The Bureau of Immigration has revised the document requirements for Overseas Citizen of India card applications submitted from within India.
Under the updated rules, applicants will no longer be required to submit a Registration Certificate or Residency Permit. However, they must hold an eligible long-duration visa with at least three months of validity remaining on the date of application.
Applicants filing for an OCI card in India must submit a copy of any long-duration visa, except an E-3 visa, that is valid for at least three months from the application date.
They must also provide a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months, a valid visa with at least three months of validity, two documents proving Indian origin and proof of address.
The date on which the application is physically submitted at the concerned Foreigners Regional Registration Office will be treated as the official application date.
The application process begins with registration on the official OCI services portal. After registering, applicants must log in, select “Online Registration” and apply under the relevant category.
They must then complete the application form and upload their photograph, signature and supporting documents.
Once the online application is submitted, a reference number will be generated. Applicants must use this number to schedule an appointment at the concerned FRRO.
On the appointment date, applicants must appear in person with their original documents for verification.
After successful verification, a payment link will be generated. The application will be formally acknowledged once the payment is completed.
After the application is processed and approved, applicants will be able to download their electronic OCI card from the portal.
The Bureau of Immigration has also clarified that no physical OCI booklet will be issued under the revised process.
