Information on Overseas Citizen of India

1. You were eligible to become an Indian citizen on 26th January 1950. 

1. You belonged to an area that became part of India after 15th August 1947. 

Children and Grandchildren of Indian Citizens

1. You are a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of someone who was an Indian citizen. 

1. You are a minor child of someone who was an Indian citizen. 

1. You are a minor child whose one or both parents are Indian citizens. 

Spouses

1. You are the spouse of an Indian citizen or spouse of an OCI cardholder. 

1. Your marriage must have lasted at least two years continuously before applying. 

How to Apply for Overseas Citizen of India

The application process for the OCI card is simple and completed online by following the steps given below:  

Step 1: Visit the official website of Online OCI Services  

Step 2: Click on ‘Apply Online’ and register yourself. 

Step 3: Fill in the online application form and upload the required documents. 

Step 4: After completing the online application and uploading all documents, you must submit the original supporting documents to the concerned Indian Mission / Post or Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for verification. 

How to Track the Status of Overseas Citizen of India Application

By following the steps given below, you can easily check the OCI application status:  

Step 1: Go to the official website of Online OCI Services. 

Step 2: Click on the option ‘Track Your Application’. 

Step 3: Fill in your Application ID, Passport Number, and Captcha Code. 

Step 4: Your OCI application status will be displayed on the screen. 

Guidelines for Online Application 

While filling the OCI online application, you must adhere to given below guidelines and follow them while completing the application process: 

1. You must meet the eligibility criteria before starting the application process. 

1. You must enter all information exactly as per your current passport. 

1. You have to provide a valid and active email ID, as all communications will be sent to this address. 

1. You need to create a password in line with the prescribed password requirements. These are: 

1. Minimum eight characters 

1. At least one uppercase letter 

1. At least one lowercase letter 

1. At least one number 

1. At least one special character 

1. The One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered email ID is confidential and must not be shared with anyone. 

Fee Structure for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Applications

The following table shows the fee structure for various Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) services: 

Guidelines for Re-Issue of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)

If you want to re-issue your OCI card, then you need to check out the guidelines given below to determine when an OCI card needs to be re-issued or updated online: 

Conditions for OCI Card Re-Issue 

1. If an OCI card was issued before the age of 20, and a new passport was obtained after attaining 20 years of age. 

1. In case your nationality has changed, and the new nationality is not Pakistan or Bangladesh. 

1. If your name has changed for any reason, including after marriage. 

1. If any errors are found in the existing OCI card and supporting documents are available for correction. 

1. If your OCI card is lost or damaged. 

OCI Card Online Update (No Re-Issue Required)

You do not need a new OCI card, as in some cases, online updation is enough. These are as follows: 

1. Each time a new passport is issued, up to the age of 20, and once again after turning 50. This should be done within three months of receiving the new passport. 

1. In case of a change in address or occupation. However, if an OCI cardholder joins a foreign military or police service, they must surrender their OCI card to the nearest Indian Embassy, Consulate, or the relevant FRRO in India. 

1. Foreign spouses of Indian citizens, or foreign spouses of OCI cardholders, each time a new passport is issued. They must include a declaration confirming that the marriage is still valid, along with a copy of the Indian spouse’s passport or, if applicable, the OCI card of the OCI cardholder spouse.