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How to apply for OCI for the first time? How to apply for OCI for the first time?

How to apply for OCI for the first time?

How to Apply for OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) Card

The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card provides foreign nationals of Indian origin with multiple benefits, including a lifelong multiple-entry visa to India, exemption from police reporting, and parity with Non-Resident Indians in various fields. To apply for an OCI card, please follow the step-by-step process outlined below.

Step 1: Complete the Online Application Form

    • Visit the official Government of India OCI portal at https://ociservices.gov.in/.

    • Carefully read the instructions and eligibility criteria before starting your application.

    • Fill out the online application form with accurate personal details, passport information, and family background as required.

    • Upon completion, note down the unique Online Application Number (USAT********) generated for your application.

    • Upload all required supporting documents, including your current passport, proof of Indian origin, photographs, and signature (or thumb impression for minors), in the prescribed format and size.

    • After uploading all documents, submit the application online and download the filled application form (also known as the registration form).

    • Print a copy of this completed application form for your records and further processing.

Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents

    • Gather all original and photocopies of the documents listed in the checklist available on the VFS Global website.

Typical documents include (but are not limited to):

    • Current valid passport (with at least six months validity)

    • Naturalization Certificate or Birth Certificate issued outside India

    • Proof of Indian origin (such as an old Indian passport, birth certificate, or parents’/grandparents’ Indian passport)

    • Copy of Renunciation Certificate / Surrender Certificate (required if you were naturalized as a foreign citizen from 2010 onwards)

    • Proof of marital status (such as marriage certificate, divorce decree, or spouse’s death certificate, if applicable)

    • Proof of address matching the address provided in your application

    • Proof of employment or student status (if applicable)

Important:

  • All documents must meet the specifications outlined in the official checklist and must be self-attested where required.
  • If a marriage certificate, divorce decree, death certificate, or birth certificate was issued by a foreign authority, it must be apostilled by the relevant foreign government or attested by the appropriate foreign mission. Do not send original apostilled or attested documents to the VFS; instead, submit self-attested copies of these documents
  • Additional documents may be required depending on your specific category of application (e.g., for minors, spouse of OCI, etc.).
  • Incomplete or incorrect documentation will delay processing.

Step 3: Submit Your Application via VFS Global

    • After completing the online application on the OCI portal, proceed to the VFS Global website dedicated to OCI services.

    • Register or log in to the VFS portal to create a new OCI application submission.

    • Upload the printed application form along with all supporting documents as per the checklist.

        • Make the required payment online, which includes:

          • OCI card fee (approximately $275)

          • Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) fee ($3)

          • VFS service fee ($15.90)

          • Optional courier or SMS services, if selected.

    • After payment, generate the shipping label and send your complete application package to the nearest VFS India Consular Application Centre by mail or submit it in person by appointment, depending on the options available.

    • Keep the receipt and tracking details for future reference.

Step 4: Track Your Application Status

    • Once your application is submitted to VFS, it will be forwarded to the Indian Consulate for processing, subject to all documents being in order.

    • You can track the status of your OCI application at the Government of India OCI status enquiry portal: https://ociservices.gov.in/statusEnqury.

    • Note that VFS cannot provide status updates beyond confirming receipt and forwarding of your application.

Important Notes and Eligibility Criteria

    • OCI eligibility includes foreign nationals who were Indian citizens on or after January 26, 1950, or who are descendants (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren) of such citizens.

    • Spouses of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders are eligible after two years of continuous marriage.

    • Applicants who or whose ancestors were citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or certain other countries are not eligible.

    • Foreign nationals residing in India on tourist, missionary, or mountaineering visas cannot apply for OCI within India.

    • Applications submitted online more than 180 days ago will not be accepted; a fresh application must be submitted.

    • For detailed document checklists, fee structure, and appointment booking, please visit the VFS OCI application page: https://services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-oci-services.