General Information on OCI
The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) scheme was established through an amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955, in August 2005. It offers registration as an OCI to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who were Indian citizens on or after January 26, 1950, or were eligible for Indian citizenship on that date. However, individuals who are or have been citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or any other country specified by the Government of India are not eligible.
Registered OCI cardholders enjoy a lifetime, multipurpose, multiple-entry visa to India. They are also exempt from registering with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) regardless of their duration of stay. Additionally, they are eligible for similar rights as Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in economic, financial, and educational fields—excluding ownership of agricultural or plantation property.
Applicants must verify their jurisdiction and apply at the correct Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC). Refer to the “How to Apply” or “Jurisdiction” sections for more details.
Appointments are mandatory for visiting the ICAC. Walk-ins without prior appointments will not be accommodated. Fee payments at the ICAC are accepted in cash only.
Applicants must submit all supporting documents as listed in the “Documents Checklist.” Incomplete submissions will not be processed.
Regular SMS notifications are sent at each stage of the application process. To check the current status, use the “Track Application” feature.
Processing Time
- For Persons of Indian Origin: Applications typically take 8–10 weeks from the date of submission at DU Digital Global ICAC.
- For Foreign Spouses: Processing time varies as it depends on clearances from authorities in India; therefore, no fixed timeline is available.
Eligibility Criteria
You may apply for an OCI card if you fall under any of the following categories:
- You are a foreign citizen but were previously an Indian citizen or were eligible to become one on or after 26 January 1950.
- You are the minor child of an eligible individual.
- You are a foreign national but belong to a territory that became part of India after August 15, 1947.
- You are a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of a person mentioned above.
- You are a minor and one or both of your parents are Indian citizens.
- You are the spouse of an Indian citizen or an OCI cardholder, and your marriage has been registered and sustained continuously for at least two years prior to application.
Note:
- Individuals who are or have been citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh are not eligible.
- Current or former military or police personnel from foreign nations cannot register as OCI cardholders.
Biometric Data Collection
Biometric data—fingerprints and facial image—must be provided during the application process at DU Digital Global ICAC. If biometrics cannot be given at the time of application, a written explanation must be submitted.
- Applications will be acknowledged in the system only after biometric data is uploaded.
- Collected biometric data will remain valid for 5 years.
- Applicants with no fingerprints or poor fingerprint quality will provide only facial biometrics.
- Applicants aged below 12 years or above 70 years are exempt from fingerprint capture.
Reissuance Guidelines for OCI Cards
OCI card reissuance is mandatory only once—when a new passport is issued after the cardholder turns 20 years old. The application must be submitted under “OCI Miscellaneous Services” with the applicable fee.
In all other cases:
- Cardholders should upload a copy of the new passport with a recent photo via the online portal each time a new passport is issued until the age of 20 and once after turning 50.
- The upload must be done within 3 months of receiving the new passport.
- This service is free of charge.
For foreign-origin spouses:
- A copy of the new passport, a recent photograph, and a declaration confirming the marriage is still valid must be uploaded.
- Documents such as the Indian spouse’s passport or OCI card must also be uploaded.
- Uploads must be done within 3 months of receiving the new passport.
- Confirmation emails are sent upon successful upload and after approval by the Indian authority.
There are no travel restrictions for OCI cardholders between the issuance of a new passport and the final acknowledgment of document updates.
OCI Miscellaneous Services
OCI cardholders can also request updates or changes in the following scenarios:
- Correction of personal details (e.g., change in nationality, as long as the new nationality is not of Pakistan or Bangladesh).
- Replacement of lost or damaged OCI card.
- Errors made while filling out the online application.
- Updates to current address or occupation.
How to Apply for OCI – Step-by-Step Guide
Follow the instructions below to apply for an OCI card through DU Digital Global Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC):
- Create an Account
Register yourself on the DU Digital Global ICAC website.[Click here to register] - Fill Out the Online OCI Application
Visit the Indian Government’s Online OCI Services Portal and follow these steps:- Select the required service type
- Complete both Part A and Part B of the application
- Upload the necessary documents (self-attested), recent photograph, and signature/thumb impression
Photo Guidelines:
- Size: Not less than 51mm x 51mm
- Face coverage: 80%
- Background: Light color (not white), no border, front-facing
- Format: JPEG/JPG
- File size: Max 200 KB
- Dimensions: Minimum 200 x 200 pixels, Maximum 900 x 900 pixels
Signature Guidelines:
- Format: JPEG/JPG
- File size: Max 200 KB
- For minors unable to sign, a left-hand thumb impression is required
- Schedule an Appointment
Book your appointment online through the DU Digital Global ICAC website.[Click here to book your appointment]- Choose a convenient date and time
- Visit the ICAC center on the scheduled date (as per your jurisdiction)
- The address and center location will be clearly stated in your appointment letter
- Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment time
- Submit Your Application
- Carry all required documents exactly as per the “Documents Checklist”
- Visit the designated DU Digital Global ICAC
- Submit your application and pay the applicable fees (check the “Fee Details” section)
- Enroll for Biometrics (if required)
- Biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) will be captured at the ICAC during submission
- You’re Done!
- You can opt for the courier service offered by DU Digital Global to receive your OCI card directly at your home
- Track Your Application
Stay updated on your application status by using the online tracking tool.[Click here to track your application]
Document Checklist
OCI Application (South Korea)
Ensure you enclose the following documents while submitting your OCI application at DU Digital Global ICAC, South Korea:
- Printed Application Form
A printout of the duly filled online form submitted at https://ociservices.gov.in/, signed by the applicant in the designated places. - Recent Photographs
- Two (02) recent color photographs of size 51mm x 51mm
- Applications with incorrect photo specifications will be rejected
- Check the official photo guidelines at https://ociservices.gov.in/
- Proof of Current Address in South Korea
- Copy of Korean Residence Certificate (JuminDeungnok) or any valid local address proof
- Copy of Current Foreign Passport
- Valid passport (photo page and address page if applicable)
- Original OCI Card & Copy (if applying due to damage)
- Submit both the original damaged OCI card and a photocopy
- Police Report (if OCI card is lost)
- Original police report mentioning the OCI card number
- Include a copy of the lost OCI card (if available)
- For Minor Applicants
- Copy of current passports and residence permits/ID cards of both parents
- Name Change Document (if applicable)
- Government-issued name change certificate
- Dual Nationality (if applicable)
- Copy of the passport of the second nationality
- Duly Filled Checklist
Download, print, and enclose the completed checklist form[Click here to download the Checklist] - Applicant Consent Form
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- Print and include the signed consent form[Click here to download the Consent Form]
Fees Details
Visa fees and service fees
VISA CATEGORY | VISA FEE | SERVICE FEE | VALIDITY OF VISA | VALIDITY OF STAY |
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