Q810. Can a minor apply for Indian visa with expired OCI instead of re-applying for OCI due to

Question: Hello, My son holds OCI since he was 1 yr old. Now he is 6 yrs old and holds a new US passport. According to new rule he has to re- apply for OCI i.e. He has to apply for OCI every 5 yrs. The paperwork to apply for OCI is extensive and I don't want to go through a long process again. Can I apply for indian visa for him even if he holds OCI( technically it's expired ). Please advise. We are planning to go India soon. Thanks a lot. A frustrated parent from OCI rules:( purvi javia

Answer: OCI does not simply expire! it can be revoked by the Government of India or Renounced by the OCI holder. Re-issue of OCI due to change of passport of children is probably required to update the photograph as children grow and appearances change. The re-issue is done through OCI Miscellaneous Services and the fee is US$25/- I can well understand your frustration, however things are not as bad as they may initially seem to be. I got my OCI in 2006 and let me assure you the procedure was a lot more complicated then.

How to use OCI Miscellaneous Services*

• Complete the OCI Miscellaneous Service Application Form on the Indian Government Site (https://ociservices.gov.in/onlineOCI/) • In order to complete the form, you will need at least ONE of the following: o O U-Visa Number o OCI Registration Number o OCI File Number • ALL the Information below MUST be entered and match the information entered by the applicant when they applied for their original OCI card. • Current Passport Number • Date of Birth • Place of Birth • Mother’s Name • Select the Desired ‘Miscellaneous Service’ needed. *source: [http://www.ociregistration.com/oci_misc_services.htm]