OCI Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you may have to give an interview to get an OCI card in the UK. If you are applying for an OCI card based on your Indian-origin spouse, you must attend an initial verification interview. The Indian Mission/Post/FRRO will take your interview during the document verification.

One must re-issue an OCI card every time a new passport is issued at the age of 20 and after completing the age of 50. An OCI cardholder has to upload a copy of the new passport that has the photograph of the OCI cardholder. Also, a recent photo on the online system under the OCI Miscellaneous Services.

No, OCI cardholders are not considered as an NRI. An NRI is an Indian citizen who resides abroad and has the same rights as an Indian citizen. On the other hand, an OCI cardholder is a foreign citizen who has limited rights. NRIs don’t need a visa to enter India while OCIs need to carry their OCI card along with their passport.

Yes, OCI cardholders have to get Special permission from the relevant authorities to do certain activities in India. Like, as engaging in research, missionary, mountaineering, or journalism activities, working in foreign diplomatic missions or foreign government organizations in India, or visiting protected, restricted, or prohibited areas.

An OCI (overseas citizen of India) is a lifelong visa to India which means it is valid for life. It allows free travel and stays in India for an indefinite period. However, the OCI card must be re-issued when a new passport is issued before the age of 20 and after the age of 50.

An OCI card provides several benefits such as it is a multipurpose lifelong visa to visit India, the cardholder is exempt from registering with the FRRO or FRO for any duration of stay in India, they can stay in India for an indefinite period, they have parity with NRI in economic, financial and educational fields, etc.

Yes, an OCI card can be used as proof of identity in India. The cardholder can use the OCI card for several reasons. Such as when applying for a PAN card, opening a bank account, making investments in India, owning real estate, etc.

Yes, an OCI cardholder is eligible to get an Aadhar card if they fulfill some criteria. Such as, if they have stayed in India for at least 182 days in the past year and if the revenue officials verify the applicant’s 182-day stay requirement.

Yes, an OCI cardholder entry can be denied into India if they have obtained an OCI through fraud, wrong information, or hiding material facts. The immigration authorities can also deny your entry for security concerns or any other reason even when your OCI card is valid.

Yes, you can travel to India while your OCI application is still under processing until you have a valid visa for the length of your stay. If you want to travel urgently and your OCI application is pending then you can apply for a regular visa to enter India.

To apply for PIO to OCI conversion, you need to apply online at the official OCI website and upload all the required documents> submit a printout of your application with your signature at an authorized center> wait patiently for a confirmation mail.

The PIO (person of Indian origin) card scheme was merged with an OCI (Overseas citizen of India) card scheme on the 9th of January, 2015. It was merged to streamline the residency norms and to make it easier for foreign nationals of Indian origin to travel to India.

Yes, you can track the status of your OCI application online at the official website of OCI services. You can also check your application status on the online portal of VFS Global if you have yourself registered there when you applied.

It takes around 5-6 weeks from the date of registration for the processing of a new OCI card in Chicago and for re-issuing or updating an OCI card, the processing time is usually 6-7 weeks. However, some factors may affect the processing time so it is advised to apply as early as possible.

You can get help with an OCI card in Chicago at the VFS Indian Consular Application Centre, located at 180 N Stetson Avenue, Suite 2075, 20th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601. You can also mail them atoci.chicago@mea.gov.in to ask specific queries.

Anyone who is a resident of the consular jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Indian in Chicago and who fulfills the eligibility criteria can apply for an OCI card in Chicago. It includes residents of Lowa, Michigan, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

The cost of an OCI application in Chicago is $275, along with the service charge and a contribution to the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF). The government fee for an OCI application is $275 per applicant, service charge is $15. 90 and the contribution to ICWF is $3.

You can get an OCI card in Chicago by filling out an online application form, collecting the required documents, scheduling an appointment, paying the required amount of fees, and attending your appointment at the VFS Centre.

Yes, you can apply for an OCI for your child in Los Angeles. You can apply for an OCI card for minors in Los Angeles through the VFS Global website. The child has to meet some eligibility requirements to apply for an OCI card.

The normal processing time for a new OCI card application in Los Angeles is around 5-6 weeks. For re-issuance or updating an OCI card, it takes approximately 6-7 weeks. The time frame is based on the date you register your application at the consulate.