288. Recording changes of

address by OCI holders

Q: Hello Sir, For a US citizen, born in India, and not having PIO or OCI card. I would appreciate your advice on the following questions: 1) For OCI holders, does a change of address & occupation need to be updated with authorities every time? Is it optional or a must? 2) For OCI holders, in case of any legal problem while being in India, would a person have access to US Consulate services? ( Indian govt. says no, while US govt. says yes?) 3) Having US passport (born in India) and visiting India on a tourist visa (without PIO or OCI cards), can a person open a bank a/c or buy residential property in India (no PAN card)? Thank you for your help. Sue A. Regards to your questions: I am not aware of any requirement of compulsory notification of Change of address or occupation for OCI holders. However to keep records up to date it is certainly advisable. These changes can be done free of charge from the comfort of your home by accessing the OCI Miscellaneous Services website and entering recording the changes. Since OCI holder's are not Indian citizens they are entitled to Consular services of the country whose passport they hold. I am not aware of any source where Indian government has stated that OCI holders would not have access to consular services of the country whose passport they hold. There are some independent Nri forums on the Internet that seem to suggest that US Citizens would be denied US consular services if they get OCI. I believe this is not true. The US government advises their citizens clearly that OCI is NOT a form of citizenship and those US Citizens who acquire OCI remain US Citizens. Persons of Indian origin, whether they have PIO or OCI, can open bank accounts and purchase residential as well as commercial property in India. PAN card is not mandatory for such persons as they can fill out a PAN card exemption form. To view sample PAN exemption form click HERE.