An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card is a special status granted by the Indian government to people of Indian origin and former Indian citizens who have acquired foreign citizenship. Although it is often confused with a visa, an OCI card is not a visa.
An OCI card is a lifelong, multiple-entry immigration status that allows holders to travel to India without repeatedly applying for a visa.
Contact MSC Notaries today for expert advice on the OCI card.
How to apply for an OCI Card
Before applying for an OCI Card, you need to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.
<H3> Global Eligibility Criteria for an OCI Card
The first step is to check that you meet the eligibility requirements. Not everyone qualifies, so it’s important to understand the basic rules before starting your application.
- You must be a foreign national and have been eligible to become an Indian Citizen from 1950 onwards.
- Anyone who came from a region that became part of India after 1947 can apply to register as an Overseas Citizen of India. Children of such parents are also eligible for this status.
How to apply for an OCI Card in the UK
If you are a UK citizen living in the UK, you can’t apply for the OCI by post; you will need to complete the application online and in person for certain steps.
You will need to :
Check your eligibility
As well as the aforementioned global eligibility, as a UK citizen, you must make sure you qualify based on Indian origin, former citizenship, or family tie (parents/grandparents).
If you need documents notarised or affidavits prepared for your OCI application, MSC Notaries can assist. Contact us today!
Complete the online OCI application
You can begin your OCI application online by visiting ociservices.gov.in. You will need to upload all of your identity documents, so it is important to have these to hand.
Print your application
After completing the online form, print out the signed application along with your appointment confirmation. You will need to bring these documents when you attend your VFS appointment, which you will need to book with VFS Global.
Book an appointment
OCI applications in the UK are handled by VFS Global on behalf of the Indian High Commission. Schedule your appointment at your nearest centre, such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, or Leicester.
Submit your documents
At your appointment, submit your printed application, original documents, photographs, and the applicable fees. VFS Global will check your paperwork and forward your application to the Indian authorities for processing.
Wait for processing
Once submitted, OCI applications usually take around 6–10 weeks to process. You can track your application status online to stay updated on any progress or requests for additional information.
Receive your OCI card
After approval, your OCI card will be sent back to you, either through the postal service or directly via VFS Global’s delivery system. Once received, you’re ready to enjoy the benefits of OCI status.
Ensure your OCI application paperwork is correct. Contact MSC Notaries today for expert notarisation and affidavit services.
<H2> How MSC Notaries Can Help With an OCI Application
While MSC Notaries does not submit OCI applications or manage the application process, we provide essential legal services that support OCI applications.
Many applicants are required to submit notarised documents, sworn affidavits, or legally certified certificates as part of their OCI application. MSC Notaries can assist by preparing and notarising these documents correctly, helping to avoid delays or rejections.
MSC Notaries can help with:
- Notarisation of documents required for OCI applications.
- Drafting and notarising affidavits (such as name discrepancies or parental consent).
- Legalisation of birth certificates for OCI purposes.
- Legalisation of marriage certificates for OCI purposes.
- Certifying supporting documents requested by VFS Global or Indian authorities.
How to renew an OCI Card.
Rules for renewing an OCI Card have changed in recent years. If you’re between 20 and 50, you generally don’t need to renew it. For those under 20, a new passport requires the OCI card to be reissued with updated details. After 50, you don’t need a formal renewal, but you should update your passport information online if it changes.
How to renew an OCI card in the UK
In the UK, OCI card renewal or re-issuance is handled by VFS Global on behalf of the Indian High Commission. You complete the online application, print the form, book an appointment at a VFS centre, submit your documents in person, and wait for your updated OCI card to be delivered.
What fees are associated with the OCI Card for UK citizens?
For a UK Citizen the standard fee for an OCI application is between £326 and £370. However, this price is reduced slightly for applicants who are renewing because they have just turned 20 or are looking to renew after turning 50.
Can I work in India with an OCI card?
Yes, OCI cardholders are allowed to work in India, including in the private sector or by starting their own business. However, they cannot take up jobs in government offices, defence services, or any position that requires Indian citizenship. Some professional licenses may also require additional approvals.
What are the key benefits of an OCI Card?
The OCI card is much simpler and straightforward than getting a visa, which is why many people opt for an OCI card instead of applying for a Visa.
The key benefits of an OCI card are :
- Allows you to travel to India multiple times without needing a visa.
- You can live, work (in certain sectors), or study in India without extra paperwork.
- Gives you rights similar to NRIs for bank accounts, property ownership, and investments.
- Makes it easier to get things like a driving license or register for Aadhaar.
- Helps you stay connected with India for family, business, or personal reasons.
<H2> What are the disadvantages of an OCI Card?
While the OCI Card offers many benefits, it does have some limitations and disadvantages. Most importantly, it does not provide Indian citizenship and cannot be used as a substitute for it. This means OCI holders cannot vote, hold certain government jobs, or work in positions reserved for Indian citizens.
Other disadvantages of an OCI card include:
- Unable to vote in Indian elections.
- Cannot hold government or public sector jobs reserved for Indian citizens.
- Cannot work in defence, police, or other government services.
- Restrictions on owning agricultural land in India.
- Certain professional licenses (like practising law or medicine) may require additional approvals.
- Not eligible to claim social welfare benefits
- May be subjected to limited travel in regions which require special permits for OCI holders
Need OCI documents notarised or affidavits prepared? Contact MSC Notaries today!
Frequently Asked Questions About OCI Card
What is an OCI Card?
An OCI card is a lifelong, multiple-entry card for people of Indian origin or former Indian citizens, letting them live, work, and travel in India without a visa.
Who can apply for an OCI Card?
People who can apply for an OCI card include anyone of Indian origin, or children of such parents, who hold foreign citizenship and meet the eligibility rules.
Is an OCI Card the same as Indian citizenship?
No, because having an OCI card is not the same as having Indian citizenship. OCI holders are not Indian citizens, so they cannot vote or work in government jobs.
Do I need a visa if I have an OCI Card?
You will not need a Visa if you have an OCI card. The OCI card allows visa-free travel to India for life.
Can I work in India with an OCI Card?
You can work in India in the private sector or by starting a business. Government jobs and defence roles are off-limits.
How do I apply for an OCI Card in the UK?
To apply for the OCI card in the UK, you will need to complete the online application. You will then need to print it, book an appointment with VFS Global, submit your documents, and wait for processing.
Do I need to renew my OCI Card?
Not really. If you’re under 20 or your passport changes, you may need to reissue it. Between 21 and 50, you only need to update your passport info online.
What are the fees for an OCI Card?
OCI card fees vary by country and type of application. In the UK, standard fees are around £326–£370, plus service charges.
Can OCI holders own property in India?
Yes, they can buy residential and commercial property, but they cannot buy agricultural land.
How do I apply for an OCI Card in the UK?
You can apply for an OCI card in the UK by completing the online OCI application. Next, you need to print your form, book an appointment at the VFS Global Centre and submit your documents in person.
What are the main OCI card benefits and disadvantages?
The main benefits of an OCI Card are that it lets you travel to India multiple times, live, work, and study without a visa, and enjoy NRI-style rights for banking, property, and investments.
On the downside, it doesn’t give Indian citizenship, so you can’t vote or take government jobs, and there are restrictions on agricultural land and some professional licenses.
If you require notarisation, affidavits, or document legalisation for an OCI application, please contact MSC Notaries for professional assistance.
