Do you need clarification about what to do if you have lost your OCI card? It can be a very stressful experience for those who need to visit India urgently. This guide will tell you about lost or damaged OCI card replacement services in the USA.
In case of a lost OCI, submit a copy of the complaint filed with the police authorities. In such cases, a person has to apply for OCI Miscellaneous services. But to start with let us learn about what OCI cards are:
OCI or Overseas Citizens of India card makes traveling to India easy for the cardholder. The Indian Government introduced OCI cards for Indians living abroad. They can travel back home anytime without the hassle of international travel.
An OCI cardholder doesn't have to wait in line to get their ID validated. It helps the OCI cardholder to enter and exit India anytime they wish. An OCI card is not a visa and doesn't grant citizenship. However, it serves as a visa. OCI cards are especially for Indian citizens who are residing abroad. Now, the question arises about why having an OCI card is important. Let's talk about that:
An OCI card is important because it offers several benefits to the cardholder such as:
You must be thinking about what to do if you lose your OCI card a few days before your trip. You will panic and get stressed but is that the solution? No. because, unlike an e-visa that can be printed from your mail, an OCI card is physical to increase the chances of misplacing the card. Should you cancel the trip or apply for a new OCI card? Here are some things to consider in case of a lost OCI card:
If you have lost your OCI card then avoid applying for it at short notice before the planned trip. This is because the OCI card may not likely arrive before your trip date. Moreover, applying for a new OCI card is often a lengthy process. So, instead of applying follow the below-mentioned steps:
OCI cards are a form of your identity so first, you must inform the police and file a report as soon as possible. This is for prior safety in case your card is stolen. You would not want your ID to get stolen and used for criminal activities if it falls into the hands of a wrongdoer.
After filing the police report, make sure to keep a copy of the report for reference purposes to use it later.
Based on your location, the authorities may ask you to give an interview to give proof of your claims. They will verify that you have lost/misplaced your OCI card and also that you are not a security risk.
After taking all the above-mentioned steps, you can now apply for a new OCI card. By this time, it will already be mentioned on the records that you no longer have your old OCI. To apply for a new Indian OCI card, you need:
With all these documents you can now apply for a new Indian OCI card online and mail it to the authorities for approval. Once you submit the form, wait patiently for your new card which may take a few months.
We offer OCI, Visa, and Passport application services along with other services. Our team will make sure to get your dreams fulfilled by filling out an error-free application for you.
If you don't have enough time to wait for the new card to be processed and received, there is another option that you can follow.
You can apply for an e-visa as it takes less time to get approved often between 3-5 days. People who have an e-visa can travel to India at short notice. They can also enjoy the same rights as a conventional visa. An e-visa grants smooth entry and exit. Besides, e-visas have different validity periods.
For example, the tourist e-visa has a validity of 30 days, 1 year, and 5 years too. Business e-visas are valid for 1 year and medical treatment visas are valid for 120 days.
With the help of an e-visa, you can visit and stay in India for 30-180 days based on the visa type you have.
Similar to the OCI application, an e-visa application can also be filled out online. However, you need to upload the following documents:
These documents have to be uploaded on the form and submitted for verification after paying the application fee amount. The visa will be sent to you via email if your email address gets approved.
You can apply for a replacement if your Indian OCI card gets lost or damaged. You can apply by:
There are some required documents to be submitted for lost/damaged OCI cards in the USA. Submitting every document in the proper specified format is necessary. Below is a list of the required documents for lost OCI card/damaged OCI card:
These were the required documents for the Indian OCI Card. However, it's advised to verify the checklist on the official website to avoid missing out on any document.
There is an amount that has to be paid as a fee for the replacement of an OCI card in the USA. Every applicant applying for replacement has to pay this fee. The fee amount for replacing an OCI card in the USA is as follows
|
Service |
Fee Amount |
|
For re-issue of OCI cards in place of existing OCI cards |
USD$ 25.00 |
|
For re-issue of OCI cards in place of damaged or lost OCI cards |
USD$ 100.00 |
|
Towards Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) |
USD$ 3.00 |
|
Service charge to the outsourcing agency and fee for any optional service such as shipping label |
USD$ 15.90 |
Visament is the most trusted website among people from across the globe for getting OCI Miscellaneous services in the USA. We aim to make the immigration services easier for you. With a team of experts, we will make sure that your application gets a positive response every time. You must be thinking why to choose Visament?
The OCI card process is complex and can be overwhelming at times. Not only the application process but the list of required documents is also lengthy. To get the OCI status, you have to submit an error-free application and submit every document. Even after focusing a lot, you may end up making mistakes unintentionally. That can be one reason for the denial or rejection of your OCI card application which might not feel good.
Visament's support can help you avoid being in such a situation and face rejection. We can help you simplify the complex OCI card application process. Our team of experts will guide you throughout the process and will assist with everything. From the whole application process, documents, and fees required to apply for an OCI card
Also, we will help you to stay updated by tracking the status of your application. It will help you save time and effort and also get a positive response to your application on the first try. You must not be doubtful when asking for support. Whenever you feel stressed or confused or stuck ask for support. Do not hesitate to contact Visament as your satisfaction is our priority. We are available 24*7 to assist our customers. So, don't think twice contact us whenever you need.
Yes, you are allowed to travel without an oci card. However, you must have a foreign passport with a "U" visa sticker, proof of Indian ancestry, a valid visa, and an e-visa.
No, an OCI card never expires but OCI renewal in the USA is requisite to keep it updated. After turning 20 and after the age of 50 an OCI card has to be renewed.
Yes, an OCI cardholder can get an Aadhaar card if they have been a resident of India for more than 182 days and hold an Indian address.
No, an OCI cardholder is not an NRI as NRI is an Indian citizen residing outside India and oci is a foreign national who has become an overseas citizen of India.
