OCI stands for Overseas Citizenship of India. It is for foreign nationals of Indian origin. An OCI card allows them to live and work in India for as long as they want. There is a need for OCI renewal in the USA but do you know why?
In this article, we will learn about why the renewal process for an OCI card is requisite. An OCI card was introduced in 2005 and is proof of identification. PIO to OCI conversion was requisite because PIO lacked several features than OCI.
The OCI status serves as equal to dual citizenship provided by the Indian government. Overseas Citizen of India offers several benefits. It includes a lifelong visa, visa exemption, privileges like an NRI, etc.
OCI is a type of immigration status granted to foreign nationals of Indian origin. Since the Indian constitution doesn't allow dual citizenship. An OCI status is the closest to having dual citizenship.
It not only allows the OCI cardholder but also their spouse to live and work in India. An OCI cardholder can even buy property in India except agricultural land.
OCI acts as a tie for people of Indian origin to their native land. It also makes traveling easy for them and gives them access to a lot of services in India.
An OCI card proves that you are a foreign national of Indian origin. It shows that you have a permit to live and work in India. According to the Indian Home Ministry, you can apply for an OCI card if:
You need to fulfill at least one of the above-mentioned requirements to apply for an OCI card. You cannot apply if your parents are a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh.
You need to apply for renunciation of Indian citizenship before you apply for an OCI card. It is because India doesn't allow dual citizenship. So, if you hold an Indian passport make sure to surrender it first.
You can avail of these benefits with Overseas Citizen of India card:
Have you acquired foreign nationality or do you no longer require an Indian passport? We make the surrender procedure quick and simple. Our skilled team will manage everything for you, assuring a seamless and error-free experience.
As we discussed, the OCI card has a lifelong validity which means you don't have to re-apply for it. However, to keep it updated the OCI registration certificate and visa have to be re-issued.
You should apply for renewal of an OCI card in the following cases:
OCI cardholders who are under the age of 20 have to renew their card. They should renew each time they apply for a new passport within a specific time frame. Also, they have to pay the applicable fees.
When you turn 50, you have to renew your OCI card and re-issue your visa. People between the ages of 21 and 50 don't have to get their cards re-issued as it is not mandatory for them.
Likewise, after the age of 50, you don't have to renew your card each time you get a new passport.
You can show your old passport which has the OCI 'U' visa stamp with your new passport and it will get accepted.
In case your old passport expires you can still travel to India. You have to take your expired passport, OCI card, and your new valid passport.
Whenever you get any new document that affects your old passport. You have to re-apply for OCI registration and get a new OCI visa with having 'U' stamp on it.
Applicable fees may apply. Once you get your new visa, you don't have to take your old passport with you.
There can be other reasons as well for renewal or re-issuance of an OCI card. For example, changes in personal details like marital status, nationality, name change, etc.
Re-issuance is important to keep the information updated. Since an OCI card acts as proof of identification during international travel.
An OCI card has to be re-applied or re-issued because of several reasons. The renewal process for an OCI card is simple but requires extra attention to some details.
The applicants should fill out the application forms. They have to share their current personal details. Also, they have to provide details of their existing OCI and passport.
You can get access to the forms from the official OCI website and can submit them in person or online. You can visit any nearest Indian embassy or consulate to submit the form in person.
The application process involves verifying the current details. It also includes updating any new information. They will verify if you have provided all the required documents in the correct order.
You have to re-issue an OCI Card, if there is any change in personal details. Also, when you apply for a new passport at the age of 20 or the age of 50.
Re-issuance is to make sure that your OCI card has the most up-to-date information. It keeps the OCI card in the USA as a valid form of identity.
Both the re-issuance process and renewal process are the same. However, when you re-issue an OCI Card you may have to submit some extra documents to support the changes.
The documents required to renew an OCI card are as follows:
Make sure to submit readable and clear copies of the documents. It will help you in avoiding any kind of delay in the processing. You may also have to submit some extra documents according to the latest guidelines.
The Indian Government has eased the process for OCI renewal in the USA. They provided an online application process to make the renewal of an OCI card easier.
Applicants can fill out the forms, upload the documents, and pay the fees online. They can complete the whole application process using the official online portal.
This way the process became more convenient and easy for applicants around the globe. It also allows the applicants to track the updates about the status of their application. Meaning that it provides extra transparency and clarity to the application process.
The processing time for OCI card renewal and re-issuance varies based on some factors. It can vary as per the volume of applications and the specific situation of the applicant.
Fees for the application will also vary depending on some situations. So, it is a good idea to check the official website to be aware of any latest information. You can also connect with the Indian embassy or consulate to get more information.
Applicants need to be aware of the processing time. They should plan according to that if they have any trip planned.
Even after focusing a lot, you may end up making silly mistakes. Common mistakes include adding incorrect information, submitting outdated documents, etc.
Failing to pay the applicable fee is also a mistake to avoid. Applicants must check all the details twice before submitting it further. You can follow the instructions mentioned on the official website.
This way you will be able to experience a smooth application process. Also, make sure to apply for re-issuance or renewal in advance. It will help you to avoid any last-minute hassle which could affect your travel plans.
No matter how much you focus, you may end up making some silly mistakes. The application process can be stressful and if you make any mistake then it may even get rejected. If it happens they will have to start the whole process from the beginning. Being in such a situation can be overwhelming for the applicants.
To avoid that you can ask for some support. There are websites such as Visament that can assist you with this stressful process.
Visament is one of the most trusted websites. They have a proper team who can guide and help you throughout the application process. They will make sure that your application gets approved on the first attempt itself. Not only with providing Online OCI Services in USA they can help you with more services. Such as Police Clearance Certificate Help, Re-issuance of OCI Cards, etc.
OCI Renewal in the USA is important to keep your OCI card valid and updated. Renewal and re-issuance is a necessary process to keep enjoying the rights in India. You should start the renewal process in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Keep yourself informed about any new and latest information. You can ask your queries using your reference number. In the end, you will be able to be in your ancestral homeland. Also, you will get to avail of benefits as an Indian citizen.
