-
Application form, procedure, documentation and FAQs for acquiring OCI may be found on MHA’s website: https://ociservices.gov.in/.
-
There is no requirement of re-issuance of an OCI card each time a new passport is issued to a foreigner up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age. OCI cardholder is required to get the OCI card re-issued only once when a new passport is issued after completing 20 years of age.
-
OCI cardholder is required to upload ONLINE a copy of the new passport and a latest photo each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age. The uploading of these documents may be done within three months of receipt of the new passport. The service will be provided on Gratis basis.
-
Foreign Spouse of an Indian Citizen or spouse of foreign origin of an OCI cardholder are required to upload a copy of the new passport and also a latest photo ONLINE each time a new passport is issued along with a declaration on subsisting of marriage, copy of the Indian passport of the Indian spouse/passport & OCI card of the OCI cardholder’s spouse.
-
Timeline for re-issuance of OCI card in r/o OCI cardholders who may be required to get their OCI card re-issued has been extended till 31 December, 2021.
-
Following are the benefits for OCI Cardholders:
-
Multi-purpose, multiple entries, lifelong visa for visiting India.
-
Exemption from registration with Foreigners Regional Registration Officer/Foreigners Registration Officer for any length of stay in India.
-
Parity with NRIs in respect of all facilities to the latter in economic, financial and educational fields except in matters relating to the acquisition of agricultural/plantation properties.
-
Such registered OCIs shall not be entitled to the rights conferred on a citizen of India under article 16 of the Constitution with regard to equality of opportunity in matters of public employment, election to Constitutional offices like President/Vice President/Judges of Supreme Court or High Courts/Members of Parliament or Legislative Assembly/Council or right to vote under Representation of the People Act, 1950.
-
OCI cardholders are required to obtain Special Permission from concerned authorities to undertake certain activities in India such as Research work, Missionary/Tabligh activities, Mountaineering, Journalism, Internship/Employment in any Foreign Diplomatic Mission/Government Institution in India or visiting protected/restricted area in India.
-
In order to make it convenient to such OCI cardholders, a separate sub-portal under the name “Apply for Special Permission (Only for OCI cardholders)” has been created in the Online OCI webportal at https://ociservices.gov.in/welcome . The online application can be filled and submitted through this link according to the instructions mentioned therein about procedure and documentation
