What is OCI : Full Form, Eligibility & Benefits Explained

OCI is an immigration status card issued to foreign citizens with Indian roots. The full form of OCI is Overseas Citizenship of India. This card allows Indians with foreign citizenship to visit India as many times as they want without having to apply for a visa.

Indian citizens who have this card are allowed to stay in India for an indefinite period. They are also allowed to work, invest in properties, study, etc. However, OCI must not be misunderstood as Indian citizenship. While you can gain certain rights, you are not allowed to do all things that an Indian citizen can, such as voting in Indian elections.

An OCI card is an excellent way for you to exhibit strong ties with India, without renouncing your foreign citizenship.

While an OCI card is extremely beneficial, there are some restrictions on who can apply for OCI. Here are some eligibility criteria to fulfill.

• Individuals who were Indian citizens on or after January 26, 1950 or who were eligible for Indian citizenship can apply for an OCI card.
• OCI eligibility also requires an Indian to be married to an Indian citizen or to a person who holds an OCI card. If such a marriage is legally valid for at least two years, it makes an individual eligible for an OCI application.
• Minor are eligible to hold an OCI card if their parents are either Indian citizens or hold an OCI card. Minors with a different citizenship are also eligible.
• Those who have previously held an OCI card can apply for it again if they meet the specified criteria.

Benefits of OCI Card

• It gives the holder multiple entries into India without applying for a visa.
• There is no restriction on the period for which you can stay in India.
• An OCI cardholder is allowed to work in most of the sectors. They can work, set up businesses and also practice professions, such as medicine, law, accountancy, etc.
• OCI cardholder benefits also include access to Indian educational institutes, the same as a regular Indian citizen. One can appear for competitive exams, such as NEET, JEE (Mains), JEE (Advanced) and so on.
• The card also allows an individual to own residential and commercial properties.
• As a part of OCI benefits, there is no need to register with the authorities if an OCI cardholder wishes to stay for a long time.

Disadvantages of OCI Card

• OCI cardholders are not eligible to work in government sectors.
• Citizens with OCI cards cannot become members or vote in the Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council of the Indian Parliament.
• An OCI cardholder is not allowed to hold constitutional posts, such as that of the President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme or High Court and so on.
• Just like foreigners, an OCI cardholder requires a Protected Area Permit or Restricted Area Permit if they wish to visit an area falling under the Protected or Restricted Area as per the government’s notification.
• If an OCI cardholder wants to engage in mountaineering or journalism work, they must seek prior permission from the government.

• Fill out the OCI application form from the OCI services website.
• Attach the necessary documents along with the application form, such as foreign citizenship document, Indian origin proof, etc.
• Pay the required fees online.
• Book an appointment at the nearest consulate or embassy to submit the biometrics.
• Your application will be verified by the authorities and upon successful verification, your OCI card will be issued.

Documents Required for OCI Card Application

• Application form for OCI card
• Copy of current passport with a validity of at least 6 months at the time of submission.
• A registered marriage certificate or equivalent proof is required to incorporate the spouse's name on the OCI card.
• Letter from the employer/pay slips/student ID card, etc.
• Address proof, such as utility bills, driving licence copy, etc.

Note: In addition to the above mandatory documents, applicants must submit other documents as specified by the authorities. These documents may vary depending on the OCI category you are applying for.

The Central Government may cancel the OCI card registration of a person under section 7A (1) under the following situations.

• If the OCI registration was obtained by fraud, wrong representation or information or by hiding important facts.
• If a person shows disrespect towards the Indian Constitution in any way.
• If an overseas Indian citizen is found trading or engaging with an enemy country that is engaged in war with India or is carrying out commercial activities to support the enemy country.
• If an OCI card holder under section 7A is sentenced to imprisonment of a minimum of 2 years within 5 years of card registration.
• If the government feels it necessary to protect the integrity and sovereignty of India.

Are you also searching for an answer to the question, "What are the new rules for OCI cardholders?" If so, then let us clarify the situation for you. At present, the government rules state that an individual who has registered for an OCI card before attaining the age of 20 must apply for a re-issue only once when applying for a passport renewal after turning 20 years. However, if someone registers for an OCI card after turning 20 years, there is no need to apply for a renewal.

The erstwhile PIO card, also known as the Person of Indian Origin card, conferred some benefits on citizens of Indian origin. However, these benefits were fewer than those of OCI cardholders. At present, the PIO card has been merged with the OCI.

Thus, all the former PIO cardholders are now automatically considered OCI cardholders. All PIO card holders are required to apply for an OCI card from the OCI services website by choosing the option OCI Registration (in Lieu of Valid PIO Card).

The OCI card provides a simple and effective solution for individuals of Indian origin who want to maintain strong ties with the country. The card saves you from the process of applying for a visa and gives you a smooth entry into the country.

Investing in good travel insurance for OCI card holders is crucial when you go on a journey from India, as it safeguards you against many unpleasant incidents during the trip. TATA AIG international travel insurance gives you coverage for various trip-related situations.

These include baggage loss and delay cover; passport loss reimbursement, coverage for trip cancellation charges, trip curtailment, third-party liability, and a lot more. In addition to this, our travel insurance also provides coverage for medical expenses due to illness or injury overseas.

So, whether you are travelling to America, Canada, Schengen country or any other part of the world, we offer top-notch overseas travel insurance. Experience safe and pleasant journeys with the TATA AIG travel insurance policy.

What Happens To My OCI When I Renew My Passport?

If you renew your passport after you turn 20 years old and your OCI is registered before turning 20, you must apply for a re-issue of the OCI card. However, if your OCI card is registered after you become 20 years old, there is no need for a re-issue while renewing the passport.

What should I do if I lose my OCI card?

If you lose your OCI card, you must report it to the Indian Mission or an equivalent authority at the earliest and apply for a re-issue from the OCI services portal. After providing the necessary documents and paying the fees, you will receive your OCI card.

What are the fees for OCI application?

The application fee for an OCI card from outside India is $275 per applicant. The fee for applying for an OCI card from India is ₹15,000, to be paid by demand draft in favour of “Pay and Accounts Officer (Secretariat), Ministry of Home Affairs”. The demand draft must be payable in New Delhi.

What happens if OCI is not renewed?

If you do not renew the OCI card, you may lose all the benefits that are conferred, including the freedom to visit and stay in India. And if you stay in India while your OCI card needs renewal, you may face severe consequences for staying illegally.

How long does it take for the OCI card to be issued?

In general cases, the time taken for issuing OCI cards is 30 days from the date of receipt of the application, if no adverse information is present against the applicant. However, if any adverse information is found, the application processing and verification may take up to 120 days.

Is there an age limit for applying for the OCI Card?

No, there is no minimum or maximum age limit to apply for an OCI card. All individuals, including minors and senior citizens can apply for an OCI card.