How to Apply for OCI - Step by Step

Guide . . .

How to apply for OCI

The Overseas Citizen of India application is in two parts, Part ‘A’ and Part ‘B’. Part ‘A’ MUST be filled on-line by the applicant

To start your on-line application:

1. On the Internet Login to: https://passport.gov.in/oci/ o (Sometimes your Internet browser may say that website you are trying to access does not have security certificate, you can download the certificate or you have the choice to accept the same and go ahead to get to the OCI form.) 2. Select whether you are applying as an individual or family* o When you select the on-line registration form as “Family” option, the family on-line registration form will appear. o OCI Passport*Family Group option should be opted if only one of the parents is applying along with one/two minor children or husband & wife are applying otherwise you have to always opt an individual option. If there are more members in the family or children are not minor then their applications should be filed as individuals. 3. Fill in the required information on the form. (Print a copy for your records) 4. Click the Submit button. o In case of errors, a message will prompt you to fill in the required information. You can correct the information as required, review it for accuracy and submit the form again. 5. After you submit the form and there are no errors. A copy of the Part A will be displayed along with an on-line Registration Number. Print out this form. 6. Once you submit the application you will be able to download part B of the application form and print it out. 7. Printout both Forms A and B 8. Fill in the information required in Form B. This information can be hand-written in legible capital letters or typed. When filling Form B, if additional space is required, you can use additional sheets of paper. 9. Supporting documents are required to process your OCI application. Collect all the required documents and make copies of them. A list of documents required is given at the end of this chapter and is also printed at the end of Form ‘B’ 10. Once you have completed Part A and B and collected all the required documents, they should be sent to the appropriate office where you are applying. This would be the Indian consulate office serving your area of residence if you are applying from abroad. The same one you selected on your on-line form under 'Place of submission' Application has to be submitted in duplicate for each applicant.

Documents Required with OCI Application

1. Proof of present citizenship 2. Evidence of self or parents or grandparents o Being eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of Commencement of the Constitution; or o Belonging to a territory that became a part of India after 15th August, 1947; or o Being a citizen of India on or after 26th January, 1950 These could be: o Copy of the passport: or o Copy of the domicile certificate issued by the Competent Authority; or o Evidence of relationship as parent/grandparent, if their Indian Origin is claimed as basis for grant of OCI.* o Any other proof that is acceptable to the authorities as proof of them being of Indian origin**.

*If parents’/grand parents’ origin is being claimed as

basis for grant of OCI, the following documents are

required:

Those who are claiming OCI card on the basis of parent’s Indian origin, their birth certificate showing their parents name is required. If you are claiming Indian origin based on your grandparents origin, then you have to submit your birth certificate as well as your parents’ birth certificate showing the parents’ names clearly so that it establishes the relation with your parents and grandparents. Copy of their Indian passport, or Copy of their domicile certificate issue by the competent authority; or any other documentary evidence like a notarized copy of school certificate, land ownership certificate by which eligibility can be logically established. Whether to accept the proof submitted or not would depend on the Consular Officer. **Acceptable documents under “Any other proof” for evidence of self or parents or grandparents being eligible for grant of an OCI? When it comes to accepting other types of proof as supporting documents, the final decision to accept any type of documentary proof would rest with the consular officers. Some such documents may be: Documentary evidence like a school certificate. Land ownership records in India. Birth certificate. Any other type of documentation whereby eligibility may be reasonably ascertained to the satisfaction of the consulate officer dealing with your application.

Baptism certificate in Lieu of Birth Certificate as

Proof of Indian Origin for OCI

Baptism certificates issued by the church authorities in Goa before October 1955 and attested by Collector / District Magistrate are acceptable as proof of Indian Origin in Lieu of Birth Certificates. To view government notification document in this regard Click HERE

Surrender Certificate Required

Former Indian Nationals, who apply for OCI, are also required to provide a ‘Surrender Certificate’ to show they Renounced their Indian Citizenship when they acquired foreign citizenship.

Photographs

One of the reasons for delay of processing OCI applications is the rejection of the photographs that are sent in by applicants as they do not meet the acceptable format set by the authorities. Care should be taken that the photographs you are sending meet the required guidelines.

Mail in OCI Application

Mail your form and documents by Registered Mail or Speed Post. Sending by Courier is discouraged by the authorities. As rules and regulations do change from time to time, read instructions on your form before mailing out your documentation. Form ‘B’ provides a complete list of documentation required to support your application. Make sure all documentation is included so as to avoid unnecessary delay to process your application.