Renunciation Certificate is different from Surrender Certificate. Renunciation Certificate is mandatory before the granting of OCI application.
Please visit https://services.vfsglobal.com/gbr/en/ind/apply-oci-services for latest information on OCI, Miscellaneous OCI, PIO-OCI Applications
What is the procedure and documents required to apply for an OCI?
Kindly refer to the writeup available on HCI, London website for detailed procedure and document requirements to apply for OCI.
https://www.hcilondon.gov.in -> Consular Services -> OCI Card -> How to apply for OCI
https://www.hcilondon.gov.in -> Consular Services -> OCI Card -> How to apply for renewal of OCI
If you still have any query please drop an email at [email protected]
• Can one apply for OCI on a spouse basis?
An applicant can apply for OCI on the basis of his/her spouse if they have a registered marriage certificate & spouse holds a validIndian passport or OCI card, and their marriage has subsisted for at least 2 + years.
Kindly refer to the write-up available on HCI, London website for detailed procedure and document requirements to apply for OCI
• How to check the OCI application status?
Applicant can check his/her OCI status online on the following link using current passport number and online registration number:-
https://ociservices.gov.in/statusEnqury.
• What is the status of my OCI application as it has passed the normal processing time?
Please drop us an email at [email protected] with the Applicant’s full name, Passport number, OCI file acknowledgement, date of submission of application/fees at VFS centre and online status report to know the status.
• How can I apply for a Nativity Certificate?
The Nativity Certificate is to be applied in India with the concerned District Magistrate/District Collector where applicant, applicant’s either parent or either grandparent were born or resided. The procedure and application form can be seen at the official website of the concerned District Magistrate. The Nativity Certificate should be certified by the District Magistrate/District Collector of the area with name, stamp, seal and contact telephone numbers with area code for verification.
• What is the normal processing time?
The time taken for issue of fresh/renewal of OCI Card is 5-6 weeks.Delay beyond the specific time frame cannot beruled out owing to certain technical reasons. All applicants are advised to book their travel plan only after obtaining the OCI. For Foreign spouse basedcases, it may take more time
• Is it mandatory to have a Life Long Visa Sticker (OCI) in the foreign Passport?
No, the life Long Visa Sticker process has been discontinued by the Government of India. Applicants are only required to carry a Valid OCI Card with a current foreign passport.
• How to apply for a new OCI booklet for Change in nationality/lost or damage of OCI booklet /Change of Personal Particulars and how long will it take?
Applicants can easily apply for new OCI booklet by using Miscellaneous Service option on www.ociservices.gov.in
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Reason of Service
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Option to be selected
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For change of Passport after attaining 20 years of age and no other change like marital status/employment status etc.
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Select Change of Passport Particulars option
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For Lost/Damaged OCI Booklet and all other particularsremaining same
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Select Lost/Damaged OCI Booklet Option
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For Lost/Damaged OCI Booklet alongwith change in some other details like passport/address etc.
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Select Change of Personal Particulars option only
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For Change of name/nationality and/or change ofpassport/address/lost/damaged etc.
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Select Change of Personal Particulars option only
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• What are the Gratis services for updating personal details with an OCI card online?
Following services available while applying using Miscellaneous Services on www.ociservices.gov.in are Gratis (Free). This is a completely online procedure. Applicants can use the same OCI card and their current passport for their future visits to India. The OCI database will be updated with new details.
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Reason of Service
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Option to be selected
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For change of Passport before 20 years of age or For change of passport after 50 years of age
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Select Change of Passport Particulars option only
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For change of address/occupation
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Select Change of Address/Occupation option only
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• What are the Benefits for an OCI card holder:
A multiple entry, multi-purpose life-long visa for visiting India. Exemption from registration with local police authority for any length of stay in India. Parity with Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in respect of economic, financial and educational fields, except in relation to acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.
• What activities require prior permission of the Government of India or are not eligible for an OCI Card holder?
An OCI card holder is required to seek prior permission to undertake any of the following activities.
1. to undertake research;
2. to undertake any Missionary or Tabligh or Mountaineering or Journalistic activities;
3. to undertake internship in any foreign Diplomatic Missions or foreign Government organisations in India or to take up employment in any foreign Diplomatic Missions in India;
4. to visit any place which falls within the Protected or Restricted or prohibited areas as notified by the Central Government or competent authority;
Permission for the above activity can be easily sought by applying using the appropriate service option on www.ociservices.gov.in.
The OCI Card holder is not entitled to vote. He/she cannot normally hold employment in the Indian Government sector.
• Is an OCI/PIO card holder a citizen of India or Is OCI a dual citizenship of India?
The OCI Cardholder (including a PIO cardholder) is a foreign national holding a passport of a foreign country and is not a citizen of India.
• Can one renounce/surrender OCI card.
Any OCI Cardholder of full age and capacity makes in the prescribed manner a declaration renouncing his overseas citizenship of India, the declaration shall be registered by the Central Government, and; upon such registration, that person shall cease to be an overseas citizen of India.
Where a person ceases to be an overseas citizen of India under subsection (1), every minor child of that person registered as an overseas citizen of India, shall thereupon cease to be an overseas citizen of India.
• Can registration as OCI be cancelled?
The Central Government may, by order, cancel the registration granted under sub-section(1) of section 7A if it is satisfied that
The registration as an overseas citizen of India was obtained by means of fraud, false representation or the concealment of any material fact.
The overseas citizen of India has shown disaffection towards the Constitution of India as established by law.
The overseas citizen of India has, during any war in which India may be engaged, unlawfully traded or communicated with an enemy or been engaged in, or associated with, any business or commercial activity that was to his knowledge carried on in such a manner as to assist an enemy in that war.
The overseas citizen of India has, within five years after registration under sub-section(1) of section 7A has been sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years.
It is necessary to do so in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of India, friendly relations of India with any foreign country, or in the interests of the general public.
• Where can we find the latest detailed FAQs on OCI?
For detailed FAQs on OCI, kindly visit the Useful-Links page on the website www.ociservices.gov.in
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