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  • A Step by Step guide to obtaining Overseas Citizenship of India
  • Document checklist
  • Details of OCI Scheme
  • Miscellaneous Services on OCI Cards / U visa stickers
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Step by Step guide to obtaining Overseas Citizenship of India

Important Note:  Kindly note carefully the complete Checklist of Documents given after the Step by Step Guide. Some documents, like Record of Landing and proof of address etc, in addition to the ones stipulated at the end of the OCI online application are required to be submitted by all applicants in Canada.  
 

Step I: Online Registration (Using Microsoft Internet Explorer)

1. The FORM can be submitted online on the Ministry of Home Affairs website www.mha.nic.in  at "Online Registration" on the “OCI Scheme” page. 


2. Fill in the online form Part A, click save and print the part A and B of the form. A file number (CANOI ---) is generated. Take two printouts.

Step II Submitting paper application

Two options are available
A. Submitting in person: Send an e-mail at consular@hciottawa.ca and fix an appointment for submitting the application. On submission of application form and fees etc. you will be given a receipt for the fees indicating your File or tracer number (CANO number) and all your original documents along with your receipt will be returned immediately after scrutiny.


B. Submitting by mail: Take two copies of the application Part A and B per applicant and attach the documents listed below, enclose a self addressed prepaid return waybill for courier return and send the application.
Kindly note that the High Commission takes no responsibility for delay   or loss of documents in mail or via courier.

The applicant may, in some cases, be required to appear at the High Commission  for a personal interview and/or submit additional documentation.

Step III  Tracking your application status:

Log on to www.mha.nic.in and track the status of your   application using your CANO number. The application will be usually granted (approved) / under process / rejected within 15 working days. The OCI documents are normally received within 8-12 weeks of submitting the documents.

Step IV Receiving your OCI document

Five working days after the status showing “Documents received in the High Commission of India, Ottawa”, please bring your Canadian Passport and fee receipt issued to you and obtain your OCI Certificate and Universal Visa Sticker on your passport from Consular Section of the High Commission on any working day. The OCI documents should be collected as soon as possible but not later than 4 weeks of their receipt in the High Commission.

Alternatively, you can send your Canadian passports by courier along with a prepaid self addressed return courier way bill and the OCI documents will be sent to you.

 

DC

Documents Checklist

1.      Two copies of the printout of online application Part A (Pages 1 – 3 only). Two copies of Part B – filled in hand.   Please fill in all columns, no column should be left blank.

2.      A Bank Certified cheque/ Money Order of US $275.00 for each applicant (US $25.00 for each PIO card holder) in favour of

“High Commission of India, Ottawa”

One Money order / certified cheque can be made for all the applicants in a family submitting their applications at one time.

3. Two photographs of size 3.5 cm by 3.5 cm for each applicant (Paste one photo on each copy of Part A of application form). The photo should be of good quality taken against a light coloured uniform (without design) background showing a shot up to shoulders (not a close up of face) with full frontal view of face. As the photo is to be scanned for documents the resolution of photo should be high. Please sign in the signature box on the left side of the box for photo and at other places requiring signature of applicant. 

4.   Proof of the foreign citizenship of each applicant, such as a valid Canadian passport in original and one copy of pages containing personal information and photo.

5.  Evidence of self or parent(s) or grandparent(s)

i)   having been eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of commencement of the Constitution of India on 26th January, 1950; or

ii) belonging to a territory that became part of India after 15th August, 1947;

iii) being a citizen of India on or after 26th January, 1950.

As proof thereof, the following documents should be submitted: -

 (a) Original Indian passport and one copy of pages containing personal           information and the page on which entry as immigrant is stamped.
(b) Any other proof acceptable to the Consular Officer.

If the applicant is claiming eligibility on the basis of the  Indian citizenship of his/her parent(s)/ grandparent(s), he/she will also have to submit proof of his/her relationship with such a person.  [along with their original Landing Papers.]

6.  Record of Landing

(a) Original and a copy of Record of Landing of the applicant and his/her spouse (even if the spouse is not applying for OCI) issued by the Canadian Immigration authorities. If original has been lost, a certified copy may be obtained from Immigration Canada. In case of unmarried persons, Record of Landing of parents should be submitted.

(b) Last Indian passport held before acquiring Canadian Citizenship in original and a copy of the pages containing personal information.

(c) Persons of Indian origin, born in Canada and applying for OCI on the basis of their parent(s)’s initial Indian citizenship, should submit the Record of Landing (original and one copy each) of both parents. If originals have been lost, a certified copy may be obtained from Immigration Canada.

7.  Foreign Citizenship certificate: Original and a copy of the foreign (eg. Canadian) Citizenship Certificate showing the date of acquiring the foreign (eg. Canadian) Citizenship

8.  Date of Birth Certificate: Certificate of date of birth [Statement of Live Birth] for children born in Canada. The birth certificate should show the names of both parents.

9.  PIO card holders should submit a copy of their PIO card with their application, and also bring along the original for scrutiny at the time of submission of the application form. 

10. Proof of address like a valid driving license or a utility bill indicating name and address of the applicant.

11. Change of name documents: In case the name of applicant mentioned in the Indian passport, the Record of Landing and the Canadian (or Foreign) Passports differ (i.e. whole or a part of the name / surname has been added/ dropped / changed,) Change of name certificate, sworn affidavit, deed poll attested by competent authorities and clippings from new papers in India and Canada would be required to be submitted. In case of change of surname of women after marriage, a marriage certificate issued by the Registrar of Marriages’ office would be acceptable.

     One applicant can bring applications of all the members of family. Persons who cannot sign ( eg. infants)  must affix their left hand thumb impression in the signature box.

 

Details of OCI Scheme
 
I  
To respond to a longstanding demand of persons of Indian origin who are now nationals of other countries, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India had announced, on the occasion of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2005, the Government of India’s intention to grant dual citizenship to such nationals of certain countries, the laws of which permit such a facility for their citizens.  This has now been given legal backing by the Indian Parliament with the approval of Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2005.  The Scheme is called “Overseas Citizenship of India”.
   
II  
Under the said scheme, a Registration Certificate, like an Indian passport though in a different colour, will be issued to the applicant. A multiple entry, multi-purpose OCI ‘U’ (Universal) visa sticker will be pasted on the applicant’s foreign passport. These two documents will have the applicant’s photograph, and all the necessary security features.
   
III  
Eligibility criteria:
 
A foreign national, who  
- was eligible to become a citizen of India on 26.01.1950, or
- was a citizen of India on or at any time after 26.01.1950, or
- belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15.08.1947
 
and his/her children and grandchildren, are eligible for registration as Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), provided his/her country of citizenship allows dual citizenship in some form or other under the local laws. The minor children of such persons are also eligible for OCI. However, if the applicant had ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, he/she will not be eligible for OCI.

Minor Children ( holding Canadian passports) where both the parents are Indian passport holders are not eligible for OCI Scheme.

   
IV   Application form and procedure:

KINDLY NOTE THAT AFTER SUBMITTING THE ONLINE APPLICATION A PRINTOUT OF THE APPLICATION IS REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN AND THE PAPER APPLICATION, FEES, PHOTOGRAPHS, AND COPIES OF OTHER DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE HIGH COMMISSION EITHER IN PERSON BY THE APPLICANT OR A MEMBER OF HIS / HER FAMILY OR SENT TO THE HIGH COMMISSION THROUGH FEDEX ALONGWITH A PREPAID SELF ADDRESSED RETURN FEDEX ENVELOP.

a) The FORM must be submitted online on the Ministry of Home Affairs website at www.mha.nic.in. Part A of the form can also be filled on line by clicking on "Online Registration". Please use Internet Explorer, version 6.0.2800.1106 or later.
 
b)  The OCI Application is in two parts, Part A and Part B.  Part A must be filled up and submitted online by the Applicants.  It can be accessed by selecting ‘individual’ box given in the beginning of the OCI application form.  Each applicant has to fill in Part-A and the filling in of the ‘Fields’ marked with * is mandatory.

On submission of Part A, a Registration Number will be generated online.  This will be a dummy number.  However, applicants can retrieve information from this Reference Number.  The applicant must take two printouts of Part A, affix one colour photo (35mmx35mm) on each form and sign in the signature box.  Persons who cannot sign must affix an impression of left thumb
.
Part A is tamper proof, i.e., once Part A has been submitted online the applicant cannot make any changes in it.  Please ensure that important personal information like name, date / place of birth, passport number etc is filled in carefully and tallies with the information contained in the current passport.

c) Part B of the application is meant for all members of the family, not exceeding four including the applicant.  It is in ZIP format, and can be accessed by selecting ‘group’ in the OCI application form. It is to be downloaded either by using the ‘evaluation version’ or saved on a floppy/ CD ROM in MS Word format.  Part B of the form should be filled either by hand in legible CAPITAL LETTERS  or typed.  Additional sheets can be used in case the space provided in the OCI  application form is insufficient.
Part B cannot be filled in online.

d) Document Checklist: Please see under Step by Step Guide.
 
 
V  
Applying in person:

This should be done after getting an appointment with the concerned officer at the High Commission of India, by sending an e-mail at: consular@hciottawa.ca. Please note submission of OCI applications in person  is by  prior appointment only.
 
 
Applying by mail: 

The completed application form with all documents including original passports, landing paper together with a self addressed, pre paid Fedex envelope/way bill should be sent with the documents for the original documents to be returned after scrutiny.  The High Commission will, however, not be responsible for any delay or loss of documents in mail or by courier.

When the applicant is not resident in Canada, the application form should be submitted to the Indian Mission/Post in the country in which he/she is ordinarily resident.

If the applicant is in India, he/she can apply to the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata or Amritsar or Chief Immigration Officer (CHIO) Chennai or to the Under Secretary, Citizenship Section, Foreigners Division, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Jaisalmer House, 26 Mansingh Road, New Delhi-110011. 

After checking all the relevant details, the High Commission of India, Ottawa will issue an acknowledgement, and the number mentioned thereon (the file number) or the reference number can be used for online status enquiry at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) website www.mha.nic.in/.

VI  
Procedure for granting registration:

After preliminary scrutiny, if there is no adverse information available against the applicant, the Indian Mission/Post shall register a person as OCI within 15 days of application and the case shall be referred to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), New Delhi for post verification of the antecedents of the applicant. If during the post verification, any adverse information comes to the knowledge of the MHA, the registration as OCI already granted by the Indian Mission/Post shall be cancelled by an order under section 7 D of the Citizenship Act, 1955. 

After preliminary scrutiny, if there is any adverse information against the applicant, prior approval of MHA, New Delhi shall be required before grant of registration. MHA may approve or reject the grant of registration within 90 days from the date of the receipt of the application. If the grant of registration as OCI is approved by MHA, the Indian Mission/Post shall register the person as OCI. 

If the application is filed in India, registration shall be granted by MHA by following the above procedure. 

After grant of registration, a registration certificate in the prescribed format will be issued and a multiple entry, multi-purpose life long OCI ‘U’ visa sticker will be pasted on the foreign passport of the application.
   
VII  
OCI registration for PIO card holders:

PIO card holders who are otherwise eligible for registration as OCI may apply in the same Form and they will be considered for grant of registration in the same manner as other applicants. PIO card holders will have to pay a fee of US$25.00 instead of US$275.00 for a normal applicant. A PIO cardholder will have to surrender his/her PIO card after issuance of acceptance of the application and before the grant of the OCI registration certificate/visa.
 
If the application is rejected, US$250.00 will be returned to the applicant, after deducting US$25.00 as processing fees.  However, in case the applicant decides either to cancel or withdraw his/her application under any circumstances, fee will NOT be refunded.
   
VIII  
OCI registration for persons who have applied on the earlier prescribed application form:

All such applications will be considered for grant of OCI on the same lines as in para 3 above without seeking fresh application and fees.
   
IX  
Cancellation of OCI registration:

If it is found that the registration as an OCI was obtained by means of fraud, false representation or the concealment of any material fact, or that the registered OCI has shown disaffection towards the Constitution of India or comes under any of the provisions of section 7D of the Citizenship Act, the registration of such person will not only be cancelled forthwith but he/she will also be blacklisted for entry into India.
   
X  
Benefits to OCI:

The following benefits will accrue to an OCI:

(i) A multiple entry, multi-purpose lifelong visa for visiting India.

(ii) Exemption from registration with the local police authorities for any length of stay in India

(iii) Parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in respect of economic, financial and educational fields, except in relation to acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.

Any other benefits to OCIs will be notified by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) under Section 7B(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955.

   
XI  
Benefits an OCI is not entitled to:

The OCI is not entitled to vote, to be a member of a Legislative Assembly or of a Legislative Council or of the Parliament of India, to hold Indian constitutional posts such as that of the President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court etc. He/she cannot normally hold employment in the Government.
   
XII  
Help Desk

For any clarification/query on the scheme, please visit the website www.mha.nic.in/ or contact Citizenship Section, Foreigners Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, Jaisalmer House, 26 Mansingh Road, New Delhi-110011.
   
XIII   Jurisdiction

Our consular offices in Canada and their respective jurisdictions are as follows:
 
1.The High Commission of India,
10, Springfield Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1M 1C9
Tel: (613) 744 3751  Fax: (613) 744 0913
E-Mail:  consular@hciottawa.ca
Website:  www.hciottawa.ca/ 

Jurisdiction: Ottawa-Hull National Capital Region, Kingston, Cornwall, Hawksbury, Arnprior, Renfrew, Perth Prescott, Brockville, Smith Falls, Carleton Place, Morrisburg (all in Ontario),Montreal (in Quebec), and the Territory of Nunavut.

ONLY THOSE RESIDENT IN THE ABOVE AREAS SHOULD NORMALLY APPLY TO THE HIGH COMMISSION OF INDIA IN OTTAWA.

2.Consulate General of India
No.201-325, Howe Street, Vancouver BC V6C 1Z7
Tel: (604) 6628811
Fax: (604) 6822471/ 3556
E-Mail: www.hciottawa.ca/mailto 
Website: www.cgivancouver.com/

Jurisdiction:  British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Northwest Territories.

3.Consulate General of India
365 Bloor Street(East) Suite # 700,
Toronto, ON, M4W 3L4
Telephone:(416) 960-0751/52
Fax:(416)960 9812
E mail: cgindia@cgitoronto.ca
Website: www.cgitoronto.ca

Jurisdiction:  The Provinces of Ontario and Quebec(except places falling under the jurisdiction of HCI, Ottawa)), Manitoba, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador
     
   

OCI MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES
 
SALIENT FEATURES

This service can be availed for re-issuance/issuance of duplicate OCI documents in the following category of cases:

1.     In case of issuance of new foreign passport.

2.     In case of change of personal particulars viz. nationality etc., or filling of wrong personal particulars while submitting online application viz. name, father’s name, date of birth etc.,

3.     In case of loss/damage of OCI registration certificate/visa.

4.     In case of change of address/occupation

I. In case of issuance of new foreign passport

OCI registration certificate and U visa sticker carry the passport number of the registered OCI. Accordingly, each time a new passport is issued to an OCI holder; it has to be captured on the registration certificate and visa. This would require re-issuance of OCI registration certificate and visa each time a new foreign passport is issued in the following cases:

1.     Up to the completion of 20 years of age, OCI documents have to be re-issued each time a new passport is issued to the holder.

2.     Between 21-50 years of age, there is no need to seek re-issuance of OCI documents each time a new passport is issued. However, if the applicant desires, he/she may avail the service for re-issuance of OCI documents.

3.     After the completion of 50 years of age, OCI documents have to be re-issued once after issuance of a new passport

II. In case of change of personal particulars or wrong filing of personal particulars (name, father’s name or date of birth) while submitting online application, OCI holders may seek re-issuance of OCI documents by availing this services. They have to enclose the documentary evidence for the change in personal particulars requested. In case of change of photograph, personal interview with the Competent Authority will be required before the grant of the service.

III. In case of loss of OCI documents, a copy of the complaint filed with the Police authorities shall be enclosed. Personal interview of the applicant shall be taken by the Competent Authority before the grant of the service.

IV. In case of change of address/occupation, new set of OCI documents will not be issued. The applicant may take a print out of the new address/occupation after online submission and keep for record purposes. No fee shall be charged from the applicant.

 

PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED BY THE APPLICANT

A software module has been developed by NIC named as OCI Miscellaneous Services. The public interface for this has been hosted on MHA’s website: www.mha.nic.in/oci/oci-main.htm. The procedure to be followed by the applicant is as under:

(1) After accessing the OCI Miscellaneous Services and going through the Guidelines and Instructions for filing the application form, the applicant has to fill in at least one of the following data fields:

1.     U-Visa number

2.     OCI Registration number

3.     OCI File number

(2) Thereafter, the applicant has to fill in all the following fields:

1.     Current Passport number

2.     Date of birth

3.     Place of birth

4.     Mother’s name

The applicant would be able to proceed ahead and seek the particular service(s) only if, the above data (except section 2, item 1 above) matches with the OCI database. This feature has been incorporated as a security measure so that the scheme is not misused.

(3) The applicant thereafter has to select any one or many of the following services:

1.     Change of Passport particulars

2.     Change of Personal particulars

3.     Loss/damage of OCI certificate/visa

4.     Change of Address/Occupation

(4) After selection of the service(s) to be availed, a Registration Form will appear having only the relevant fields, which need to be entered as per the services (s) sought. The applicant has to fill in all the relevant fields afresh online. The reasons for availing the services shall also be filled by the applicant.

 

(5) Upon submission of the Registration Form, a hard copy of the application with Reference number along with the instructions for filling application form shall be printed. The applicant has to sign the application form, paste the photograph and append his signature in the box provided and submit two copies of the application form along with the relevant enclosures and fee as mentioned in the instructions. The application can be submitted to the Indian Mission/Post/Office in whose jurisdiction the applicant is ordinarily residing irrespective of the fact whether the same Indian Mission/Post/Office has issued the original OCI documents or not. Each applicant shall submit separate application form.

No hard copy of the application shall be generated in case of change of address/occupation since no application needs to be submitted to the Indian Mission/Post/Office.

 

(6) Fees: To be paid by a Bank draft, money order, bank certified cheque in favour of High Commission of India, Ottawa ( cash/personal cheques /debit /credit card not accepted)

1.     US$ 25 for re-issuance of OCI documents in case of issuance of new foreign passport, change of personal particulars, wrong filing of particulars.

2.     US$ 100 for issuance of duplicate OCI documents in case of loss/damage of old OCI /Foreign passport carrying OCI Visa sticker.

3.     In respect of the service for change of address/occupation, no hard copy of the application or fees shall be submitted to the Indian Mission/Post/Office.

(7) Documents to be submitted to the Indian High Commission / Consulate General:

(a) In case of issuance of new foreign passport

1.     Two copies of printouts of the online application. The applicant must affix one colour photo [35 mm x 35 mm] on each form and sign in the signature box.

2.     Copy of existing OCI registration certificate and U visa sticker pasted on existing foreign passport.

3.     A copy of new passport

4.     Fees – A bank draft or money order for US$ 25 in favour of High Commission of India, Ottawa

(b) In case of loss of OCI Registration Certificate and/or OCI Visa Sticker

1.     Two copies of printouts of the online application. The applicant must affix one colour photo [35 mm x 35 mm] on each form and sign in the signature box.

2.     Copy of the complaint lodged with Police authorities

3.     A note giving details of the circumstances of loss.

4.     Copy of existing OCI registration certificate and U visa pasted on existing foreign passport of (In case a copy of the registration certificate and/or visa was not taken prior to the loss, these may not be enclosed.)

5.     Fees – A bank draft or money order for US$ 100 in favour of High Commission of India, Ottawa

(c) In case of change of personal particulars (due to change by the applicant or due to wrong filling of particulars by the applicant in online application)

1.     Two copies of printouts of the online application. The applicant must affix one colour photo [35 mm x 35 mm] on each form and sign in the signature box.

2.     Copy of existing OCI registration certificate and U visa sticker pasted on existing foreign passport.

3.     A copy of the passport

4.     The original and a copy of the document (s) in support of the change requested {for example new Citizenship certificate/passport in case of change of nationality}

5.     Fees – A bank draft or money order for US$ 25 in favour of High Commission of India, Ottawa

Both OCI registration certificate and visa shall be issued afresh in respect of all service. No fee shall be refunded if the service(s) requested is not granted.

 

(8) Applying by mail:
The completed application form with all documents including original passports, etc. along with one sets of photocopies of all documents and a self addressed, pre-paid FEDEX courier envelope should be sent along with the application for the original documents to be returned. The outer envelope should be clearly marked ‘OCI WING’ to avoid any delay. The High Commission of India, Ottawa, will, however, not be responsible for any delay or loss of documents in mail or by courier.

 
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Scheme
     
1   Who is eligible to apply?
2   Who was eligible to become Citizen of India on 26.01.1950?
3   Which territories became part of India after 15.08.1947 and from what date?
4   Can the spouse of the eligible person apply for OCI?
5   Can the children of parents, one of whom is eligible for OCI, apply for OCI?
6   In what form should a person apply for OCI and where are they available?
7   Can the application form be filled and submitted on line?
8   What documents have to be attached with the application?
9   What documents would qualify for “Any other proof” for evidence of self or parents or grand parents being eligible for grant of OCI?
10   How many copies of application have to be submitted?
11   Whether applicant(s) have to go in person to submit the application (s)?
12   Do the applicant (s) have to take oath before a Consular Officer of the Indian Mission/Post?
13   Where should the application be submitted?
14   Can a person apply in the country where he is ordinarily residing?
15   What are the consequences of furnishing wrong information or suppressing material information?
16   What is the fee for application for registration as OCI?
17   What is the time taken for registration as OCI?
18   If the registration as OCI is not granted, what amount will be refunded?
19   Can a PIO cardholder apply?
20   Will the PIO Cardholder be granted OCI registration gratis?
21   Will the PIO card be honored till the time they are valid even after acquisition of OCI?
22   What will be issued after registration as OCI?
23   Will a separate OCI passport be issued?
24   Will a duplicate certificate of registration as OCI be issued?
25   Will a new OCI visa sticker be issued on the new foreign passport after the expiry of the old passport?
26   Will the applicant lose his citizenship after registering as OCI?
27   Can a person holding OCI travel to protected area/restricted area without permission?
28   Would the Indian civil/criminal laws be applicable to persons registered as OCI?
29   Can a person registered as OCI be granted Indian citizenship?
30   Will OCI be granted gratis to certain categories of people?
31   Can OCI be granted to foreign nationals who are not eligible for OCI, but married to persons who are eligible for OCI?
32   Will foreign-born children of PIOs be eligible to become OCI?
33   What are the benefits of OCI?
34   Will any other benefit be granted to OCI?
35   Whether the OCI is entitled to voting rights?
36   Whether the OCI is entitled to hold a constitutional post in India?
37   Whether the OCI is entitled to hold Government posts in India?
38   If a person is already holding more than one nationality, can he / she apply for OCI?
39   What are the advantages of OCI when compared to PIO cardholders?
40   Will an OCI be entitled to apply for and obtain a normal Indian passport which is given to a citizen of India?
41   Whether nationals of Commonwealth countries are eligible for OCI?
42   Can a person renounce OCI?
43   Do the applicants who have applied on the earlier prescribed application form have to apply again in the new form?
44   However, in case the applicant decides either to cancel or withdraw his/her application under any circumstances, fee will NOT be refunded.   
 
45   Whether OCI fee can be paid in Canadian Dollars?
     
1   Who is eligible to apply?
A foreign national, who was eligible to become citizen of India on 26.01.1950 or was a citizen of India on or at anytime after 26.01.1950 or belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15.08.1947 and his/her children and grand children, provided his/her country of citizenship allows dual citizenship in some form or other under the local laws, is eligible for registration as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). Minor children of such person are also eligible for OCI. However, if the applicant had ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, he/she will not be eligible for OCI.
 
2   Who was eligible to become Citizen of India on 26.01.1950?
Any person who or either of whose parents or any of whose grand-parents was born in India as defined in the Government of India Act, 1935 (as originally enacted), and who was ordinarily residing in any country outside India was eligible to become citizen of India on 26.01.1950.
 
3   Which territories became part of India after 15.08.1947 and from what date?
The territories, which became part of India after 15.08.1947 are:
(i) Sikkim from 26.04.1975
(ii) Pondicherry from 16.08.1962
(iii) Dadra & Nagar Haveli from 11.08.1961
(iv) Goa, Daman and Diu from 20.12.1961
4   Can the spouse of the eligible person apply for OCI?
Yes, if he/she is eligible in his/her own capacity.
 
5   Can the children of parents, one of whom is eligible for OCI, apply for OCI?
Yes.
 
6   In what form should a person apply for OCI and where are they available?
The FORM can be downloaded from the Ministry of Home Affairs website at www.mha.nic.in/. Part A of the form can also be filled on line by clicking on "Online Registration"
 
7   Can the application form be filled and submitted on line?
Only Part A of the application form can be filled in online. Thereafter, the printout of Part A, and the duly filled in Part B,  have to be submitted by hand/mail to the Indian Mission/Post.
8   What documents have to be attached with the application?
Documents Checklist: Please see the checklist given under Step by Step Guide
9   What documents would qualify for “Any other proof” for evidence of self or parents or grand parents being eligible for grant of OCI?
Any documentary evidence by which the officer equivalent to Under Secretary to the Government of India in the Indian Mission/Post can diligently arrive at the decision.
 
10   How many copies of application have to be submitted?
Applications have to be submitted in duplicate.
 
11   Whether applicant(s) have to go in person to submit the application (s)?
No. Application (s) can be sent by post, along with a prepaid, self-addressed courier envelope.
 
12   Do the applicant (s) have to take oath before a Consular Officer of the Indian Mission/Post?
No. The earlier provision in this regard has been done away with.
13   Where should the application be submitted?
To the Indian Mission/ Post of the country of citizenship of the applicant. If the applicant is not in the country of citizenship, to the Indian Mission/Post of the country where he is ordinarily residing. If the applicant is in India, to the FRRO Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkota or Amritsar or to CHIO, Chennai or to the Under Secretary, Citizenship section, Foreigners Division, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Jaisalmer House, 26, Mansingh Road, New Delhi-110011.
 
14   Can a person apply in the country where he is ordinarily residing?
Yes.
 
15   What are the consequences of furnishing wrong information or suppressing material information?
All the applications will be subject to pre or post enquiry depending on whether any adverse information is available or not. If the Government comes to the knowledge that any false information was furnished or material information was suppressed, the registration as OCI already granted shall be cancelled by an order under section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955. The persons will also be blacklisted banning his/her entry into India.
16   What is the fee for application for registration as OCI?
US$275.00 for each applicant. In case of PIO card holder, US$25.00 for each applicant.
 
17   What is the time taken for registration as OCI?
Within 15 working days of the application, if there is no adverse information available against the applicant. If any adverse information is available against the applicant, the decision to grant or otherwise is taken within 4 months. The printed OCI registration certificate and U visa sticker are sent from New Delhi, India and the entire process from start to finish may take from 8-20 weeks.
 
18   If the registration as OCI is not granted, what amount will be refunded?
An amount of US$250.00 shall be refunded, if registration is refused.  US$25.00 is the processing fees, which is non-refundable.  However, in case the applicant decides to withdraw his application under any circumstances, fees once deposited cannot be refunded.  
 
19   Can a PIO cardholder apply?
Yes, provided he/she is otherwise eligible for grant of OCI like any other applicant.
20   Will the PIO Cardholder be granted OCI registration gratis?
No. He/she has to make a payment of US$25.00 along with the application.
 
21   Will the PIO card be honored till the time they are valid even after acquisition of OCI?
No. The PIO card will have to be surrendered to Indian Mission/MHA for grant of OCI registration certificate and OCI ‘U’ visa sticker.
 
22   What will be issued after registration as OCI?
A registration certificate in prescribed format will be issued and a multiple entry, multi-purpose OCI ‘U’ visa sticker will be pasted on the foreign passport of the applicant. For this purpose, the applicant has to send the original passport to the Indian Mission/Post after receipt of the acceptance letter/OCI registration certificate. 
 
23   Will a separate OCI passport be issued?
No.
24   Will a duplicate certificate of registration as OCI be issued?
Yes. For this purpose, an application has to be made to the Indian Mission/Post with evidence for loss of certificate. In case of mutilated/damaged certificate an application has to be made enclosing the same. The applications in both the cases have to be made to the same Indian Mission/ Post which issued the certificate along with payment of fee of US$100.00
 
25   Will a new OCI visa sticker be issued on the new foreign passport after the expiry of the old passport?
Yes. On payment of a nominal fee of US$25.00, a new OCI ‘U’ visa sticker will be issued. For applicants up to the age of 20 years, it is mandatory to get OCI U-visa sticker transferred to new foreign passport. Other OCI document holders can continue to carry the old passport wherein OCI ‘U’ visa sticker was pasted along with new passport for visiting India without seeking a new visa, as the visa is for life long.
 
26   Will the applicant lose his citizenship after registering as OCI?
No. As only citizens of countries which allows dual citizenship under their local laws in some form or the other are eligible for applying for registration as OCIs, the question of  their losing their foreign citizenship does not arise.
27   Can a person holding OCI travel to protected area/restricted area without permission?
No. He/she will be required to seek Protected Area Permit (PAP)/ Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for such visits.
 
28   Would the Indian civil/criminal laws be applicable to persons registered as OCI?
Yes. For the period the persons registered as OCI is living in India.
 
29   Can a person registered as OCI be granted Indian citizenship?
Yes. As per the provisions of section 5(1) (g) of the Citizenship Act, 1955, a person who is registered as OCI for 5 years and is residing in India for 1 year out of the above 5 years, is eligible to apply for Indian Citizenship.
 
30   Will OCI be granted gratis to certain categories of people?
No.
31   Can OCI be granted to foreign nationals who are not eligible for OCI, but married to persons who are eligible for OCI?
No.
 
32   Will foreign-born children of PIOs be eligible to become OCI?
Yes, provided one of the parents is eligible to become OCI.
 
33   What are the benefits of OCI?
Following benefits will be allowed to OCI:
(a) Multi-purpose, multiple entry, lifelong visa for visiting India.
(b) Exemption from registration with local police authority for any length of stay in India. 
(c) Parity with NRIs in respect of economic, financial and education fields, except in matters relating to the acquisition of agricultural/plantation properties.
 
34   Will any other benefit be granted to OCI?
Any other benefits to OCI will be notified by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) under Section 7B(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
35   Whether the OCI is entitled to voting rights?
No
 
36   Whether the OCI is entitled to hold a constitutional post in India?
No
 
37   Whether the OCI is entitled to hold Government posts in India?
No, except for the posts specified by an order by the Central Government.
 
38   If a person is already holding more than one nationality, can he / she apply for OCI?
Yes, as long as the local laws of at least one of the countries allow dual citizenship in some form or other.
 
39   What are the advantages of OCI when compared to PIO cardholders?
Apart from the fact that OCI confers on the recipient the status of an Indian overseas citizen,
(i) an  OCI is entitled to life long visa free travel to India whereas for a PIO cardholder, it is only for 15 years.
(ii) a PIO cardholder is required to register with the local Police authority for stays exceeding 180 days in India on any single visit,  whereas an OCI is exempted from registration with the Police authority for any length of stay in India.
40   Will an OCI be entitled to apply for and obtain a normal Indian passport which is given to a citizen of India?
No. An Indian Passport is given only to an Indian citizen.
 
41   Whether nationals of Commonwealth countries are eligible for OCI?
Yes, if they fulfill the eligibility criteria.
 
42   Can a person renounce OCI?
Yes. He/she has to declare intention of renunciation in Form XXII to the Indian Mission/Post where OCI registration was granted. After receipt of the declaration, the Indian Mission/Post shall issue an acknowledgement in Form XXII A.
 
43   Do the applicants who have applied on the earlier prescribed application form have to apply again in the new form?
No. All such applications will be considered for registration as OCI without seeking fresh application and fee.

 
44   Whether the person whose application for OCI is under process can travel to India without acquiring valid visa pending the receipt of OCI?
NO. The person has to obtain an appropriate visa in case he/she has not received OCI Certificate and U-Visa sticker from the concerned Indian Mission/Post. 
 
45   Whether OCI fee can be paid in Canadian Dollars?
NO. With effect from 4th February, 2007, Indian Missions in Canada are accepting OCI fee only in US Dollars.  
 


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