If you, your parents or your grandparents were citizens of India
and later you (or they) renounced this citizenship and acquired a foreign
citizenship, then you have the option to apply for OCI or Overseas Citizen of
India. This OCI will allow you to stay and work in India
while you retain your foreign citizenship. For example, you may have worked in
a foreign country all your life, but you want to retire and settle in your
original homeland without changing your citizenship. In such cases, you will
need to apply for OCI.
The steps:
OCI application is a two step process. It is quite easy, but
you should verify that you have all the documents needed and the photographs
with correct technical specifications. Applications are often rejected due to
problems with documentation or photographs.
The two step process for application of OCI is as follows:
* The first part of the process can be completed online.
Regulations keep changing; so study the rules carefully.
* Go to . You may need to download security certificate to
access the website.
* The next step is to select between “individual” and
“family”. Family in this sense includes father and / or mother and minor
children. Adult children, siblings or other members of the family will have to
apply as individuals.
* The Form A will be displayed depending on your choice.
Fill it up and check it for errors. Then, click on the submit button. If any
field is entered wrong, you will get an error message. Correct the information,
check and resubmit.
* If submission is successful, a copy of the Form A will be
displayed. It will also show your registration number. You will have to print
out a copy of this form.
* This completes the first part of OCI application. You will
now be able to proceed to the second step and download Form B. you will have to
print it out.
* Fill up the required information in Form B by hand. You
can also type the information. Additional sheets may be used if needed.
* Once you have completed filling the form, you collect all
the necessary supporting documents and photographs. You will get a list of
documents needed at the end of the Form B.
* Once all the documents are in order, you will have to mail
them in. send them to the Indian consulate in your place of residence. Be sure
to mention the name of this consulate under “place of submission” in the form.
You should send your application through Speed post or registered post. It is
best not to send them by courier as this is discouraged.
Documents required: A number of supporting
documents have to be submitted with your OCI application. A list is given at
the end of Form B. double check this list because if you forget to send a
document, it will lead to needless delay.
The required documents are as follows:
* Copy of your present passport.
* Surrender certificate if you had ever renounced the
citizenship of India.
* Documentary proof that your parents or grandparents were
citizens of India.
These would include their passports or copy of domicile certificate, evidence
of your relationship in the form of birth certificate where parents’ names are
clearly mentioned. If your claim is based on your grandparents, then in
addition to the above you will need to submit birth certificate of your parent
which clearly shows their relationship to the said grandparent.
* School certificate and land
ownership records are also accepted. However, you should consult Form B before
sending in your application.
If you are looking to apply for a PAN card and not an OCI
card, contact: www.nripan.com for
assistance with your application.
It is very quick and easy. They assist all NRIs, PIOs, and
OCIs with their PAN process.
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