The Indian Government in March 2021 issued a circular delineating the privileges afforded to Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders in India. The new circular consolidates the older notifications and circulars issued by the Government of India.
An important modification introduced by the March 2021 circular changes the reporting obligations of OCI cardholders in India. They now have to report changes in their residential address and changes in occupation.
Another noteworthy change was introduced a couple of years ago and it requires OCI cardholders to procure a special permit to undertake Tabligh activities. The older circulars and notifications indicated that OCI card holders must obtain special permits to conduct “missionary, journalist or mountaineering activities,” but did not specify any particular group.
OCI Card holders seeking an internship or employment with offices of foreign nations in India also need to procure a special permit. This is a new requirement under the March 2021 notification.
Does an OCI Cardholder need a visa to visit India?
OCI cardholders do not need a visa to visit, live or work in India.
Do they need any advance permission or clearance to visit India?
OCI card holders need to obtain a special permit to undertake:
- Research related activities;
- Missionary, Journalistic, Tabligh or Mountaineering activities;
- An internship in any foreign Diplomatic Missions or foreign Government organisations in India or to take up employment in any foreign Diplomatic Missions in India; or
- A visit any area in India that is notified as protected, restricted or prohibited.
Who is eligible to qualify for registration as an OCI?
Broadly speaking the following individuals qualify for registration as an OCI:
- A person who at any time held an Indian passport;
- A person whose either parent or grandparent or great grandparent was born in and was a permanent resident of India, provided neither was at any time a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh or any other country that may be specified by the Government from time to time;
- A person who was a citizen of India or was eligible to become a citizen on or at any time after 26.01.1950 or
- Any person who, or whose parents or grand-parents were born in India as defined in the Government of India Act, 1935 (as originally enacted), and who was ordinarily residing in any country outside India was eligible to become citizen of India on 26.01.1950
- A minor child whose both parents are citizens of India or one of the parents is a citizen of India; or
- A person of foreign origin who is a spouse of a citizen of India/OCI cardholder and whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for a minimum period of two years.
The OCI program is not for individuals who are of Pakistani or Bangladeshi descent.
There was a Person of Indian Origin or PIO Scheme that was withdrawn in 2015. What happens to those individuals who were registered as PIOs?
On January 9, 2015 the Government of India issued a notification regarding the merger of the Persons of Indian Origin and Overseas Citizens of India Schemes. It stated that all existing PIO card holders registered under the new PIO card scheme of 2002 are expected to apply for an OCI card.
What is the deadline to convert the PIO Card into an OCI Card?
The deadline for the conversion of PIO cards has been extended several times since the merger of the two schemes to give more time to PIO card holders to submit their applications for registration as an OCI card holder. Most recently, the Indian Consulates abroad have issued press releases extending the deadline until December 31, 202, for PIO cardholders to convert their PIO cards to OCI cards.
Does an OCI Cardholder need to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office/ Foreigners Registration Office upon arrival in India?
OCI cardholders are exempt from registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) for any length of stay in India. GPK Comments: Yes, covered in Notification issued by Ministry of Home Affairs dated 4th March, 2021.
Are there any reporting requirements for OCI card holders?
OCI card holders must inform the FRRO or FRO of relevant jurisdiction via email when their residential address changes or if there are any changes to their occupation.
Are OCI Cardholders permitted to vote in India?
OCI cardholders are neither permitted to vote, nor are they eligible to run for public office nor hold government jobs in India, among a few other things. A detailed list of prohibited activities is provided under section 7 of the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955 as amended from time to time.
Does an OCI Cardholder lose his OCI status when divorced from an Indian national?
Yes. A foreign national who is registered as an OCI by virtue of his or her marriage with an Indian national/person of Indian origin loses the OCI status after a divorce. Such foreign nationals must surrender their OCI cards after the dissolution of marriage.
Are OCI Cardholders permitted to purchase agricultural land in India?
No. While OCI Cardholders are permitted to purchase immovable property in India, they are not permitted to purchase agricultural land or a farmhouse or plantation property. They are on parity with NRIs in this matter.
As per the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 - Master Circular on Acquisition and Transfer of Immovable Property in India by NRIs/PIOs/Foreign Nationals of Non-Indian Origin, a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) is a citizen of India resident outside India.
Acquisition of immovable property by foreign nationals is now covered under the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019.
Who is a non-resident Indian under the Income Tax Act, 1961?
The status of a person as a resident or non-resident depends on his period of stay in India.
The period of stay is counted in number of days for each financial year beginning from 1st April to 31st March (known as previous year under the Income-tax Act). There are various ways in which a person is deemed to be a resident in India under this statute.
Further, date of arrival and date of departure is considered as one day each in India.
The Income Tax Act does defines the term non-resident as person who is not a resident and Section 6 of the statute contains detailed criteria of who is considered as Resident in India and provides that anyone who doesn’t meet these criteria is Non-Resident.
Are OCI Cardholders permitted to sit for entrance examinations into institutes of higher education?
OCI cardholders are treated on par with Non-Resident Indians and are permitted to sit for All India entrance examinations or tests for admission into institutes of higher education. They may also be considered for any supernumerary seat. However, OCI cardholders will not be eligible for seats reserved exclusively for Indian citizens nor be eligible for selection processes reserved for Indian nationals.
Does an OCI Cardholder need to re-issue his OCI Card every time he renews his passport?
An OCI Card must be reissued each time a new passport is issued for an individual up to the completion of 20 years of age and once upon completing 50 years of age. Re-issuance is not required between the ages 21-50.
Are OCI Cardholders permitted to make investments in financial instruments in India?
An OCI card holder may, on repatriation basis, purchase or sell equity instruments of a listed Indian company and other securities in the manner and subject to the terms and conditions prescribed in the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019 and Foreign Exchange Management (Debt Instruments) Regulations, 2019.
An OCI card holder may, on non-repatriation basis, purchase or sell equity instruments of an Indian company or other securities or contribute to the capital of a limited liability partnership or a firm or proprietary concern, in the manner and subject to the terms and conditions specified in the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019 and Foreign Exchange Management (Debt Instruments) Regulations, 2019
An OCI Cardholder may also:
- Purchase or sell units of domestic mutual funds (on both repatriation and non- repatriation basis)
- Government dated securities (other than bearer securities), treasury bills (on both repatriation and non-repatriation basis)
- Purchase or sell shares in public sector enterprises being disinvested by the Central Government/Bonds issued by Infrastructure Debt Funds or PSUs in India;(repatriation basis)
- Subscribe to National Pension System, provided eligible to invest as per PFRDA Act(repatriation basis)
- National Plan/Savings Certificate (non-repatriation basis)
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.)
FAQs
Restrictions on Dual Citizenship
This put OCI cardholders on an equal basis with NRIs, but without any political privileges (such as the right to vote or hold public office). The OCI cardholders' rights and privileges have been further restricted with the adoption of the OCI Notification 2021.
How do I update my OCI card with a new passport? ›
OCI Card Reissue Guidelines
(i) OCI cardholder is required to upload ONLINE a copy of the new passport and a recent photo (not more than 30 days old) each time a new passport is issued. The uploading of these documents may be done within three months of receipt of the new passport.
How long does it take to get OCI online update? ›
You must follow the instructions and send all your paperwork to the VFS Application Center. Your OCI card processing time will be 5 to 6 weeks.
How long does it take to update passport on OCI? ›
OCI Status Enquiry
Enter the passport number and File the reference number to check the status. It will take 2 to 4 weeks to get updated in the system.
What is the new OCI rule? ›
OCI cardholder is required to upload ONLINE a copy of the new passport and a recent photo each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age. The uploading of these documents may be done within three months of receipt of new passport.
How long a US citizen can stay in India with OCI? ›
A PIO cardholder is required to register with local Police authority for any stay exceeding 180 days in India on any single visit whereas an OCI card holder is exempted from registration with Police authority for any length of stay in India.
Can I travel with new passport and old OCI? ›
Is there any minimum validity specified for my foreign passport? A: You will be allowed entry into India if you have a valid OCI Card and a valid foreign passport. You do not need to carry the old passport on which your "U” (OCI) Visa was stamped, if that happens to be different from your current passport.
Does OCI need to be renewed if passport is renewed? ›
(ii) OCI cardholder is required to get the OCI card re-issued only once when a new passport is issued after completing 20 years of age.
Does OCI need to be renewed when passport is renewed? ›
Presently, the OCI card is required to be re-issued each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age, in view of biological changes in the face of the applicant.
How do I know if my OCI is updated? ›
An applicant can check the status of his/her OCI Card application by visiting “https://ociservices.gov.in/welcome” and clicking on “Status Enquiry”. Further, the applicant can also check the status of his/her application on VFS Global portal where he/she has already registered while applying for the OCI Card.
Fees for OCI Card
| Service | Consular Fee | Total |
|---|
| New OCI Card (Adult/Minor) | $275.00 | $293.90 |
| New OCI for PIO (In Lieu of Valid PIO Card) | $100.00 | $118.90 |
| New OCI Card (In Lieu of Lost PIO card) | $200.00 | $218.90 |
| OCI Miscellaneous Services | $25.00 | $43.90 |
2 more rowsProcessing time is 6 weeks from the date application reaches to the Embassy/ Consulate.
Can I travel while OCI is in process? ›
Yes. If you have any emergency travel plan, you can travel with your current OCI card, current passport and old passport associated with OCI.
Do you need new OCI after 50? ›
Re-issuance of OCI registration certificate is not mandatory each time a new passport is issued between 21-50 years of age. However, if the applicant wishes to obtain new set of OCI documents, he/she can apply for the same. If the OCI card is issued at the age of 50 years, there is no need for re-issuance of OCI.
Do we need to send original passport for OCI? ›
5 CURRENT PASSPORT INFORMATION PAGE COPY (DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL PASSPORT) Information page that contains the picture and personal details of the holder of the Passport.
Can US citizen with OCI work in India? ›
Yes! You can work in India with an OCI card. The OCI card or Overseas Citizenships of India card is a lifelong visa that gives you the chance to work or live in India. Also, you can enter India at all the times you would like.
Do I need to renew OCI after 10 years? ›
The only circ*mstances under which an OCI card would need to be reneweed: when an individual under the age of 20 receives a new passport; when receiving a new passport upon turning 50 years old; and when new passport-effecting documents are received.
Can OCI buy property in India? ›
As per the guidelines issued by Reserve Bank of India, an NRI or OCI card holder can invest in any residential or commercial property. The guidelines also state that one can buy any number of residential or commercial properties.
Can I travel to India while new OCI is in process? ›
If one has travel to India under emergency, he/she is advised to apply for appropriate visa which can be done even while his/her OCI application is under process.
Is Indian visa better than OCI? ›
The India Tourist eVisa is available for foreign travelers who want to visit India for tourism. On the other hand, the OCI Card allows you to live and work in India. In both cases, you must check eligibility and whether you meet the requirements.
The OCI card is a lifelong visa available for citizens of Indian origin. Once you get it, you will obtain all the rights any resident in India has. You can live and work in India. The OCI card is valid for 10 years after issued and it allows Multiple Entry to the country.
What are the disadvantages of OCI card? ›
The OCI card benefits refer to the rights you gain, like working rights, living as a resident, and entering India as many times as you want. One of the major drawbacks is that you must surrender your Indian passport as India doesn't accept dual citizenship.
Is OCI dual citizenship? ›
It is basically a life long Visa and with some other privileges attached which can be seen on the Ministry of Home Affairs' web site. It is reiterated that holding an OCI card in no way entitles its holders to claim the status of dual citizenship.
Do I need to surrender my expired Indian passport before applying for OCI? ›
While applying for consular services Visa or OCI, it is mandatory to provide proof of your cancelled Indian passport. If such evidence cannot be provided, applicants will be required to obtain a renunciation certificate.
Can I apply for OCI and visa at the same time? ›
Foreign nationals cannot apply for OCI in India while on Tourist Visa, Missionary Visa and Mountaineering Visa. Moreover, the foreigner has to be ordinarily resident of India to be eligible to apply for OCI registration in India.
What is the size of photo for OCI? ›
The photograph should be in colour and of the size of 2 inch x 2 inch (51 mm x 51 mm). The photo-print should be clear and with a continuous-tone quality. It should have full face, front view, eyes open. Photo should present full head from top of hair to bottom of chin.
Is OCI renewal postponed? ›
Further, on account of ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, in order to avoid inconvenience to OCI cardholders who are required to get their OCI cards reissued, it has been decided by the Government of India to extend the timeline for re-issuance of OCI cards from December 31, 2021 till December 31, 2022. 3.
How do I get a replacement OCI card? ›
A. In case of loss of OCI documents, file a complaint with the Police authorities. Apply online for reissue of OCI under lost category through VFS. Please submit physical copy of application along with required documents (including Police Report) to VFS center by Walk-in or Mail.
What is proof of address for OCI? ›
Proof of address must match with the present address as per application: (any ONE of the below documents) - State Issued ID OR - Driving license OR - Utility Bill - Water (should be recent, no more than 3 months old) OR - Utility Bill - Gas (should be recent, no more than 3 months old) OR - Utility Bill - Electricity ( ...
What documents do I need to update my OCI passport? ›
Copy of Indian passport containing the name of spouse.
- DIVORCE DECREE – COPY. If you are Divorced, then submit a divorce decree.
- DIVORCE DECREE & CURRENT MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE– COPY. If you are Divorced and Re-Married.
- DEATH CERTIFICATE – COPY. If your Spouse is Deceased.
- PROOF OF PARTICULARS CHANGED – COPY. Change in Address.
Once you have completed your OCI Application you should register with VFS Global based on how you will be applying – post/courier, or by appointment at one of our application centres, and pay your fees.
Where are OCI cards printed in USA? ›
Consulate General of India, San Francisco, California : OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) cards.
How many OCI card holders are there in the US? ›
As of 2020, there are 6 million holders of OCI cards among the Indian Overseas diaspora.
...
| Overseas Citizenship of India |
|---|
| Cost | ₹15000 (In India) US $275 (abroad) Renewal ₹1400 (In India) Renewal US $25 (abroad) |
4 more rowsIt is informed that VFS Global is the service provider for OCI services for the Embassy of India, Washington DC or its Consulates in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York and San Francisco.
Why does OCI application take so long? ›
OCI applications generally take 8-10 weeks to process. The processing of an OCI card involves a number of steps and can be delayed because of incomplete applications — so be sure to send a complete application.
What documents required for OCI card? ›
These could be:
- Copy of the Indian Passport; or.
- Copy of the Domicile Certificate issued by the Competent Authority; or.
- Copy of Nativity Certificate from the Competent Authority; or.
- OCI Card/ PIO card of parents/ spouse along with the documents upon which the OCI/ PIO card was issued; or.
U.S. citizens seeking to enter India as a tourist for longer than 60 days or for any other purpose must apply for a visa from an Indian embassy or consulate. The Government of India has appointed VFS Global to assist with visa services to individuals in the United States.
What is the rule of OCI after 50? ›
OCI card is required to be re-issued each time a new passport is acquired by the cardholder up to the age of 20 years. OCI card is required to be re-issued once on acquiring a new passport after completing 50 years of age.
Do we need original birth certificate for OCI? ›
Applicant's Original US/Foreign Passport validity of minimum 6 months at the time of submission of application. Copy of US Naturalization Certificate/Or Birth certificate if born outside of USA. Recent Passport photo taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance.
Can OCI be denied? ›
Common Reasons for rejection of OCI Card
The proof that Indian citizenship has been renounced is not adequate. The proof of address is not acceptable or no such proof is submitted. The applicant is not eligible to obtain an OCI card. There is a lack of adequate security clearance.
Apply under OCI Miscellaneous Service online at https://ociservices.gov.in/ Click on "Fill New Miscellaneous Application" Select option "Passport particulars updation" under “GRATIS” service. Upload photo, signature and passport document files. This entire process is done online.
Do I need to upload all documents for OCI? ›
Please ensure all the documents including photo and signature required to be uploaded clearly, before you approach the counter for your application submission. Maximum 10 options can be selected for the document upload. You may merge multiple document and upload as single pdf file under any relevant category.
What is the disadvantage of OCI? ›
The OCI card benefits refer to the rights you gain, like working rights, living as a resident, and entering India as many times as you want. One of the major drawbacks is that you must surrender your Indian passport as India doesn't accept dual citizenship.
Can I travel to India with old OCI and new passport? ›
A: You will be allowed entry into India if you have a valid OCI Card and a valid foreign passport. You do not need to carry the old passport on which your "U” (OCI) Visa was stamped, if that happens to be different from your current passport.
What increases OCI? ›
If the value of an investment increases, the company's OCI also increases. If the company sells, the OCI becomes a realized gain. Including these investments in a financial statement may help a company show potential stakeholders the value of its business investments.
What can you not do in OCI? ›
OCI card holders cannot do the following:
- Vote.
- Become a member of a Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council or the Parliament.
- Hold constitutional posts such as President, Vice President, Judge of Supreme Court, or High Court.
- Hold employment in the Government.
- Hold an Indian passport.
As per the guidelines issued by Reserve Bank of India, an NRI or OCI card holder can invest in any residential or commercial property. The guidelines also state that one can buy any number of residential or commercial properties.
How long does OCI expire? ›
The OCI card is valid for 10 years after issued and it allows Multiple Entry to the country.
Can OCI travel to India now from USA? ›
Is there any minimum validity specified for my foreign passport? A: You will be allowed entry into India if you have a valid OCI Card and a valid foreign passport. You do not need to carry the old passport on which your "U” (OCI) Visa was stamped, if that happens to be different from your current passport. Q.
How long does it take to get OCI in USA? ›
Kindly note that normal processing time for a new OCI application (based on Indian origin) is 4-5 weeks from the date of registration of the application in the Consulate whereas for re-issuance/updation of OCI Cards, it is 5-6 weeks.
What To Do About A Lost OCI Booklet
- Don't Apply For OCI At Short Notice. If you have lost your OCI card, resist the temptation to apply for it at short notice days before your trip. ...
- Report To The Police. ...
- Go For An interview. ...
- Apply For A New One. ...
- Emergency Option.
What Is Other Comprehensive Income? In business accounting, other comprehensive income (OCI) includes revenues, expenses, gains, and losses that have yet to be realized and are excluded from net income on an income statement. OCI represents the balance between net income and comprehensive income.
Does OCI go on the income statement? ›
According to accounting standards, other comprehensive income cannot be reported as part of a company's net income and cannot be included in its income statement. Instead, the figures are reported as accumulated other comprehensive income under shareholders' equity on the company's balance sheet.
Why is OCI better? ›
Customers choose OCI for performance and cost advantages
Runs security SaaS product on OCI to monitor thousands of workloads per customer. They're getting 60X better performance and 90% lower costs. Expects to reduce costs by 50% for its statewide ERP that supports 150,000 employees.
Does OCI card need to be renewed with new passport? ›
Whether OCI documents have to be re-issued each time a new passport is taken? OCI registration certificate have to be got re-issued each time a new passport is issued up to the completion of 20 years of age and once after completion of 50 years of age in view of biological changes in face of the applicant.
Can I travel without physical OCI card? ›
While you will need to reapply for your OCI card eventually, you don't have to cancel your trip because of your misfortune. Instead of that, apply for an eTourist Visa with iVisa. This tourist visa will allow you to safely and quickly enter India and won't delay your time at the airport.
Can I apply for OCI without US passport? ›
A valid original US passport or Non-Indian passport if the nationality is non-US is needed at this point. The U-Visa (OCI) sticker needs to be affixed to a blank visa page in the passport. The passport must have minimum 2 blank pages and a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of application.
