Can an OCI cardholder be granted Indian Citizenship? (2024)

Disclaimer - iVisa does not currently offer the OCI card, please check below for any information you may need about your future application with us, or how to apply for an India Visa.

Citizens of Indian origin can now apply for an OCI card or Overseas Citizenship of India if they wish to live and work in India for the long-term. This document was launched by Indian authorities as a response to requests for dual citizenship due to the Indian diaspora, especially in first-world countries.

Apply for your OCI card here.

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Can an OCI cardholder be granted Indian Citizenship? (1)

If you have Indian origin, you might apply for the OCI card, but keep in mind that you won’t be able to have it if you’ve ever been to Pakistan or Bangladesh.

You might be wondering “Can an OCI cardholder be granted Indian Citizenship?”, which is why we’re ready to help you answer that question with the information below.

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How to apply for an OCI card at iVisa.com

  • Go to iVisa.com’s application page here.
  • Complete the online form with your private information.
  • Pick a processing speed.
  • Our representatives will review your application request to make sure all the information is well-written.
  • Receive the Government Application by email inbox and don’t forget to print it out.
  • Obtain a VFS reference number to track the shipping and results of the process.
  • Now you’re ready to receive your OCI card issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of “OCI card”?

Overseas Citizenship of India is the official name of OCI. This is an authorized paper that citizens of Indian origin and their spouses can obtain if they want to live and work in India. Despite its name, the OCI is not the same as an Indian ID and it doesn’t offer you citizenship. The OCI is just a type of residency for citizens that have an Indian origin.

This document isn’t available for all the cases of people of Indian origin. People of Indian origin who have been to Pakistan or Bangladesh cannot apply for it.

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Can an OCI cardholder be granted Indian Citizenship?

Yes, it is possible. Following the information of section 5 of the Citizenship Act, 1955, a person who is registered as an OCI for more than 5 years and has been living in India for 1 year from the 5 years mentioned, is eligible for Indian Citizenship.

Apply now.

What things do I need to get an OCI card?

You can easily apply for the OCI card with us by having the following list of items:

  • Your valid email address to obtain all the information
  • A debit/credit card for payment.

Since India doesn’t allow dual citizenship, you have to renounce your Indian passport in case you have one.

Are you asking yourself “Can an OCI cardholder be granted Indian Citizenship?”, then visit this page.

What are the prices to get an OCI card?

With our website, you can obtain the OCI as easily and quickly as possible due to the application form we’ve designed. Nonetheless, since this is a speedy and secure process, it isn’t available for free. You have to pay a small fee for that, but the good news is that you can choose one of these options depending on your budget:

  • Standard Processing Time: If you prefer to pay the least expensive option. - .
  • Rush Processing Time: In case you want to get your document a bit faster. - .
  • Super Rush Processing Time: If you need your OCI card as fast as possible. - .

If you’re questioning yourself “Can an OCI cardholder be granted Indian Citizenship?”, go to this link.

How can I apply for the OCI card online?

You can avoid visiting the Indian embassy by applying with us. All you have to do is to follow this 3-step online process:

  • First, you have to complete an online application form with your private information and select a processing speed.
  • Second, now you have to review the information you previously offered and pay for the service.
  • Third, you can now add the items required (if necessary) and send the form once you’re ready.

The last thing that goes on your side is to wait for your VFS reference number to trace the results. Don’t forget that we’ll send you a preparation guide with precise information on what to do next.

Get your OCI card here.

How safe is iVisa.com?

We have modern software that doesn’t jeopardize anything on the database, so you can feel safe while using our online form.

In case you’re still wondering “ Can an OCI cardholder be granted Indian Citizenship?” we recommend you click here.

Where do I get more information about the OCI card?

Feel free to reach out to our customer service team if you want personal service. You can learn more about the OCI Card on our FAQ page.

If you’re still asking “Can an OCI cardholder be granted Indian Citizenship?”, click on this link.

Apply now

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India is a gorgeous Asian country that enchants any curious traveler. It is home to the Taj Mahal and the Ganges River, and it is also an exotic territory where the charm of Hinduism is easily discovered.

One of the most iconic places, aside from the Taj Mahal, is the Amber Fort, a palace complex built by the Meenas, who consecrated the city of Amber to Amba, the Mother Goddess whom they knew as "Gatta Rani" or "Queen of the Last". Another interesting place is the Hawa Mahal, a palace that you can locate in the city of Jaipur, built-in 1799 by the Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh.

In Jaipur, you can also find the famous Jaipur Palace, which includes the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal palaces along with other constructions. It has an internal museum to learn more about the history of India.

As you can see, these are just some of the places you can visit in India. So do not hesitate to apply for the OCI card to have the opportunity to continue appreciating the beauties of this country.

Can an OCI cardholder be granted Indian Citizenship? (2024)

FAQs

Can an OCI cardholder be granted Indian Citizenship? ›

29. Can a person registered as an OCI be granted Indian citizenship? Yes. As per the provisions of section 5(1) (g) of the Citizenship Act, 1955, a person who is registered as an OCI for 5 years and is residing in India for 1 year out of the above 5 years, is eligible to apply for Indian Citizenship.

Can OCI cardholders work in India? ›

Registered OCI Cardholders shall be entitled to the following benefits: Multiple entry lifelong visa for visiting India for any purpose (However OCI Cardholders will require a special permission to undertake research work in India for which they may submit the application to the Indian Mission/ Post/ FRRO concerned).

What are the new rules for OCI card holders in India? ›

1. OCI Cardholders are not allowed to vote, to serve in the Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council, or Parliament, to hold constitutional positions such as President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court, or to work for the government in any capacity. 2.

How long a US citizen with OCI can stay in India? ›

An OCI card holder can stay in India for life time. It is important for an OCI card holder to ensure that they hold valid passports from their home country. In case the passport needs to be renewed then the OCI card holders have to get it renewed visiting their home country embassy in India.

Can OCI card holder buy property in India? ›

OCIs enjoy the same property ownership rights as NRIs, being able to purchase residential and commercial properties in India. However, they are barred from acquiring agricultural land, plantation property, or farmhouses.

Can OCI card holder live permanently in India? ›

(i) An OCI is entitled to life long visa with free travel to India whereas for a PIO card holder, it is only valid for 15 years.

What are the disadvantages of OCI card? ›

A: The OCI Card holder is not entitled:
  • to vote;
  • to be a member of a Legislative Assembly or of a Legislative Council or of the Parliament of India;
  • to hold Indian constitutional posts such as that of the President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court etc.;
4 days ago

Can a US citizen with OCI get Aadhar card? ›

OCI Cardholders who stay in India for a long time (over 182 days in twelve months immediately preceding the date of application for enrolment) and have an Indian address can also enroll for Aadhaar Card in India.

Can a NRI with OCI get Aadhar card in India? ›

NRIs and OCI card holders can visit any Aadhaar Enrollment Center in India and submit their biometric and demographic details for Aadhaar enrollment or update. They must carry their passport, OCI card, and other supporting documents for verification purposes.

Is OCI dual citizenship? ›

It is basically a life long Visa and with some other privileges attached which can be seen on the Ministry of Home Affairs' web site. It is reiterated that holding an OCI card in no way entitles its holders to claim the status of dual citizenship.

Can OCI buy property in India without Aadhar card? ›

According to Rule 114C, an Aadhaar card is not compulsory for OCIs when engaging in property transactions, such as buying or selling. An NRI with an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status can proceed with the transaction by having an NRO (Non-Residential Ordinary) account.

What is proof of citizenship in India? ›

Copy of Indian Passport/Birth Certificate.

Do OCI have to pay tax in India? ›

The OCI is an immigration status that was introduced to meet the demand for dual citizenship in India. Eligible OCI cardholders have to pay income tax in India on the income generated in the country. You can file your ITR online as an OCI on Indian income.

What can OCI not do in India? ›

The OCI is not entitled to vote, be a member of Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council or Parliament, cannot hold constitutional posts such as President, Vice President, Judge of Supreme Court or High Court etc. and he/she cannot normally hold employment in the Government.

Does OCI card expire? ›

As an OCI card is a lifelong visa, it technically never expires. However, you still need to renew it after some time. Foreigners of Indian origin, OCI cardholder spouse, or foreign spouse of an Indian citizen can get an OCI card.

What are the benefits of OCI card in India? ›

Benefits: OCIs are entitled to a multipurpose, multiple entry, lifelong visa allowing them to visit India at any time, for any length of time and for any purpose. They are exempted from police reporting for any length of stay in the country.

Do people with OCI need visa for India? ›

Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders

If you hold a valid Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card, you can use this, along with your valid British passport to visit India. You do not need a visa. If you have a Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card, you will need to convert it to an OCI card.

Do I need OCI card to exit India? ›

Immigration authorities shall not insist on producing foreign passports containing the 'U' visa sticker from OCI cardholders entering or exiting India. They will be given immigration clearance based on their valid foreign passport and OCI Registration Certificate (OCI booklet, also known as OCI card).

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