This article was last updated and fact checked on January 28, 2023 by Mani Karthik.
The OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card is a travel document that allows holders to have multiple-entry, long-term visas to visit India. It essentially functions as a lifelong visa, meaning that cardholders do not need to apply for a new visa each time they want to visit the country. The OCI card is available to people of Indian origin who have been granted citizenship in another country. If you are a citizen of the United States and wish to apply for an OCI card, here is a guide on how to do so.
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The Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card is a travel document issued by the Government of India to its citizens, allowing them to visit any country in the world without a visa. The OCI card is a valid travel document and can be used as proof of identity, citizenship, and Indian residence.
The OCI card application must be filed in India and processed by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Recommended PlansThe OCI application process from USA is relatively simple. Applicants must first complete an online application form, which will include basic personal information and questions about their eligibility for the program. Once the form is complete, applicants will submit it along with a copy of their passport and other required documents to the Indian consulate in their jurisdiction.
The consulate will review the application and supporting documents, and if everything is in order, they will issue an OCI card. The card will be valid for the duration of the applicant’s passport, and can be used for multiple entries into India.
The processing time for the Indian OCI card from USA is approximately 2-3 weeks.
The OCI card application process is simple and straightforward. The first step is to complete the online application form, which can be found on the website of the Indian consulate or embassy. Once the form is completed, the applicant will need to submit it along with the required documents. These documents include a passport-sized photograph, proof of Indian citizenship, and a copy of the applicant’s passport. After the application is submitted, the consulate will review it and issue the OCI card.
The required supporting documents for OCI are a valid passport, two recent passport-sized photographs, and a completed application form.
If your OCI card has been damaged or lost, you may apply for a duplicate of the card by submitting the following items:
The fee must be paid in Indian rupees in cash or by credit card. The fee is non-refundable.)
For further information on OCI cards, please contact the nearest Indian diplomatic mission.
This website provides the list of all Indian diplomatic missions abroad.
The fees for OCI are as follows:
There is no difference between the OCI card application at CKGsand nic. Both are equally valid and provide the same benefits.
There is no effect on your green card application if you have an OCI card.
No, you do not need to send your original passport to get your OCI card at the time of application through CKGS.
It takes approximately 60 days to receive an OCI card for a new applicant.