What Is OCI - Benefits and Eligibility Criteria Of OCI

In today’s globalised world, many people of Indian origin live abroad, maintaining deep connections with their homeland. For these individuals, the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) offers a unique way to stay linked with India, granting several significant benefits. This article talks about what OCI is, its benefits, and the eligibility criteria for obtaining an OCI card.

OCI stands for Overseas Citizenship of India. It is an immigration status that allows a foreign citizen of Indian origin to live and work in India indefinitely.

The OCI card was introduced by the Government of India in 2005 through the Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2005. This initiative was created to address the demands of Indians living abroad who wanted the benefits of dual citizenship.

Since India does not permit dual citizenship, the OCI card serves as an alternative for many Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). It's important to note that there is a significant difference between NRI status and an OCI card.

• A Foreign national who is eligible to become an Indian Citizen on or at any given time post-1950
• Any person who belonged to a territory which became part of India after 1947 is eligible to register as an Overseas Citizen of India. A minor of such parents is also provided with this eligibility. 

• Section 7 B of the Citizenship Act allows the individual multi-purpose, multiple entries and a lifelong visa for visiting India. 
• Exemption from foreigner registration obligation for any length of stay in India. 
• Equivalence to NRIs in respect of economic, financial, and educational fields. An exception in the matter of acquisition of agricultural and plantation properties. 
• Equality for the NRIs for intercountry adoption
• Offer similar domestic airfare charges to OCI cardholders as of a resident Indian national. 
• Equality with an Indian national for entry fees to national parks and wildlife sanctuaries
• The OCI cardholder professionals can pursue the profession in pursuance of the provisions contained in the relevant act. These professions include Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, Pharmacists, Advocates, Architects and Chartered Accountants. However, these professionals are required to appear for the All India Pre-Medical test or any other relevant test for eligibility towards admission in fulfilment of the provisions contained in the applicable act. 

You can apply for an OCI card online by logging in at https://passport.gov.in/oci.

While completing the application, you will require the following lists of documents:

• Duly filled and signed application form.
• Proof of current Citizenship
• Evidential documentation to prove self, parents, grandparents or great-grandparents being citizens of India 
• Relationship evidence as a parent, grandparent or great-grandparent, if their Indian origin, is requested basis for registration as an OCI cardholder
• Evidence as spouse of a Foreign origin of a citizen of India or an OCI cardholder
• Current passport-size photograph of the applicant
• Thumb impression and signature of the applicant

Note: If you previously held Indian Citizenship, you must formally renounce or surrender your Indian passport before applying for an OCI visa.

A stipulated fee is chargeable when you apply for an OCI card through Indian missions overseas and in India. 

Now that you know what is OCI, its benefits and the documents required for the application. Click here to make the most of this facility and utilise the option to invest in India.