Most of the time, this involves family visits or the ringing in of happy occasions. To many Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), it means a lifelong connection with the motherland. This is where the OCI option comes in. It provides information about what is OCI Card and is meant to help an applicant apply for OCI Card without getting lost in confusing government paperwork or jargon.
As an overseas citizen of India, or an OCI card, it now acts as a long-term visa for NRIs and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) that gives most of the rights to an Indian citizen without the need to renounce his or her nationality. Not in terms of sports with dual citizenship, though; but OCI has really opened gates for practical usage purposes, for instance when traveling to India, or investing property, or even getting your child to study in an Indian university. For someone who has moved abroad and adopted another nationality but still has strong family, emotional, or financial ties with India, this card can be a real blessing.
So, what is basically OCI Card in simple words? It is a life-long visa that will enable you to travel in and out of India not once but several times without applying for a visa every time. It takes off the burden of registering with the local authorities while staying in the country. Be it retirement in India or starting a business, or simple spending more time with loved ones-the OCI card makes all these things easier for you.
Now, what is the process for applying for an OCI Card? Well, it is mainly online and rather simple. Visit the official OCI website for all services related to OCI and fill in Part A and Part B. Have some digital copies of your documents like a copyright, a photo, proof of Indian origin like an old Indian copyright or your parent's Indian documents, and a digital signature. Once the form is submitted online, you'll print the application and submit it along with physical documents to your nearest Indian embassy, consulate, or visa processing center.
The processing times vary, but normally average about 8 to 10 weeks. While this period goes by, you can track the status of your application online. Once it is granted, the OCI card is for a lifetime and does not require any renewal unless your old copyright was before the age of 20 or after the age of 50, in which case reissuance will be necessary.
Getting an OCI card is much more than getting a legal process done. It is having India close to your heart, no matter what corner of the world one lives in. With this NRI Information Guide, we hope to convince you that indeed, you now understand not only what is OCI Card, but you also feel confident knowing how to apply for OCI Card easily and efficiently. Investment in India, or perhaps reconnecting with your heritage, or just simplifying the travel, makes the OCI card your bridge back home.