What Is An Overseas Citizenship Of India

OCI refers to the Overseas Citizenship of India. It acts like a pass for Indian citizens who live overseas in other countries but are of Indian origin. An OCI cardholder has the right to live and work in India without applying for a visa whenever they visit India and can live in the country as long as they want. OCI was introduced by the Indian government in 2005 under the Citizenship Amendment Act. The Overseas Citizenship of India was launched in 2006 at Hyderabad during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

What Are The Types Of OCIs?

Initially, the Person of India Origin scheme was different from the Overseas Citizenship but later on January 9, 2015, they merged together by the Government of India. There is only one type of card that exists but depends on an individual how they qualify them. It's of two types PIO OCI and NON-PIO OCI.

PIO OCI: This type of individual receives OCI status as a result of the sister's heritage.

NON-PIO OCI: These types of individuals receive the OCI status by marrying an Indian citizen and OCI card holders.

What Are The Benefits And Eligibility Criteria For An OCI Card?

There are lots of benefits one can get from an OCI card. However, there are some conditions and criteria to become eligible for the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card. let’s discuss them below:

Benefits Of An Overseas Citizenship of India

There are a lot of benefits an individual can get from the OCI card but to avail then firstly you need to be eligible for it.

Lifelong visa and no restriction on a number of visits: The OCI cardholder can get a lifelong visa to visit India and there will be no restriction on how many times you visit India whether in a year or lifetime.

No limitation on staying period: There will be no limitation on long-term stays in India like in other countries you have to register for an extended time period to stay long.

Study permits and domestic travel fares: OCI card holders can easily apply to Indian education institutions like the local citizens and get the same airfares and other travel in the country.

Opportunity to work in India: OCI card holders can get work permits in India except for some restricted posts related to the government sector.

Allowed to buy Properties in India: The OCI card holders can buy commercial or residential properties in India but they are not allowed to buy or hold any agricultural land, or plantation lands in India.

Eligibility For an OCI Card Holder

PIOs (person of Indian Origin): Every person who is a citizen of India on and after January 26, 1950, is eligible to apply for an OCI card and can avail of its benefits.

Children and descendants of Indian citizens: Children and grandchildren of Indian citizens who are also residents of other countries are permitted to apply for the OCI card.

Spouse of an Indian national or any OCI holder: Any individual who marries an Indian citizen and their marriage legally for more than 2 years is eligible for applying for OCI cards. But, a person who is a citizen of Bangladesh and Pakistan is not eligible to apply for the OCI card.

Essential Documents Required for an OCI Card

• You need to provide proof of present citizenship.
• Completely signed and filled OCI application form.
• You need to submit a Police Clearance Certificate.
• Passport-size photos as per the specification.
• Biometric information which includes fingerprints and signatures of the applicant.
• Proof of your Indian origin.

You need to submit documents that prove you as a spouse of an OCI cardholder or a citizen of India.

How to Apply for an OCI Card?

• Fill out the online OCI Application form.
• Upload all the required Documents for the OCI application.
• Pay the OCI application fees.
• Submit your Biometrics.
• Schedule an appointment with the Indian Mission.
• Go to the application center and Submit your completely filled and signed OCI application.
• Wait for the OCI application processing.

CONCLUSION

OCI allows Indian Citizens to stay in India for a long time without reporting to anyone and with an OCI card you can access visa-free travel across the country. In this blog, we have learned about what is an OCI and what are the eligibility, documents, and benefits of an OCI card. We hope that with this blog you can apply for an OCI without any mistakes and make your application process easy and simple.