Apply for an Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card
OCI gives foreign nationals of Indian origin (and spouses of Indian citizens/OCIs, subject to conditions) a lifelong visa to visit India, with several rights similar to NRIs. Applications are made online on the OCI services portal.
Steps
- 1
Fill the online application on the OCI services portal and upload photo, signature and documents
- 2
Pay the fee online
- 3
Submit the application as instructed (to the Indian mission/its outsourcing agency abroad, or the FRRO in India)
- 4
Track status online; collect the OCI card when ready
- 5
If you get a new passport, check whether you need to update your OCI details on the portal
Documents
- Current foreign passport
- Proof of Indian origin (e.g. old Indian passport, parent's/grandparent's Indian documents)
- Renunciation/surrender certificate if you were an Indian citizen
- Address proof
Official links
- OCI Services Portal (MHA) ↗ociservices.gov.in
- Bureau of Immigration ↗boi.gov.in
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