Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)—People who have Indian Origin and are living in Australia can apply for the Overseas Citizenship of India with International Application Services (IAS). This is a unique immigration status that allows the Indian-origin individual who lives abroad to enjoy certain benefits in India. The OCI opens the doors to numerous benefits that include permission to live, study, and work in India; Visa Free traveling to India without restrictions; and help in maintaining the strong connections with your heritage. Here we will guide you on what an OCI is, who can apply, how to apply, eligibility criteria, what benefits it offers, and more.

What is Overseas Citizenship of India

Overseas Citizenship of India is not the same as complete or Full Citizenship, but it provides many rights and benefits to individuals of Indian origin. It helps them to live, work, and invest in India more easily. This term works as a lifelong visa that allows the holders to enter and exit India without needing any Separate Visa. International Application Services (IAS) helps you to get the OCI Card with an easy process.

Who is Eligible for OCI

To apply for an OCI Card, the individual must meet the specific eligibility Criteria that are mentioned below:

Indian Origin

• If you were once an Indian citizen but have since acquired citizenship in the other country, then you can apply for an OCI Card.
• If the individual is married to someone from India or used to be an Indian Citizen then they can also apply.
• People from Pakistan and Bangladesh that don't allow dual citizenship cannot apply for OCI.
• Minor Children of OCI cardholders can also apply for it.

Benefits of Overseas Citizenship of India

• Once you get the OCI card, then you can enter India Multiple times without needing a visa.
• OCI cardholders do not need to register with the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) if their stay exceeds 180 days.
• With the help of this card, you can work in India without having a special permit, but exceptions are also there.
• OCI cardholders can buy and own property in India, except for agricultural land.
• The same terms as Indian citizens apply to OCI cardholders who apply for admission to educational institutions in India.
• They can take advantage of the various social security schemes that are available to Indian Citizens.
• The OCI cards are valid for lifetime but they require a renewal every 10 years for the cardholders who are less than 20 years of age.

Documents Required for OCI Application

When Applying for Overseas Citizenship, the applicant should have the following documents to fulfil the requirements:

Valid Passport: You must have the original and a photocopy of your valid passport.

Proof of Indian Origin: The Individual have the proof of Indian origin that could be an old Indian passport, Indian Birth Certificate, and a document that proving ancestral Indian Citizenship.

Proof of Australian Residence: If you are applying for an OCI from Australia, then you also have the proof, like a utility bill, lease, or any government-issued ID showing your Australian address.

Recent Passport: According to the Indian Consulate Specifications, individuals must have a recent passport photo that was taken within the last 6 months.

Marriage Certificate: If you are applying for an OCI card on the basis of Spouse Indian-Origin then you must have the marriage certificate.

Renunciation Certificate: If the person previously held an Indian citizenship and is applying for OCI, then he/she should submit the Renunciation Certificate.

Step-by-Step OCI Application Process

Here is the step-by-step application process that is provided by the International Application Services (IAS) to make your journey easy and hassle-free:

• Firstly, you need to collect all of your originals and copies of the required documents.
• International Application Services (IAS) will assist you in filling out all the official OCI application forms, uploading photographs and your digital signatures.
• Then they will schedule you an in-person appointment at the Indian consular services centre in Sydney, Australia.
• Attend your in-person meeting with all the original documents and pay your application fee.
• Our agency will monitor the complete status of your application and notify you once your OCI card is ready for delivery at your doorstep.

How Much time and Money will take OCI

In Sydney, the average time for the OCI card process will take 4-6 weeks; this time will change according to how accurate your documents are and how many applications are being processed. The fees of the OCI card can differ based on the type of application that you are making, like new applications, reissues due to passport changes, and applications for minor children.

Conclusion

International Application Services (IAS) are the experts who are handling all of your Indian documentation needs, ensuring smooth processing, and providing doorstep delivery. Along with this, we mentioned the all-important information and made your OCI card application process simple.