Q.777 Procedure of OCI applying

for Indian Citizenship - Step by

step . . .

Question: Hi we are currently on OCI card in India for the last 3 years. we got the oci card in Nov 2011. due to family issues we want to apply back for Indian citizenship. please reply to below queries: 1) when can we apply for Indian citizenship and how long does it take to get this? can we apply right away as we have been here for the last 3 years. 2) what is the sequence - renounce the current foreign citizenship and apply for Indian citizenship or apply and get the Indian citizenship and then renounce our foreign citizenship? Please through us some light on this one. Thanks SB Answer: You mention in your email that you have been a OCI holder for the last three years. My understanding is that OCI holders can apply for Indian citizenship provided they have: 1. Registered as an overseas citizen of India (OCI) for five years 2. Been residing in India for one year before making an application. The earliest you can apply for OCI would be after November, 2016 when you complete five years of OCI status. There is no requirement to renounce foreign citizenship when applying for Indian citizenship. Renouncement of your foreign citizenship will have to be done after you have been notified that your application for Indian citizenship has been approved. On receiving notification of approval of your application for Indian citizenship, you would have to then provide a certificate of the renunciation of your foreign citizenship issued by the Mission of the country whose citizenship you renounce. Once all documentation is received, Indian citizenship is granted. Time taken for grant of Indian citizenship depends on the timely submission of relevant documents and perhaps the volume of applications the concerned authorities have to deal with. Indian citizenship application process - Step by step procedure on how to apply for Indian Citizenship 1. Fill & Submit online application 2. On submission of application print generated hard copy and follow instructions shown at the end of the form. 3. Form along with applicable documents mentioned on the form should be submitted to Collector/District Magistrate/Deputy Commissioner of the area where the applicant is resident. 4. The Collector/District Magistrate/Deputy Commissioner is then required to send a report on the eligibility and suitability of the applicant to the State Government within 60 days. 5. Thereafter, the application along with the recommendation of the state government is to be sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs within 30 days. 6. The Ministry of Home Affairs then makes the final decision to grant citizenship. 7. Applicant is informed of decision of approval of application for Indian citizenship through the State Government. 8. Applicant then is required to provide proof of renunciation, provide three passport size photographs attested by a Gazette Officer and proof of payment of applicable fee. 9. Once all documents are received by the authorities a certificate of Indian citizenship is issued through the State Government.