OCI Card Application from USA – Complete Guide

This article was last updated and fact checked on October 23, 2024 by Mani Karthik.

So, you’re thinking about applying for an OCI card while living in the USA, huh? Well, you’re in the right place!

Applying for the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card can seem like a daunting process, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.

Here’s everything you need to know to make the process smooth and stress-free.

What is an OCI Card?

The OCI card is essentially a lifelong visa that allows foreign nationals of Indian origin to live, work, and travel in India without the hassle of constantly applying for a visa. It’s kind of like dual citizenship, but not exactly.

OCI cardholders enjoy many of the same benefits as Indian citizens, like the right to work in India and own property (with some restrictions).

Tip: An OCI card gives you visa-free travel to India for life!

Who Can Apply for an OCI Card?

Before you dive into the application process, make sure you qualify. You’re eligible for an OCI card if you:

• Were an Indian citizen at any point, or
• Are a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of an Indian citizen, or
• Are a minor child of an Indian citizen or an OCI cardholder.

However, you cannot apply if:

• You or your parents/grandparents ever served in Pakistan or Bangladesh’s military, police, or intelligence agencies.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an OCI Card from the USA

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Before anything else, gather all the required documents. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Proof of current citizenship: A copy of your U.S. passport (and the original for verification).
• Proof of Indian origin: This could be a copy of your old Indian passport, your parent’s Indian passport, or other documents showing Indian origin.
• Birth certificate: This is especially important if you’re applying based on your parent’s or grandparent’s Indian citizenship.
• Passport-sized photo: You’ll need to upload a recent photo that meets the specific requirements (size: 2 inch x 2 inch).
• Proof of renunciation: If you’ve renounced your Indian citizenship, you’ll need to show proof of that.

Tip: Make sure your documents are properly scanned and clear. Blurry copies can lead to delays!

Step 2: Fill Out the Online Application

Head over to the OCI services website to start your application. You’ll need to fill out two forms:

1. Part A: This is your basic information like name, address, and passport details.
2. Part B: This is where you’ll upload your supporting documents and photo.

Make sure you save your application reference number—you’ll need this to track your status later.

Step 3: Submit the Application to VFS Global

Once you’ve completed the online forms, you’ll need to submit your application through VFS Global, which handles OCI card services for the Indian government in the U.S.

You can either mail in your documents or submit them in person at the nearest VFS office.

Visit the VFS Global website to schedule an appointment and get instructions for mailing in your application.

Tip: If you’re mailing your application, use a reliable courier service with tracking. You don’t want your important documents getting lost!

Step 4: Pay the Fees

The OCI card application fee is around $275. Make sure to pay this fee through the VFS Global portal, as payments aren’t accepted directly through the Indian government’s site.

Keep in mind there could be additional fees for courier services if you’re mailing in your documents.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Once you’ve submitted your application, the waiting game begins. The processing time can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks or even longer, depending on the workload at the consulate.

You can track your application status using the reference number you saved earlier on the OCI services website.

Tip: It’s normal for the status to stay at “Under Process” for a while. Don’t panic!

Step 6: Receive Your OCI Card

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your shiny new OCI card and a U-Visa sticker (which goes in your passport) via mail. Congratulations! You now have lifelong access to India.

Tip: You no longer need to carry the U-Visa sticker on your passport; the OCI card itself acts as proof of visa-free entry.

Benefits of Having an OCI Card

Here’s why applying for an OCI card is totally worth it:

• Lifelong visa-free travel to India.
• You can stay in India for as long as you want—no restrictions!
• You can work and own property in India (with some exceptions).
• Special counters at airports make entry smoother.

However, OCI cardholders can’t vote, hold public office, or buy agricultural land in India.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incorrect or missing documents: Make sure your documents are in order and double-check everything before submitting.
• Blurry or wrong-sized photos: This can delay your application. Follow the photo guidelines strictly.
• Not tracking your application: Keep an eye on the status to avoid unnecessary delays.

Final Thoughts

Applying for an OCI card from the USA can seem like a lot, but with careful preparation and attention to detail, it’s pretty straightforward.

And once you have that card in hand, you can say goodbye to visa applications for good!

Tip: Always keep copies of all documents you submit for your own records. You never know when you’ll need them!