OCI Card Requirements

What is an OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) Card?

The OCI Card is a multiple-entry, lifelong visa to the PIOs (Person of Indian Origin) that allows the cardholder to visit India at any time without the need for repeated visa applications. It provides several benefits, including parity with NRIs in various fields (excluding political rights and agricultural land ownership).

Note: If you previously hold Indian citizenship, you must formally renounce it before obtaining an OCI. Renunciation is also processed through VFS Global.

Eligibility for OCI Card:

Any person of who is a citizen of another country, but was a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after the commencement of the Constitution i.e. 26.01.1950
A foreign spouse or child is eligible for an OCI card under the following conditions:
- Spouse of an Indian Citizen or OCI Cardholder:
- Must have been married for at least two years before applying.
- Marriage must be legally registered.
- The OCI card will be cancelled if the marriage is dissolved or in case of the spouse’s demise.
Children of Indian Citizens or OCI Cardholders:
- A child born outside India to at least one Indian citizen (or OCI cardholder) is eligible.
- Former Indian Citizens & their descendants:
- Anyone who was an Indian citizen (or whose parents/grandparents were) before January 26, 1950.

OCI Application Process for UK Residents

The OCI application is processed through VFS Global, the outsourced service provider for the Indian High Commission in the UK.

Online Application:
- Visit the OCI Services Website
- Fill out the online OCI application form.
- Upload necessary documents.
Submit Documents to VFS Global:
- Take a printout of the application and book an appointment with VFS Global.
- Submit hard copies at the VFS centre (by post or in person).

Required Documents:
- Passport (with at least 6 months validity).
- Proof of Indian origin (for self, spouse, or parents).
- Marriage certificate (for spouse applications).
- Birth certificate (for minor children applying).
- UK residence proof.

Processing Time:
- Typically takes 4-6 weeks, but delays are possible.
- Applicants should not book travel until OCI approval is confirmed.

OCI Fees (please check the website for the latest information):
- £200 for a fresh OCI card.
- £21 for miscellaneous services (like name change or renewal).
- Payable online or at VFS Global.

OCI Benefits:

Lifelong multiple-entry visa for India.
No need to register with the police regardless of the length of stay.
Parity with NRIs in property transactions (except agricultural land).
Access to educational and economic opportunities similar to NRIs.
Can enrol in Indian schools and universities under the NRI quota.
Eligible for medical treatment in India, though they must have valid insurance or personal funds.
OCI holders earning income in India may be subject to Indian taxation laws.

Restrictions:

OCI holders cannot vote, hold government jobs, or own agricultural land.
In case of divorce or spouse’s death, OCI status of a foreign spouse may be revoked.

How to Convert a PIO Card to an OCI Card:

The PIO (Person of Indian Origin) Card scheme was merged with the OCI scheme in 2015.Existing PIO cardholders must convert to OCI at no additional cost.The deadline for free conversion has been extended multiple times. Check VFS Global for latest updates.

PIO to OCI conversion process:

Apply through VFS Global using the OCI Miscellaneous Services.
Submit the PIO card and supporting documents.
Processing time: 4-6 weeks.

OCI Card Renewals:

OCI cardholders are not required to get a new OCI card each time a new passport is issued. However, depending on your age, certain steps are still necessary

OCI cards must be reissued each time a new passport is issued for children under 20.
After age 50, an OCI card reissue is required once due to appearance changes.

OCI card renewal process

For children upto 20 years: Upload a copy of new passport and photo every time a new passport is issued.
For 50 years and above: Upload a copy of new passport and photo once after getting a new passport after turning 50.

OCI cardholders (when applicable by age) need to upload documents online through the OCI Miscellaneous Services Portal:

Required documents: