Global Allianz Immigration consultants will offer filing services for OCI Card.

Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

OCI is a form of Indian nationality, the holders of which are known as Overseas Citizens of India. The Constitution of India forbids dual citizenship or dual nationality, except for minors where the second nationality was involuntarily acquired. Indian authorities have interpreted the law to mean a person cannot have a second country’s passport simultaneously with an Indian one — even in the case of a child who is claimed by another country as a citizen of that country, and who may be required by the laws of the other country to use one of its passports for foreign travel (e.g., a child born in the United States to Indian parents) — and the Indian courts have given the executive branch wide discretion over this matter. Therefore, Overseas Citizenship of India is not a full citizenship of India and thus, does not amount to dual citizenship or dual nationality. Moreover, the OCI card is not a substitute for an Indian visa and therefore, the passport which displays the lifetime visa must be carried by OCI holders while traveling to India. There is no plan to issue Indian passports to Overseas Citizens of India, although the registration certificate will be in the form of a passport-like booklet. The Cabinet has also directed the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs to work on a proposal to give biometric smart cards to registered Overseas Citizens of India.

Eligibility

A foreign national, who was eligible to become citizen of India on 26.01.1950 or was a citizen of India on or at any time 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 an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). Minor children of such persons 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.

Requirements

The following documents must be enclosed in each application:-

For Non PIO Card Holders

1. Evidence of self or parents or grandparents,

(a) Being eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of commencement of the Constitution; or
(b) Belonging to a territory that became part of India after 15th August, 1947; or
(c) Being citizen of India on or after 26th January, 1950.

These could be:-

(i) Copy of the Indian passport.
(ii) Copy of the domicile certificate issued by the competent authority.
(iii) Copy of Birth certificate.

Special Note: The Domicile Certificate should have a title as “DOMICILE” and it should contain your Date & Place of Birth. Especially it should be countersigned by Magistrate
Other supporting documents

These include:

1. A school certificate.

2. Land ownership certificate.

3. Voter ID.

4. License.

Note: These documents serve as a supporting proof of your origin. One cannot file his case on the basis of these documents. He should have to submit any of the above mentioned documents along with these supporting documents by which eligibility may be reasonably ascertained.

2. Proof of present citizenship.

3. A copy of valid visa (It should have a validity of at least Three Months, if applying in India).

4. Residential permit from FRRO (If the stay is over Six Months, if applying in India).

5. Evidence of relationship as parent/grand parent, if their Indian origin is claimed as basis for grant of OCI.

For PIO Card Holders

A PIO card holder is also required to arrange all the above documents along with a copy of his/her PIO card.

Benefits to an OCI:

Following benefits will accrue to an OCI:-

1. A multiple entry, multi-purpose lifelong visa for visiting India.

2. Exemption from registration with local police authorities for any length of stay in India.

3. Parity with Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in respect of economic, financial and educational fields except in relation to acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.

Note: An Overseas Citizen of India will not enjoy the following rights even if resident in India:-

1. The right to vote.

2. The right to hold the offices of President, Vice-President, Judge of Supreme Court and High Court, Member of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha Legislative Assembly or Council.

3. Appointment to Public Services (Government Service). Also Overseas Citizens of India are not eligible for an inner line permit; they have to apply for a protected area permit if they want to visit certain areas in India.