Overseas Citizen of India (OCI): Eligibility, Benefits & Complete Application Process

The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) is one of the most significant initiatives of the Government of India aimed at strengthening its relationship with the Indian diaspora worldwide. OCI card provides several long-term benefits to foreign nationals of Indian origin, enabling them to maintain close ties with their heritage, culture, and family in India. With millions of NRIs and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) residing abroad, OCI has emerged as a vital bridge between India and its global community.

The concept of Overseas Citizenship of India was introduced under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2005, which gives eligible foreign nationals of Indian origin, multiple entry privilege in India, without the need of applying any visa.

However, it is important to note that OCI is not any form of dual citizenship, visa, and does not give the privilege to vote or hold constitutional posts.

• Lifelong visa-free entry to visit India, multiple times.
• Exemption from registration with FRRO for any duration of stay.
• Parity with NRIs in areas such as:
  • Admission to educational institutions
  • Domestic airfare
  • Entry fees to monuments, parks, museums etc.
• Permission to work in India except for restricted sectors.
• Ease of owning residential and commercial property 

• Lifelong visa-free entry to visit India, multiple times.
• Exemption from registration with FRRO for any duration of stay.
• Parity with NRIs in areas such as:
  • Admission to educational institutions
  • Domestic airfare
  • Entry fees to monuments, parks, museums etc.
• Permission to work in India except for restricted sectors.
• Ease of owning residential and commercial property 

• Individuals who have held Indian Nationality previously.
• Their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
• Individuals whose parents or grandparents were Indian citizens.
• Minor children of such individuals.
• Foreign spouses of Indian citizens/OCI cardholders (with specific conditions).
• PIO Card holders 

• Individuals who have held Indian Nationality previously.
• Their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
• Individuals whose parents or grandparents were Indian citizens.
• Minor children of such individuals.
• Foreign spouses of Indian citizens/OCI cardholders (with specific conditions).
• PIO Card holders 

• Proof of Indian origin (e.g., previous Indian passport, parent’s passport, grandparent’s passport, birth certificate, nativity certificate  etc.)
• Current valid foreign passport.
• Passport-size photograph & signature of the specific dimension.
• Address proof of foreign residence.
• Marriage certificate (for spouse-based OCI) etc.

• Proof of Indian origin (e.g., previous Indian passport, parent’s passport, grandparent’s passport, birth certificate, nativity certificate  etc.)
• Current valid foreign passport.
• Passport-size photograph & signature of the specific dimension.
• Address proof of foreign residence.
• Marriage certificate (for spouse-based OCI) etc.

Once the application is submitted online, the necessary documents are also to be submitted for physical verification at the concerned Indian Embassy/Consulate (if abroad) or FRRO office (if in India).

Once the above formalities are concluded, and the fee is paid, an acknowledgement number is generated, thereafter the application is scrutinized by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Indian Mission/FRRO concerned and related authorities as required. 

The processing time typically ranges from 4 to 8 weeks, though it can be longer if any objections are raised. 

If the application is approved, the OCI card is issued and dispatched to the applicant. 

All the applications will be subject to pre or post enquiry depending on whether any adverse information is voluntarily reported in the application or not. If the Government comes to the know that any false information was furnished or material information was suppressed, the registration as OCI already granted shall be cancelled by an order under section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955. The persons will also be blacklisted thereby banning his/her entry into India. 

As per the provisions of section 5(1) (g) of the Citizenship Act, 1955, a person who is registered as an OCI for 5 years and is residing in India for 1 year out of the above 5 years, is eligible to apply for Indian Citizenship. Therefore, an OCI Cardholder who satisfies the conditions above, can apply and obtain Indian Citizenship, upon submitting of the required documents and application.

The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme is an essential link between India and its global diaspora. It blends convenience with opportunity allowing individuals of Indian origin to maintain strong, enduring ties with their homeland while living abroad. With a clear application process and wide-ranging benefits, the OCI framework continues to serve as an effective and meaningful channel for international engagement with India.