The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card provides numerous benefits to people of Indian origin living abroad. This guide addresses frequently asked questions about traveling to India with an OCI card and a new passport, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
OCI Card and New Passport: The Basics
Q: I have recently acquired a new passport; do I need to re-issue my OCI card?
A: OCI card re-issuance is required only once after you get a new passport after turning 20 years old. If you obtained a new passport before the age of 20, you would have needed to re-issue your OCI then.
Alt text: Sample Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, highlighting key information fields and design elements for identification.
Q: Can I travel to India with just my OCI Card, or should I also carry the passport which contains the ‘U’ Visa (OCI Visa)?
A: You do not need to carry the passport containing the “U visa.” According to Circular No. 26011/06/2015-OCI, dated January 29, 2015, issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, immigration authorities will grant clearance based on the valid OCI card and a valid passport, even if the passport doesn’t have the “U visa” sticker.
Eligibility for OCI Card
Q: I am a person of Indian origin as my parents were born in undivided India before partition. After partition, they briefly held Pakistani citizenship before moving to the United States. Am I eligible for an OCI card?
A: No. If you, your parents, or your grandparents have ever been citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh, you are not eligible for an OCI card.
Q: My spouse is a foreign national of non-Indian origin. I hold an OCI Card. Is my spouse entitled to an OCI Card? What about my children?
A: Yes, the spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an Overseas Citizen of India cardholder registered under section 7A and whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for a continuous period of not less than two years immediately preceding the application can apply for an OCI card. Minor children are also eligible if both parents are citizens of India or one parent is a citizen of India.
Renunciation Certificate
Q: Is a Renunciation Certificate compulsory before I apply for an OCI Card? What is the procedure to apply for a Renunciation Certificate? How long does it take to issue it?
A: Yes, a Renunciation Certificate is compulsory before applying for an OCI card. You can apply for a renunciation certificate through the VFS website. It generally takes 2-3 working days to issue the certificate (excluding VFS mailing time).
OCI Card Benefits and Limitations
Q: What are the benefits available to an OCI Card holder?
A: An OCI cardholder receives several benefits:
- A multiple entry, multi-purpose life-long visa for visiting India.
- Exemption from registration with local police authority for any length of stay in India.
- Parity with Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in respect of economic, financial, and educational fields, except for acquiring agricultural or plantation properties.
- The OCI can be used as identity proof for applying for a PAN Card and driving license and for opening a bank account if the OCI cardholder resides in India.
Q: What are the benefits to which an OCI card holder is NOT entitled to?
A: The OCI cardholder is not entitled:
- To vote.
- To be a member of a Legislative Assembly or Council, or of the Parliament of India.
- To hold Indian constitutional posts like President, Vice President, or Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court.
- To normally hold employment in the Government.
- To undertake any Missionary work, Mountaineering, and Journalism without prior permission from the Government of India.
- OCI cardholders also require a Protected Area Permit (PAP)/Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit protected/restricted areas.
OCI Miscellaneous Services
Q: Who can avail the OCI Miscellaneous services?
A: Only a registered Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder can avail of OCI Miscellaneous Services.
Q: Under what circumstances can the OCI Miscellaneous services be availed?
A: OCI Miscellaneous services can be used for re-issuance/issuance of duplicate OCI Registration Certificate and Visa in the following cases:
(i) Issuance of a new passport (subject to age-related conditions)
(ii) Change of personal details like nationality
(iii) Loss/damage of OCI registration certificate/visa
(iv) Incorrect personal information on the online application (e.g., name, father’s name, date of birth)
(v) Errors made by the Indian Mission/Post/Office when entering personal details from manually filled applications (now discontinued).
(vi) Change of address/occupation
Q: What should be done for issuance of duplicate OCI Card in case of loss of OCI Card?
A: If you lose your OCI documents, file a police complaint. Apply online for reissue of OCI under the lost category via VFS. Submit a physical copy of the application with the required documents (including the Police Report) to the VFS center by Walk-in or Mail.
Alt text: Step-by-step guide to the OCI application process, outlining key stages from online application to document submission and processing.
Traveling with Your OCI Card: Key Takeaways
Traveling to India with your OCI card can be simple if you understand the requirements. Remember to keep your OCI card and valid passport with you. For specific cases like re-issuance due to a new passport, understanding the rules based on your age is essential. This guide helps clarify common questions, ensuring you can enjoy all the benefits of being an Overseas Citizen of India. Always refer to official sources like the Ministry of Home Affairs and VFS Global for the most current and detailed information.
