OCI – frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible to apply?
A foreign national, who was eligible to become a citizen of India on 26.01.1950 or was a citizen of India on or at anytime after 26.01.1950 or belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15.08.1947 and his/her children and grand children, provided his/her country of citizenship allows dual citizenship in some form or other under the local laws, is eligible for registration as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). Minor children of such person are also eligible for OCI. However, if the applicant had ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, he/she will not be eligible for OCI.

2. Who was eligible to become Citizen of India on 26.01.1950?
Any person who or either of whose parents or any of whose grand-parents was born in India as defined in the Government of India Act, 1935 (as originally enacted), and who was ordinarily residing in any country outside India was eligible to become citizen of India on 26.01.1950.

3. Which territories became part of India after 15.08.1947 and from what date?
The territories, which became part of India after 15.08.1947 are:

4. Can the spouse of the eligible person apply for OCI?
Yes, if he/she is eligible in his/her own capacity.

5. Can children of parents, wherein one of the parents is eligible for OCI, apply for OCI?
Yes. They are eligible.

6. In what form should a person apply for OCI and where are they available?
A family of spouse and up to 2 minor children can apply (together) online. Registration at: http://ociindia.nic.in/ociindia/OnlineOCIRegistrationG.jsp

7. Can application form be filled and submitted online?
Yes registration is online. Once registered, application form(s) should be printed and its hard copy should be handed over in person at the OCI Cell, Embassy of India, Brussels.

8. What documents have to be attached with the application?
The following documents shall be enclosed with each application:

The acceptable documents in this regard are:

9. How many copies of application have to be submitted?
Application has to be submitted in duplicate.

10. Whether applicant(s) have to go in person to submit the application(s)?
Yes. The applicant(s) have to submit the application(s) in person only and not by mail.

11. Do the applicant(s) have to take oath before the Indian Mission /Post?
No. Earlier provision in this regard has been done away with.

12. Where to submit the application?
To the Indian Mission/ Post of the country of citizenship of the applicant. If the applicant is not in the country of citizenship, to the Indian Mission/Post of the country where he is ordinarily residing. If the applicant is in India, to the FRRO Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata or Amritsar or to CHIO, Chennai or to the Under Secretary, Citizenship section, Foreigners Division, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Jaisalmer House, 26, Mansingh Road, New Delhi-110011.

13. Can a person apply in the country where he is ordinarily residing?
Yes.

14. What are the consequences of furnishing wrong information or suppressing material information?
All applications will be subject to pre or post enquiry, depending on whether any information is available, pointing to false material is provided. If the Government comes to 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 banning his/her entry into India.

15. What is the fee for application for registration as OCI?
Euro 236/- for each applicant to be paid in cash at the counter at Embassy of India, Brussels. In case of PIO card holder, Euro 22/- for each applicant.

16. What is the time taken for registration as OCI?
Within 45 days of the application, if there is no adverse information available against the applicant. In case, any adverse information is available against the applicant, the decision to grant or otherwise is taken within 3 months. Once the online status shows as granted and reached Embassy of India, Brussels (also the file No. will be updated in Arrival details of OCI Card) please enquire over telephone and get an appointment (Monday to Friday) and then bring current PIO Card (for PIO Card Holders. In some cases after granting also the application is pending because of improper photograph. Once you see a file number above the reference number, it means the application has reached our office and it is registered from our side.

17. If the registration as OCI is not granted, what amount will be refunded?
An amount of Euro 25 will be charged as processing fee and balance amount Euro 211/- shall be refunded.

18. Can a PIO cardholder apply?
Yes, provided he/she is otherwise eligible for grant of OCI like any other applicant.

19. Will the PIO Cardholder be granted OCI registration gratis?
No.

20. Will the PIO card be honored till the time they are valid even after acquisition of OCI?
No. The PIO card will have to be surrendered to Indian Mission/MHA for grant of OCI registration certificate and OCI ‘U’ visa sticker.

21. What will be issued after registration as OCI?
A registration certificate in prescribed format will be issued and a multiple entry, multi-purpose OCI ‘U’ visa sticker will be pasted on the foreign passport of the applicant.

22. Will a separate OCI passport be issued?
No.

23. Will a duplicate certificate of registration as OCI be issued?
Yes. Please see the procedure for OCI Miscellaneous services.

24. Will a new OCI visa sticker be issued on the new foreign passport after the expiry of the old passport?
Yes. Please see the procedure for OCI Miscellaneous services.

25. Will the applicant lose his/her citizenship after registering as OCI?
No. Only citizens of the country, which allows dual citizenship under the local laws in some form or the other, are eligible for applying for registration as OCI.

26. Can a person holding OCI travel to protected area/restricted area without permission?
No. He/she will be required to seek Protected Area Permit (PAP)/ Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for such visits.

27. Would the Indian civil/criminal laws be applicable to persons registered as OCI?
Yes, during the period that the OCI holder is living in India.

28. Can a person registered as OCI be granted Indian citizenship?
Yes. As per the provisions of section 5(1) (g) of the Citizenship Act, 1955, a person who is registered as OCI for 5 years and is residing in India continuously for 1 year out of the above 5 years, is eligible to apply for Indian Citizenship.

29. Will OCI be granted gratis to certain categories of people?
No.

30. Can OCI be granted to foreign nationals who are not eligible for OCI, but married to persons who are eligible for OCI?
No.

31. Will foreign-born children of PIOs be eligible to become OCI?
Yes, provided one of the parents is eligible to become OCI.

32. What are the benefits of OCI?
Following benefits will be allowed to OCI:

33. Will any other benefit be granted to OCI?
Any other benefits to OCI will be notified by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) under Section 7B(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955.

34. Is the OCI entitled to voting rights?
No.

35. Is the OCI entitled to hold a constitutional post in India?
No.

36. Is the OCI entitled to hold Government posts in India?
No, except for the posts specified by an order by the Central Government.

37. If a person is already holding more than one nationality, can he/she apply for OCI?
Yes, as long as the local laws of at least one of the countries allow dual citizenship in some form or other.

38. What are the advantages of OCI when compared to PIO cardholders?

39. Can an OCI be entitled to apply for and obtain a normal Indian Passport, which is given to a citizen of India?
No, an Indian Passport is only given to an Indian citizen.

40. Can a person renounce OCI?
Yes. He/she has to declare intention of renunciation in Form XXII to the Indian Mission/Post where OCI registration was granted. After receipt of the declaration, the Indian Mission/Post shall issue an acknowledgement in Form XXIIA.