FAQs on Applying for an OCI Card for the First Time

Q1: Who is eligible to apply for an OCI card?

A1: Eligibility includes former Indian citizens, their children, and grandchildren up to the third generation, and spouses of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders (excluding those from Pakistan and Bangladesh), provided their current country of citizenship allows dual citizenship in some form.

Q2: What are the mandatory documents required for a first-time OCI application?

A2: Required documents typically include proof of current citizenship, proof of Indian origin (or marriage certificate for spouses), birth certificate, recent passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, and proof of residence in the country of current citizenship.

Q3: How do I prove my Indian origin for the OCI application?

A3: Former Indian citizens can use their Surrender Certificate and naturalization certificate. Descendants can provide birth certificates or Indian passports of their parents or grandparents.

Q4: How do I apply for an OCI card?

A4: Start by filling out the OCI application form online at the official Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India website. Print the completed form and submit it along with all required documents to the nearest Indian consulate or embassy.

Q5: Can I submit my OCI application and documents online?

A5: The application form can be filled out and submitted online, but you will need to print it and submit the physical copy along with your documents to the designated submission location.

Q6: How can I track my OCI application status?

A7: You can track your application status online using the reference number provided at the time of your application submission.

Q7: What happens if I don't have a Surrender Certificate of my Indian passport?

A7: If you are a former Indian citizen who has not yet surrendered your Indian passport, you will need to do so and obtain a Surrender Certificate before applying for an OCI card.

Q8: How long does it take to receive an OCI card?

A8: Processing times can vary, but it generally takes about 6 to 8 weeks after the submission of your application and all required documents. It's advisable to check with the specific Indian consulate or embassy for more accurate timelines.

Q9: What should I do if my country of citizenship does not allow dual citizenship?

A9: If your country does not recognize dual citizenship, you may not be eligible for an OCI card. OCI is considered a form of lifelong visa to India rather than citizenship, but your country's laws regarding dual nationality are the deciding factor.

Q10:What is the collection procedure for my OCI Card?

A10: OCI Cards will be delivered by Post/Courier only once approved and ready. Applicants are required to provide one Self-addressed Special Delivery envelope (Silver Royal Mail Envelope) to return the Passport with OCI Card OR you can use the courier service offered at the center.

One envelope per application is required to return the original documents and processed OCI Card. For availing of the secured courier service from the center kindly seek information from the advisor at the application center. Applicant can check the status of their application online.

Q11:Does the OCI Card expire?

A11: No, it does not expire but you do need to get it reissued every time your passport is renewed up to the age of 20 years, and again after attaining the age of 50 years given frequent biological changes in facial features in these age groups.

Q12: Any other important OCI information we should be aware of?

A12 : Suppose the OCI card holder acquires nationality of a different country after obtaining the OCI card, except that of Pakistan and Bangladesh. In that case, he/she shall also be allowed to enter/exit India on the strength of his/her new passport of the recently acquired nationality and OCI Registration Certificate (OCI card).

Q13: How much does an OCI Card cost?

A13: All the applicants are requested to include the VFS Service fee of £7.44 per application while organizing their payments.

£200 for each OCI (fresh) application.

£21.00 (£18+£3) for changing any details in the card and linking of new passport with OCI.

£73.00 (£70+£3) for lost/damaged OCI Card.

£194.00 (£191+£3) for lost PIO Card.

£66.00(£63+£3) for conversion of PIO to OCI.

Mode of payment to VFS can be Cash, Debit Card (they do not accept credit cards), Postal Order, or Bank Draft payable to “VF Services UK Ltd.