subject: The Oci Application Process In A Nutshell [print this page] The process of applying for an overseas citizen of India card has been significantly simplified by the Indian authorities when compared to other countries around the world. There are restrictions, there are conditions but ultimately if you qualify for an OCI card then the OCI application process will be relatively straightforward.
In order to apply for an OCI card you will need the following information: -
Photographs
Proof of nationality
Birth certificate
Naturalisation certificate (where applicable)
Proof of Indian origin
Proof of address
Covering letter
While the demand for OCI cards continues to grow we must also note that while the Indian authorities are very keen to maintain contact with their overseas Indian counterparts there is a need to be aware of fraud and deception. As a consequence, anyone found applying for an OCI card by fraudulent or deceptive methods will be blacklisted and would be highly unlikely to receive any official clearance from the Indian authorities in the future.
How to apply for an OCI card
With around 30 million Indians estimated to be living and working overseas there is a massive marketplace for this particular service. As a consequence we have seen a number of online and off-line companies appearing and offering help and advice to compliment the application process. You need to be aware of those with a good reputation and you also need to be aware of the fees charged.
With regards to the online process you will literally fill out an online application form, print it out and forwarded to the relevant parties together with the appropriate documentation. Alternatively, if you are confident with regards to your paperwork and your administration you will be able to apply directly to the Indian authorities, via many of the Indian embassies around the world, and save yourself some money.
Dual citizenship
While the term overseas citizen of India would insinuate that a successful application for an OCI card would in some shape or form make you a citizen of India, this is certainly not the case. Under Indian government regulations, and indeed those of many countries around the world, you are only able to hold one citizenship at a time. Therefore a successful OCI application does not make you a citizen of India although this does not stop you from applying in the future assuming that you are willing to give up citizenship of your current country.
How long does an OCI application take?
While each and every OCI application will vary in the time taken to arrive at a decision, many people believe that the Indian authorities offer one of the speediest immigration services available at the moment (average time about 12 weeks). There is no doubt that the authorities are more than keen to ensure that the wider Indian family remains connected now and into the future and thankfully they have invested significant amounts of money in new systems and new procedures.
Conclusion
While each and every OCI application will differ slightly because of individual circumstances the Indian authorities have made the service as simple and speedy as possible. This is something which is appreciated by millions of Indians around the world.
