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Generally, an ECNR passport is considered better than an ECR passport because they provide fast check-ins, freedom, and are convenient, as you do not have to go through the emigration checks.
The OCI card application fee in the USA is $275 per applicant. This cost includes a $275 consular fee, a $3 Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) cost, a $15.90 VFS Global service fee, and optional fees for SMS, courier, and other services.
Yes, an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) can buy commercial and residential property in India. However, they do not have the authority to buy plantation property like farmhouses, or agricultural land in India.
Yes, you can travel to India from the US while waiting for your OCI card. However, during this, you need to apply for a regular Indian visa to enter the nation. In this case, you cannot use your pending OCI application until it is approved or you get your OCI card.
No, typically there is no requirement for a standard interview for an OCI card application in the USA. However, in specific cases like filling application under the category of the foreign spouse, a personal interview with the applicant and his/her partner might be important at the Indian embassy/consulate.
The OCI renewal in the UK generally takes 5-6 weeks to process after the submission of the application. However, the given OCI card processing time may vary depending on the circumstances of the individual, the requirement of additional documents, especially for spouses of foreign countries.
Yes, you can travel to India while your OCI application is in process, but for this, you need to apply for an appropriate Indian visa. In case you already have an OCI card and are waiting for its update, you can use it and your passport to visit India.
The OCI application based on the adverse information and the foreign spouse takes longer to process in the UK, compared to standard OCI applications. The processing time of a standard OCI application is typically 5-6 weeks. However, these applications may face delays due to the requirement for additional investigations and checks.
Yes, the OCI application of minors takes more time to process than that of adults because of the requirement for additional information. Generally, the OCI application of minors takes 30 days if there are no issues. However, it may take 120 days to process if any adverse detail is found.
No, you cannot speed up your OCI application processing time in the UK. The standard OCI application process time is typically 5-6 weeks from the application submission date. While delays may happen in the application but there is no way you can fast-track the standard OCI processing time.
Yes, police verification is required for OCI card applications, specifically for citizens of a foreign country who are applying for the OCI card. One can obtain the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or the local police in the applicant's residence place in India.
The spouse OCI application takes longer to process in the UK because of the mandatory interview conducted by the Indian Post/Mission/FRRO to verify the documents and assess the suitability of the applicant. In addition to this, on the online system, the OCI applications are acknowledged only after the determination of suitability and interview.
Yes, delays can happen even if you submitted all the OCI documents correctly. It may happen as there are other factors as well that impact the processing time, such as increased volume of OCI applications, high workload, verification process, and individual circumstances.
Yes, you can apply online or via courier by submitting a passport, visa, overseas address proof, and PAN (if applicable) to Indian banks. Some banks offer video KYC for remote verification.
NRI bank account opened by an Indian citizen who lives outside of India and it is authorized by the Reserve Bank of India
Top banks offering NRI accounts include SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, and Kotak Mahindra. The best choice depends on interest rates, remittance services, and online banking facilities.
Yes, most Indian banks allow NRIs to open accounts online by filling out a digital form and uploading documents. Some require physical verification or notarized copies.
Income tax act says that NRIs have been staying in India for less than 182 days in the financial year or if they've been in India for less than 60 days during the previous year and 365 days.
Indian residents and foreign citizens without Indian heritage cannot open an NRI account. OCI and PIO cardholders are eligible.
Minimum balances vary by bank, typically ₹10,000–₹25,000. Some banks offer zero-balance NRI accounts for premium customers.
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