Eligibility quiz
Are you in a registered marriage?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in India for life
You can enter India as often as you like and stay without a time limit.
You do not have to register with the local immigration office for your stay.
Take entrance tests
You can take NEET, JEE (Main and Advanced) and similar entrance tests on the same terms as Indian citizens living abroad.
Admission is limited to seats for Indian citizens living abroad or extra seats, not those reserved solely for Indian citizens.
Work in India
Holders can practise professions as doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, lawyers, architects or chartered accountants on the same terms as Indian citizens living abroad.
They can teach at IITs, NITs, IIMs, IISERs, IISc, Central Universities and new AIIMS under PMSSY.
Most public posts are not open to holders.
Pay Indian citizen rates
You pay the same fares and fees as Indian citizens for flights within India.
The same rates also apply to entry to national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, national monuments, historic sites and museums.
Adopt a child
You can pursue adoption across borders of an Indian child on the same terms as Indian citizens living abroad, following the adoption authority’s process.
Buy and sell property
You can buy and sell property on the same terms as Indian citizens living abroad.
This does not include agricultural land, farmhouses or plantation property.
How to apply
Applying oCI from abroadApplying oCI from abroad
Find your consulate
Find the Indian embassy or consulate responsible for your application where you live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Indian embassy or consulate handles Overseas Citizen of India applications for someone living in your city?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your OCI application.
See required documentsOpen the application
Open the Overseas Citizen of India application, Form XXVIII, on the OCI Services portal.
Open the applicationFill in your application
Start the online application, choose the spouse of an Indian citizen category, and fill in the form. Upload the requested documents, photograph and signature.
Fill in the formSubmit your application
Submit the application online and keep your application reference details.
Submit your applicationPresent your originals
Present your original documents to the Indian embassy or consulate responsible for your application. The office will return them after checking them.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I present original documents for an Overseas Citizen of India application at the Indian consulate serving your city?”
Provide your biometrics
Give your fingerprints and other biometric information when the authority asks you to.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I provide biometrics for an Overseas Citizen of India application at the Indian consulate serving your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait while your application and security clearance are considered. Check your status online and respond to any requests for corrections or more documents.
Check your statusReceive your OCI card
Once approved, follow the issuing office's instructions to collect or receive your OCI card. It lets you travel to India without a visa.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I receive an Overseas Citizen of India card from the Indian consulate serving your city?”
Complete your arrival card
Before travelling to India, complete the e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival. It gives your arrival information and is not a visa.
Complete arrival cardDocuments needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Marriage certificate
Provide your registered marriage certificate. If you married in India, get the certificate issued by the Marriage Registrar.
Spouse's citizenship records
Provide evidence that your spouse is an Indian citizen. This can include a copy of your spouse's Indian passport or other proof of Indian citizenship.
Spouse's declaration *
Your Indian spouse must provide a declaration accepting responsibility for returning your OCI card to the Government of India if you divorce, separate or die.
* Only if you apply for OCI.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Special permission limits
You need special permission for research, missionary or Tabligh work, mountaineering and journalism.
It is also needed for internships or jobs in foreign diplomatic missions or government organisations in India, and for entering protected, restricted or prohibited areas.
Travel documents and records
You need a valid passport from your other country and must keep your card and passport details current.
Complete the arrival card when travelling to India.
If you normally live in India, email the local immigration office whenever your permanent address or occupation changes.
Status can be lost
Adults can give up the status; their registered minor children lose it too.
India can cancel it for fraud, false statements, hiding facts, disloyalty to its Constitution or illegal wartime dealings with an enemy.
It can also cancel it for a prison sentence of at least two years within five years of registration, or to protect its sovereignty, integrity, security, foreign relations or the public interest.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
OCI Card Application Help UK
English Facebook group for people interested in Indian visas
Join on FacebookOverseas Citizens of India
English Facebook group for people interested in Indian visas
Join on FacebookOCI, Indian Passport Renewal, POA, INDIA EVisa, Renunciation help
English Facebook group for people living in India interested in Indian visas
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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