks and wildlife sanctuaries like an Indian national.
• You can have access to Indian educational institutions equivalent to an Indian citizen.
• Offers the same domestic airfare charges to cardholders similar to an Indian resident.
• OCI cardholders can travel to India whenever they want without the need to apply for a visa each time.
• The cardholder is permitted to work in most of the sectors. However, government positions are restricted.
• Having an OCI card can help you in owning a residential or commercial property in India. However, agricultural lands are an exception.

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What Are The Documents Required For An OCI Card?

An individual has to submit some required documents to apply for an OCI card. These are the documents required for OCI card application:

• Evidence of current citizenship
• Filled out and signed the application form
• A recent passport-sized photograph of the applicant
• Thumb impression and signature of the applicant for biometric data.
• Proof as a spouse of foreign origin of an Indian citizen or an OCI cardholder.
• Documents to prove self, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents Indian citizenship.
• If applied for OCI status based on their Indian origin. Provide proof of relationship as a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent.

How To Apply For An OCI?

Step 1: Filling out the Online Application Form

Fill out the application form provided on the OCI website.

Step 2: Submitting the Documents

Submit the necessary documents like your valid passport and proof of Indian origin.

Step 3: Handle the Fees

Pay the necessary amount for fees online.

Step 4: Collecting Biometric Data

Go and visit any nearest Indian consulate to submit your biometric data.

Step 5: Application Processing

After the successful processing of your application, your OCI card will be issued.

To Sum Up

There is a set fee that is chargeable when you apply for an OCI card in India. An OCI provides an easy solution for maintaining ties with India even after being an NRI. Get help from an expert for the OCI application process to get a quick and positive response. Websites like Visament help in making the OCI application process easier and hassle-free.