OCI Frequently Asked Questions

For OCI services, you need to wait for at least 30-45 days which will depend on the documents and information that you have filled in the OCI card miscellaneous services application.

If you have filled out any OCI miscellaneous Service then you can submit your application to your nearby VFS application center.

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.

You can get help with the OCI card in Los Angeles from VFS Global or the Consulate General of India in San Francisco. You can also connect with immigration assistance providers like Visament. They can assist you with the whole process by guiding you at every step and making the application process easier.

You can apply for an OCI card in Los Angeles if you are a foreign citizen or held an Indian passport previously. If you are a minor whose either one or both parents are an Indian citizen or an OCI cardholder, or if you have been married to an Indian citizen or OCI cardholder for at least two years then you can apply for an OCI card in Los Angeles.

The cost of an OCI application in Los Angeles is $275 per applicant along with the service charges. It includes $3 per application for the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), and $15.90 per application as a fee for VFS Global service.

To get an OCI card in Los Angeles, you can fill out the application form online at the OCI website. After that, you need to collect some required documents, schedule an appointment at a VFS application center, and attend your appointment at the scheduled date and time.