Common Frequently Asked Questions

Any person who is a citizen of India but has renounced their Indian citizenship and has obtained foreign citizenship can apply for the OCI card, a minor child whose parents are of Indian origin or have an OCI card, the spouse of a foreign citizen of Indian citizenship, or any person whose grandparents, great-grandparents, and parents are from India and are citizens of India.

The processing time to get your OCI card in Ontario is generally 6-7 weeks. However, it depends on the application details. If there are no errors in the OCI application, you will get your OCI card on time. If there are errors or missing documents, or if you filed your application late, your OCI card may be delayed or, in some cases, rejected.

For your OCI card, you will need at least 2 passport-size digital photos, each 2x2 inches, with a light background and a clear face.

Yes, you need to send your valid foreign passport to apply for an OCI card in Ontario. If you are a former Indian citizen in that condition, you also need to provide a copy of your canceled Indian passport and proof of surrender with it.

To be eligible for the OCI card in Sydney, you need to be a former Indian citizen or your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents should be of Indian origin.

Usually, the processing time for the OCI cards in Sydney is around 4 to 6 weeks. In some specific cases, this time can also be longer.

For OCI card applications, you require two physical photographs and one digital photograph.

The fastest way to get permanent residency in Australia is through the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189). It does not require state or employer sponsorship.

Yes, there is a renewal process for OCI cards, but it depends on the age of the cardholder and passport. Those aged below 20 and over 50 have to renew their OCI cards each time they get a new passport. It is not a mandatory condition for individuals of different ages.

If we talk about the standard application in which all the documents are submitted and the police verification is clear, then it will take around 3 to 4 business days for VFS to return a passport.

It takes around 6 to 8 weeks to get a new OCI card in Melbourne, Australia. The processing time can vary for some specific cases.

You can submit your OCI application via post to the Indian Consular Application Centre in Melbourne and the VFS Global Center there.

The validity of an OCI card is for a lifetime. It needs to be renewed each time you get a new passport until the age of 20 and after the age of 50. For the age group of 21 to 49, it is not mandatory to get your OCI passport renewed.

For minors, the OCI application process is also the same. Apply through the official government website, submit the documents, and pay the required fee. In addition to this, parents have to submit a signed and notarized application to a VFS Global Center.

You need to complete the OCI Miscellaneous Services application form and pay the applicable fee. The supporting documents will be the same as the OCI card application; you just have to add a copy of the police report (for lost cards) and your damaged OCI card (for damaged ones).

To apply for an OCI card, you need to visit the Indian Consular Application Centre or VFS Global Center. You can also apply online through their official portals or use service providers like Visament for expert guidance.

No, you don't need to register with the FRRO/FRO for the OCI application. However, for any change in their permanent resident status or employment, they need to report to the FRRO/ FRO for the OCI registration.

If your OCI passport expires, then you need to go to the official OCI services website and go to the OCI miscellaneous section, and apply for the OCI card reissue. Then, you need to upload a new passport copy with your recent photo and submit the application, and then you will get your new OCI card with your updated passport.

No, you don't need to renew the  OCI card every 5 years. You only need to renew your OCI card when you need to change any details in the OCI card or when you are at the age of 20 years, and the rule for every OCI cardholder to renew their OCI card has now been discontinued.

To obtain an OCI card, you will need to wait approximately 5-6 weeks for the processing and delivery of your OCI card in Leicester, UK.