OCI (2024)

In the backdrop of outbreak of COVID-19, no foreigners are allowed to visit the FRRO Office for OCI/Registrations and other Visa related services without prior appointment till further orders.
For appointment, contact respective FRRO Support Centers as given below:

  1. FRRO Delhi 011-26711384 frrodli[at]nic[dot]in
  2. FRRO Mumbai 022-22620446,022-22621167 helpdesk[dot]mum-ivfrt[at]gov[dot]in
  3. FRRO Chennai 044-28251721 chiochn[at]nic[dot]in
  4. FRRO Bengaluru 080-22218183 080-22218196 frroblr[dot]feedback[at]nic[dot]in , frroblr-ka[at]nic[dot]in
  5. FRRO Ahmedabad 079-26306606 ocibranch[dot]ahd-boi[at]gov[dot]in
  6. FRRO Amritsar 0183-2500464 frroasr[at]nic[dot]in
  7. FRRO Hyderabad 040-29880374 040-29880375 frrohyd[at]nic[dot]in
  8. FRRO Kolkata 033-22818640 frrokol[at]nic[dot]in
  9. FRRO Lucknow 0522-2432431 frrolko[at]nic[dot]in
  10. FRRO Trivandrum 0471-2333515 0471-2573512 0471-2333514,0471-2573514 frrotvm[at]nic[dot]in
  11. FRRO Kozhikode(Calicut) 0495-2323550frro-clt[at]nic[dot]in
  12. FRRO Cochin 0484-2611652 frro[dot]cochin[at]nic[dot]in
OCI (2024)

FAQs

Why is OCI application rejected? ›

Common Reasons for rejection of OCI Card

The order of the documents is not correct. 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.

What are the disadvantages of an OCI card? ›

A: The OCI Card holder is not entitled:
  • to vote;
  • to be a member of a Legislative Assembly or of a Legislative Council or of the Parliament of India;
  • to hold Indian constitutional posts such as that of the President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court etc.;
6 days ago

What are the limitations of OCI? ›

Benefits to which OCI is not entitled to:

The OCI is not entitled to vote, be a member of Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council or Parliament, cannot hold constitutional posts such as President, Vice President, Judge of Supreme Court or High Court etc. and he/she cannot normally hold employment in the Government.

What are the visible marks for OCI application? ›

Visible distinguishing mark means any mark on the body by birth, birthmark or any indelible scar etc. (normally visible) which helps in identifying a person easily. You can write “NONE”, in case you don't have a distinguishing mark. Please do not write such marks which are not ordinarily visible.

How long does it take to get OCI approval? ›

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.

Why does OCI take so long? ›

Due to an incomplete application, the processing time might be further delayed. Here are the general steps and processing time involved in the issuance of an OCI card: Your application will be sent to the embassy, and the actual card will be sent from India. This step can easily take 6-8 weeks.

Which is better, OCI or NRI? ›

According to Indian law, NRIs are allowed to live in India for a maximum of 182 days a year, whereas OCIs can live in the country indefinitely. This is the major difference between NRI and OCI card holders in India.

Is Indian visa better than OCI? ›

Possessing an OCI card gives you perks if you're a citizen of another country of Indian heritage or hold Indian citizenship. Is the OCI card a visa for India? Although it is not, it nevertheless has greater benefits than an Indian visa.

How long can a US citizen stay in India with OCI? ›

An OCI card holder can stay in India for life time. It is important for an OCI card holder to ensure that they hold valid passports from their home country. In case the passport needs to be renewed then the OCI card holders have to get it renewed visiting their home country embassy in India.

Is OCI lifetime validity? ›

Indian OCI Card Validity Period

As an OCI card is a lifelong visa, it technically never expires. However, you still need to renew it after some time. Foreigners of Indian origin, OCI cardholder spouse, or foreign spouse of an Indian citizen can get an OCI card.

What are the new OCI rules? ›

An existing OCI cardholder is required to upload a copy of the new passport containing the photo of the passport holder and also a latest photo (not more than 30 days old) and signature on the OCI portal under “OCI Miscellaneous Services” by visiting 'https://ociservices.gov.in/welcome' each time a new passport is ...

Can OCI buy property in India? ›

Q: Can OCI card holders purchase property in India? A: OCI card holders can purchase residential and commercial properties in India. But they are not permitted to purchase agricultural land, including farmland or any kind of plantation property.

Can I smile in OCI photo? ›

Face must be square to the camera with a neutral expression, neither frowning nor smiling and with your mouth closed. If you must wear a head covering for religious reasons, make sure your full facial features are not obscured. Non-tinted prescription glasses are allowed as long as your eyes are clearly visible.

Do I need to send an original US passport for an OCI card? ›

APPLICATION. ORIGINAL US PASSPORT REQUIRED ONLY AT THE TIME OF OCI MATCHUP. and processing will be delayed. If the applicant is applying through parents, one parent was born outside India then Birth Certificate and Passport copy of the parent born outside India.

How do I get a thumb impression for OCI? ›

For the baby's thumb impression, if you are planning to buy an inkpad then buy a removable ink one because we got the regular one and it took some time to remove the ink from baby's thumb. Take multiple thumb impressions on a plain white paper. We took them when the baby was sleeping.

Who Cannot apply OCI? ›

The following OCI card eligibility exceptions describe persons who are NOT eligible for OCI card. Foreign born children whose one or both parents are Indian nationals or former Indian nationals, including: Step children and adopted children. Child of single parent whose other parent's nationality is not available.

What is the processing time for OCI in 2024? ›

With these factors in mind, here's a general overview of current OCI card processing time estimates: New OCI applications: 4–5 weeks from the date of application registration at the consulate. Re-issuance/updation of OCI cards: 5–6 weeks from the date of application submission.

What is the meaning of OCI application status under process? ›

Under process- The application has been registered by the Mission and clearance of the Ministry is awaited. It is usually 60 days for the same. Processed- The OCI card has been granted and the card is awaited. Dispatched- The OCI card has been dispatched to the Mission.

Can I submit another OCI application? ›

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.

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