About 37.72 lakh OCI cards have been issued by the Government of India as of March 2021.[47]. The Emblem of India is emblazoned in the centre of the front cover. [13], Dutch nationals of Surinamese origin up to the sixth generation whose forefathers came from India in the 19th century will be eligible for applying for an OCI card. Hello Mam! [37] All currently held PIO cards are treated as OCI cards. I applied for my OCI in 2010 while I was 4 months short of 50 years of age and got it. Answer. Parity with Indian citizens for domestic airfares and admission fees for national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, national monuments, historical sites, and museums. No need to renew the OCI card up to 20 years of age. Not that easy! The note bearing page is typically stamped and signed by the issuing authority. document.onclick=reEnable 2 passport size photographs (2x2, white background). A community college graduate in USA can do a better and more efficient job than these crooked bureaucrats. PIO holders must apply to convert their existing cards into OCI cards. I guess they have not seen the fu. nav: true, You can also carry your old passports. Visitors: 26020509 | If there are any errors in the existing OCI card. 2023 IndianEagle LLC. [4], The OCI program was launched during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention held in Hyderabad on 9 January 2006.[5][6]. [18] However, starting from 4 March 2021, OCI holders living in India need to register with the FRRO upon every change of their permanent home address or occupation. She has OCI card, but her Passport is new. Both of you can travel to India. Usually, applicants are able to submit a certificate of residence or place of birth of self/parents/grandparents from First Class Magistrate/District Magistrate (DM) of the concerned place. No need for Apostille or attestation. Is it mandatory to get attested from CGI Toronto after obtaining an Apostille ? $(document).ready(function(){ The rules are relaxed until December 31, 2021 for the entry of OCI cardholders into India with the old passport with the OCI number and the new passport. For example, both parents are on an H1/H4 visa or on a Green card in . Agree it took me almost 3 days with daily 4 hours and also online help from collogue daily of an hour and half and finally able to submit my new US passport information as well as my passport picture & my signature sign on OCI miscellaneous service cause i already have OCI card issued me in 2011 when I was 53-year-old so I just need to upload my new USA Passport, i believe thats all. All rights reserved. }); if (document.layers) We made two copies of all of the below documents. In checklist it says endorsed birth certificate. Anyone find out what the correct procedure is for an OCI application for a minor with US Birth Certificate? is a spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an Overseas Citizen of India holder registered under section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955 and whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for a continuous period of not less than two years immediately preceding the presentation of the application. Since they are exempted from registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) on their arrival in the country and can stay or live in India for as long as they wish, OCI holders can travel at very short notice and take up assignments in India, while others could get caught up in bureaucratic delays over their employment visa. I applied for the OCI card in New York. They in fact asked us to shred / surrender Indian passport when I got US passport after which I got my OCI. Please drop us an email at inf.london@mea,gov.in with the applicant's full name, DOB, Passport number, OCI file acknowledgement number to know the status. Hopefully you will have had your OCI by now. Re-issuance of OCI is mandatory every timepassportis renewed up to the age of 20 years, andonce on acquiring a newpassport, after completing 50 years of age, in view of frequent biological changes in facial features in this age group. Your File-number is such & such for all future reference. Foreign spouse of an Indian citizen or spouse of foreign origin of an OCI cardholder is required to upload a copy of the new passport and a recent 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 and OCI card of the OCI cardholder spouse. Privileges of OCI holders depends on the government policy of the day, and there are instances where they are denied additional rights and conveniences afforded to full Indian citizens including citizen NRIs: Most overseas countries such as United States do not recognize the OCI as citizenship of another country. Not sure how you are supposed to find out. for example: my passport doesnt expire until next year but I am planning on going to india end of this year. The predecessor to the OCI was the Persons of Indian Origin Card (PIO card). 26.01.1950 or was a citizen of India on or at anytime after 26.01.1950 or belonged to a territory thatbecame p art of India after 15.08.1947 and his/her children and grand children, is eligible for registration as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). Both are Canadian seniors. I did not see or noticed the press release. But they have to carry their old passport which their OCI card was issued on, in order to prove the card validity. The oci card claims parity with nri but they simply wrote off all the money and most nri did not complain. Users can get information on the OCI eligibility criteria, application forms, procedure, benefits of OCI, application fees, downloadable certificate, OCI miscellaneous services, etc. All Rights Reserved. This relaxation is extended through December 31, 2022. Uploading documents will be provided on gratis basis to the OCI holders. OCI Application Form: In case of Minor any one parent may sign the form and notarize it before submission. Equivalency certificate of academic qualification, Advisory/Information for students desirous of pursuing medical studies abroad, SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME FOR DIASPORA CHILDREN [SPDC] FOR HIGHER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN INDIA, GUIDELINES FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2022-23, How to address issues related to Marriages of Indian nationals to Overseas Indians, Procedure for sending/ forwarding Court Order/ Summons, Legal and other provisions in foreign countries on Indian women cheated/abandoned/abused by Overseas Indian Spouses, https://services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-oci-services. OCI Cards of Parents ( If they have) 8.If married: a) Spouse's passport. I have an emergency to go to India and not sure if I need visa since I do not have a renewed OCI (above age 50 rule)? The words ' ' (Hindi) and 'Republic of India' (English) are inscribed above the emblem, and the words ' ' (Hindi) and 'Overseas Citizen of India Card' (English) are inscribed below the emblem. I have a burning question regarding the new rules of OCI card holder as well as Visa policy to visit India ok. Most people then prefer using visa for India visit. function defeatIE() {if (document.all) {(message);return false;}} How can I apply for Nativity Certificate? Parity with foreign nationals for any other field not mentioned in 3 and 4. The Indian Immigration Authorities will continue to consider valid PIO Cards for entry/exit into/from India till31-12-2021along with foreign passport. OCI cards issued between 9 January 2015 and 14 April 2021 are identical to the 15 April 2021 ones, except that the words ' ' (Hindi) and 'Overseas Citizen of India Card' (English) are inscribed above the emblem, and the words ' ' (Hindi) and 'Republic of India' (English) are inscribed below the emblem. Applications for OCI can only be made online at ociservices.gov.in. Hi Richard! I have OCI card (lifelong visa on old PP) and just turned 51 with renewed US passport. If I am applying for New OCI card now then when I have to renew my OCI card. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU PRINT THIS DOCUMENT, COMPLETE IT AND INCLUDE IT IN YOUR APPLICATION AS THE COVER PAGE. Do they know the meaning of lifelong. {document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);document.onmousedown=defeatNS;} document.onmousedown=killCopy I will turn 50 year on May 16. However, if an OCI cardholder joins foreign Military/Police service, he/she must renounce the OCI card to the nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate or to the jurisdictional FRRO, if the OCI cardholder is in India. It also shares updates from US-India airlines. Will I be able to travel to India without the renewed OCI on my new passport?I will be taking both my old and new passport and the OCI card with me. The OCI document is a passport-like document, even though it is not a passport. Parity with Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in respect of economic, financial and educational fields, except in relation to acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties. There is no need to re-issue OCI. We always travelled with the old and new passports to avoid any issues. Hi Behlah! Only email I have received says Thank you for completing Part-B of OCI- Application on 18/Nov/2021 01:48 IST. People in India travel far more and are harassed by other high commission and embassies more often. In one case this restriction has been overturned by a state high court. She was not 20 when the new passport was issued in 2016. Hi, I got my OCI at the age of 60. Very good. NEW OCI Checklist - For ADULT (US NATIONAL BY BIRTH) Applicant's Name Passport no. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. for all enquiries:(202) 939-7000 Indian-origin Foreign Citizens Must Ensure New Criteria of OCI Card Validity before They Visit India. In the case of spouse of an OCI holder, a copy of the present valid passport of the spouse and copy of the OCI card of the spouse and copies of the documents upon which the OCI card was issued to the spouse. } Thanks for sharing this information. Follow the rules of OCI renewal and get your OCI renewed soon(before June 2021). Proof of Indian Origin for OCI Application When submitting OCI application, proof of Indian origin is required. Thank you so much in advance. [35] Ultimately this was implemented as:[36]. I had renewed my passport when I was 49. The time taken for issue of OCI Card is minimum 4-6 weeks, delay beyond the specific time frame cannot be ruled out owing to certain technical reasons. We have to wait out on the pavement of the outsourced office and the entire process is so difficult. If you got your OCI for the first time after you have had a foreign passport after the age of 20, or after having a foreign passport renewed after your 20th birthday, that OCI is a permanent document as of current government of India rules. In case the OCI card holder is the spouse of an Indian citizen, copy of the Indian passport of the Indian spouse. I renewed my US passport in 2019. do I need to get my OCI renewed? All applicants are advised to book their travel plan only after obtaining the OCI. Please be advised to check with the consulate/embassy for a more definite answer to your satisfaction. You will be required to get your OCI card reissued only when you renew your passport. Required fields are marked *. 1.US passport Also minors below 5 years a thumb impression is required. Page last updated on: 30-06-2023, Former High Commissioners of India to the United Kingdom, Former Deputy High Commissioners of India to the United Kingdom, Book online appointments for Passport/OCI/Consular Services, Consular Camp to be held at Archana 53 Dublin Road Belfast BT2 7HE on Saturday 10th June 2023, General information related to Indian Passport, List of Documents needed for Passport Renewal, Public Notice - Minimum Time period for Visa/ Ppt/ Other Consular Services, Visa for Diplomatic/Official/UN passports, Advisory for Indian citizens in the UK and those intending to visit the UK, Guidelines for Applicants for Registering Grievance, Scheme for giving Legal / Financial assistance to Indian women deserted by their overseas Indian / Foreigner husbands, Online Educational Programs offered by MANAGE, Hyderabad, List of ICCR Regional Offices for students visiting India, National Pension System for Non Resident Indians, Journalist Visas/Documentary Filming in India, https://www.vfsglobal.com/india/uk/OCI.html. Hi Mercy! they do not have the right to any public services (government jobs). Her pp also expires in 2027. US$15.90 payable as service charge to the Outsourcing Agency, and. In case of Minor any one parent may sign the form and notarize it before submission. If there is change in name for whatever reasons, including change in name after marriage. The various benefits available to a PIO holders were: Earlier, PIO holders needed to register with the appropriate FRRO if they were planning to stay in India for more than 180 days. The OCI card is available to people of Indian origin who have been granted citizenship in another country. Thanks for Sharing such a great post. The conditions for issuing a PIO card to a person were:[39]. Well, this is what we get for their intelligence! The OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card is a travel document that allows holders to have multiple-entry, long-term visas to visit India.It essentially functions as a lifelong visa, meaning that cardholders do not need to apply for a new visa each time they want to visit the country. What are Hand-baggage Only Fares for British Airways and Delta Airlines Flights? The British Home Office has confirmed that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's perspective on OCI status is that it is not a navigation: true, So we enter Mumbai twice. if (e.which==2||e.which==3) {(message);return false;}}} In addition, the OCI card is only valid with a valid foreign passport. They did not offer any help watched me cry, offloaded my luggage and never warned me that my return ticket will not be valid for me to come back to the states. OCI Cards of Parents ( If they have), b) Spouses valid status (if not a US citizen), Processing Time: 2-3 months (may be more), VisaCare Service Charges: $150 per application (If remote service, $250). I am an avid fan of PM Modi ji, but surely lost confidence of his government services especially for NRI, who have always welcome him in USA with Love, Vigor, Enthusiasm & respect. Iam 55. India has still long way to go..! Users can get information on the OCI eligibility criteria, application forms, procedure, benefits of OCI, application fees, downloadable certificate, OCI miscellaneous services, etc. OCI holders must always possess a valid foreign passport throughout their stay in India. Friends, this is our Proud Indian Policies. I need to apply for OCI for my US Citizen Child at CGI Toronto. Hi Pinki! Similar exercise may be done in case of change in address or occupation. For an applicant who is 50 years of age or older, a copy of the current passport and current passport-sized photo must be re-uploaded onto the OCI online portal the first time a new passport is issued after age 50. regarding the new OCI rules, I understand that if I am over 50 I need to renew my OCI but Is it only when I renew my passport? Those above 20 years of age are exempted from ensuring this criterion of validity. Please drop us an email at inf.london@mea,gov.inwith the applicants full name, DOB, Passport number, OCI file acknowledgement number to know the status. 4. Effective 1 January 2024, PIO holders' entry to India will be refused. We are travelling to Mumbai first and then to Dubai returning to Mumbai. Applying for OCI Card. Do we need to post Physical copies as well? On 9 January 2015, the Person of Indian Origin Card scheme was withdrawn by the Government of India and was merged with the Overseas Citizen of India card scheme. Thank you. 03-03-2013, 03:48 PM Hi, Indian origin, Recently became US citizens - both, the parents and the child. Whats the process. Those above 20 years of age are exempted from ensuring this criterion of validity. I know it is very long post, but I hope someone here can comment on it, help me and likewise others who may be having same issue. 4. navText:["",""], b) Spouse's valid status (if not a US citizen) c) Marriage Certificate. Before 9 January 2015, travelers holding an OCI card were required to carry the passport which contained the lifelong "U" visa stamp while traveling to India. That may be helping to fill the gap in inefficiency in running government business. My OCI card at that time was linked with my USA passport ( it says: U Life Long Visa Multiple Entries) that expired on June 2021 and I received my new passport in Sept 2021. I am travelling to India end of March. They are taking immediate action regarding renewal of OCI card. Exemption from registration with local police authority for any length of stay in India. 5. If you want to go to India and spend the rest of your life there then youll have to get OCI. Your email address will not be published. Get access to various services for Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) provided by Bureau of Immigration (BOI), Ministry of Home Affairs. YOU NEED TO MAIL THIS CHECKLIST AND OTHER DOCUMENTS WITH YOUR APPLICATION. I have oci on my British passport, but now I just became us citizen,i know i have to transfer oci to my new passport but I do not have time to,because iam flying out in a week. Applying for Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) If you are eligible for and interested in getting the Overseas Citizenship of India, you can apply for it only through ociservices.gov.in. Exemption from the requirement of registration if stay in India does not exceed six months. 1 OCI Online Application - Part A and Part B . Hope you have all the documents. You are a savior !! (Next to Patidar Supermarket and Mithaas). My advise please do carry your old passport with the new passport and do not fly Emirates!! Now My old USA passport expired in 3/2021 and I received the new USA Passport in 8/2021. Is it ok? Parents Current (US) Passports and Marriage Certificate whats the point of getting it then for children below 20. its much easier getting the e-visa. Looking to apply for OCI for the child. a minor child of a person mentioned in the criteria 1 through 4 above. Actually they do not stamp any visa on the passport. My US passport will expire in 2030. Thanks to all who bother to read review and reply to it. To the other comments from Overseas nationals who were once upon a time Indian citizens and no complain, they should stop moaning. What a waste of time, energy and headache! In case the OCI card holder is the spouse of an OCI card holder, passport & OCI card of the OCI card holder spouse. Those above 50 years of age are required to get their OCI cards reissued only once when their passport is renewed after they turn 50. This is crazy. (1) WHEN TO APPLY FOR RE-ISSUE OF OCI CARD: If the OCI cardholder acquired OCI card before attaining the age of 20 years and has obtained new passport after attaining the age of 20 years. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has mandated that international travel documents should be machine readable with effect from 1st October, 2018. It is designed and developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC), Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India. The service will be gratis. autoplay: true, Fortunately, I live close to the Airport and was able to ask my wife to bring the old passport. Users can apply for new OCI registration, issuance or re-issuance of duplicate OCI, check status of OCI card application and re-print submitted OCI application. Applicants may refer to, Embassy of India, Washington, DC Jurisdiction, Discontinuation of walk-in consular services, Visa for Diplomatic/Official and Laissez-Passer Passport Holders, Global Entry Program (GEP) For Indian Nationals, Emergency Travel Document (Emergency Certificate-EC), Journalist Visas/Documentary Filming in India, Indian Council For Cultural Relations (ICCR), Fulbright-Nehru Visiting Chair Program Host Institution Project Proposal. No issues with the child's regular US birth certificate, Submit a copy with the OCI application. The Nativity Certificate is to be applied in India with the concerned District Magistrate/District Collector where applicant, applicants either parent or either grandparent were born or resided. $(".footer-carousel").owlCarousel({ But US Embassy doesn't provide this service. This requirement is relaxed only till December 31, 2022. If OCI references the OLD Passport, Carry OLD passport and New Passport+OCI. The FRRO used to issue a "Residential Permit For PIO" which was typically valid till the expiry of the PIO holder's passport. The OCI card is good for you. The OCI card or Overseas Citizenship of India is a type of permanent residency that's available for citizens with Indian origin and their spouses. PIO Card holders can apply online for conversion athttp://passport.gov.in/oci/and submit print of application, passport, specified photos, documentation, fees etc at the VFS Centre (www.vfsglobal.com/India/UK).The charges for conversion of PIO to OCI are 75/- plus VFS service charges. If yes, then no worries. ", "Akshay Kumar delayed at Heathrow airport over immigration issues", "Sunny Leone Now An Indian Citizen Yahoo Movies India", "Alia Bhatt can't vote in 2014, encourages youth to cast their votes", "Why can't Alia Bhatt and Imran Khan vote? If the parents are Indian nationals, then the kid's copy of the standard US birth certificate will work. In specific circumstances, acquiring Overseas Citizenship of India prevents British National (Overseas) and British Overseas citizens from registering as full British citizens under Section 4B of the British Nationality Act 1981 (which requires that they have no other citizenship in order to register). As far as we know, you can most probably travel to India irrespective of any foreign passport you hold. 2. You are able to able because the deadline for reissuance of OCI cards based on renewed US passports is June 30, 2021. The applicant must provide proof of their current citizenship by presenting a copy of their current passport that has a validity of at least 6 months from the time of application. Tel No. He/she cannot normally hold employment in the Government sector. Oct 8, 2021. If you want to live in India for a longer time, you will need to apply for OCI. You need to get your OCI card reissued with the new passport information. function killCopy(e){ Hello Sir! Front cover of an OCI card issued on or after 15 April 2021, Toggle Persons of Indian Origin Card subsection, Toggle List of notable people with OCI status subsection, OCI reissuance advisory upon getting a new passport. Overseas Citizenship of India ( OCI) is a form of permanent residency available to people of Indian origin and their spouses which allows them to live and work in India indefinitely. 7. Answer. If still you have any query please call PRU on 020-78369147or drop an email atinfo.london@hcilondon.in/inf.london@mea.gov.in. Please let me know in comments if there is any other topic that you would want me to cover. Therefore, it is necessary upon PIO Card holders to obtain machine readable OCI Cards in lieu of handwritten valid PIO Cards. Yes I only had my new passport and no where did it say to carry the old passport. I just got stopped at Delta Counter from RDU, and they would not let me on-board the flight. VERY VERY FRUSTRATING!! I am sure it has raised my BP tremendously. When we spent lot of Money and time for OCI, it was supposed to be only one time process. This document was created as a response to demands for dual citizenship due to the Indian diaspora, especially in developed countries. Plus, after when I have done with the last part of uploading the new USA passport details on this OCI miscellaneous site & after hit the upload button, I expected it will say completed thanks, but nothing happens! And process of getting any thing done in CGI, New York is horrible. Probably not. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. [10], A person who has served as a member of any foreign military, including that of his home country, is ineligible to receive an OCI card, except when bound by their home country to serve under their local law. My 2 daughters ( 9 yrs and 4yrs ) have OCI cards, their US passports will expire this year. A gazetted order published on 30 September 2014 stated a PIO card issued to an applicant shall be valid for their lifetime, provided such applicant has a valid Passport. 1 year Visa will cost you $69 (Service fee) + US$ 130 (Government & admin fee for UK / USA) are you ready my friend? Please be advised to check with the consulate or embassy for a more definite answer. My wife got her OCI at the age of 57. 3. //--> YOU NEED TO MAIL THIS CHECKLIST AND OTHER DOCUMENTS WITH YOUR APPLICATION. Hi Janak! Recently, the Consulate General of India worldwide released a press release circulating a new update for the Overseas Citizen of India card. I am 54 years age. IMPORTANT GUIDELINES When I finally landed in India no one asked me about my old passport Immigration was a breeze. What are my options? 02/03/2014 - Package was delivered at BLS . You can to the best of our knowledge. Parents documents etc. No need to renew OCI (as it says, VISA for Life) just carry all the (OLD and New) US Passports. However, can someone tell me if I need to apply for new OCI card too? IMPORTANT GUIDELINES It took around 5-6 weeks for end-to-end processing. Answer. Answer. No clue how to proceed. Hi Kamalesh! Answer. Yes. PIO holders will get a special stamp in their existing PIO card, saying "lifelong validity" and "registration not required", thus making them equal to existing OCI cards. Fazel, if you dont have OCI card, you can go to India on a tourist visa and stay there upto 6 months on that visa. I had checked in online before boarding the flight and there was no warning. and moreover processing fees etc and dealing with 3rd party for the processing. Hi Dixita! As per the rules, you are required to get your OCI renewed after 50 years of age. OCI Application Form. Firstly, after all painstaking task you do that took me almost 3 days, & when I reached the final step of uploading the new passport, and hit upload then submit nothing happens like one can expect that it would say completed thanks right? Visits to India for the purpose of conducting research after obtaining a No Objection/Research Project Clearance Certificate from Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), India and that can be applied at nearest Indian Diplomatic Mission.