OCI Information

Overview

Fees

All the applicants are requested to include the VFS Service fee of £7.44 per application while organising their payments.

• £218.00 (£215+£3) for each OCI (fresh) application
• £23.00 (£20+£3) for changing any details in the card and linking of new passport with OCI. [Procedure: online through Miscellaneous registration].
• £82.00 (£79+£3) for lost/damaged OCI Card . [Procedure: online through Miscellaneous registration].
• £82.00(£79+£3) for conversion of PIO to OCI

Mode of payment could be Cash, Credit/ Debit Card, Postal order or Bank draft payable to VF Services UK Ltd.

Documents Required

Documents Upload on OCI application form

OCI Document Uploading Guide

The instructions below guide an applicant about the documents that are required to be uploaded on an OCI application. The list of documents advised is not exhaustive, for complete list of supporting documents for an OCI application, please click on the 'Documents required' tab above.

Uploading of the supporting documents for an application is a mandatory part of the application process. Failure to upload all the necessary documents can lead to delays in processing your application and/or your application not being accepted for submission at the application centre. Please note that physical copies of the documentation must still be submitted along with the application.

The guide below helps the applicants understand the documents to be uploaded for different types of OCI applications.

The documents upload option would appear once Part B of the application form is completed

In some cases applicant may be required to upload two or more documents under one drop down menu option. This is possible where the overall size of the entire document in PDF format does not exceed the maximum limit set.

Please find the list of document upload required in general for all OCI application categories.

1. General Checklist- OCI Application.

Upload /Reupload:

In case you need to reupload documents /photo/ signature, please use the link below

https://ociservices.gov.in/welcome

PHOTO/ SIGNATURE SPECIFICATION

Signature/Thumb Impression Specifications for OCI registration

An OCI application requires the applicant s to sign or place thumb impression on multiple places, applicant are requested to ensure that the signatures or thumb impressions have been placed where ever required, for more details on Signatures/Thumb Impressions of the applicant kindly click here

Children below 5 years of age should place the thumb impression and children above 5 years of age should write their name or sign.

While uploading signatures on the application form please ensure the below:

• Signature/ thumb impression should not be distorted (Stretched, carrying a background, pixilated, parts missing). Signature/Thumb impression should be with WHITE BACKGROUND only.
• Uploaded signature/thumb impression should exactly match with the original signature/thumb impression placed on the application form. and with the passport copy submitted with the application (if applicable)

Photo Specifications for OCI registration

Based upon the specifications of the International Standards Organization (ISO) and ICAO, responsible for standardizing travel documents, the most important requirement for a photograph is that the face must be taken from a full frontal position and the height of the face must meet the prescribed specifications. The eyes must be open, level and clearly visible within the indicated area. The face should be centred within the frame. Please read the instructions below:

Sample Photo

• The photograph should be in colour and of the size of 2 inch x 2 inch (51 mm x 51 mm).
• The photo-print should be clear and with a continuous-tone quality.
• It should have full face, front view, eyes open.
• Photo should present full head from top of hair to bottom of chin.
• Center head within frame.
• The background should be a plain light coloured background.
• There should not be any distracting shadows on the face or on the background.
• Head coverings are not permitted except for religious reasons, but the facial features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of the face must be clearly shown.
• The expression on the face should look natural.

Do’s and Don’ts for a Proper photo

• The photo should capture full face, front view, with eyes open.
• The head should be in the centre of the frame.
• There should be no distracting shadows on the face or background.
• Make sure photo presents full head from top of hair to bottom of chin; height of head should measure 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm).
• Make sure eye height is between 1- 1/8 inches to 1-3.

Lighting on face and background

• The light should be even and balanced to avoid shadows on the face.
• Background behind the face should be properly illuminated to avoid shadows in the background.

Photograph Print Properties

• The photograph should be in size 2 inch x 2 inch (51 mm x 51 mm)
• and in colour.Print photo on thin photo paper or stock.
• Ensure the print is clear and has a continuous-tone quality.
• Do not retouch or otherwise enhance or soften the photo.

Resolution and Printing Quality

• High-resolution photography and printing are strongly recommended.
• Both conventional and digital photography are acceptable, and conventional or digital printing methods may be used.
• Resulting print should exhibit a continuous-tone quality regardless of the print method used (dye sublimation, inkjet, laser, etc.)
  
• Digitally printed photos should be produced without visible pixels or dot patterns
• Fine facial features should be discernible.

Contrast and Colour

• Brightness and contrast should be adjusted to present the subject and background accurately.
• Photos without proper contrast or colour may obscure unique facial features.
• Colour should reproduce natural skin tones.
• Fluorescent or other lighting with unbalanced colour may cause unwanted colour cast in the photo.
  

• Appropriate filters can eliminate improper colour balance.

• Head & Eyes- Position and Background

  Head should face the camera directly and should not tilt or turned (portrait style).

  
• Photo must show both edges of the face clearly.
• The eyes must be open, level and clearly visible and must not be covered by hair or eyeglass frames.

Eyeglasses

• Photographs with any type of glasses/spectacles/sunglasses are not acceptable.

• Head coverings are not permitted except for religious reasons, but the facial features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of the face must be clearly shown.
  

Exposure and Lighting

• There should not be any over-exposure or underexposure which results in an unusable photo.
• There should be a three-point balanced lighting. Facial features should be clearly evident in the photo.
  
• Lighting should be adjusted to avoid shadows on the face or background. Diffuse sources of light, such as umbrella lights, are preferable to point sources.

Flexibility in Children’s photographs

• Babies under one year do not have to have their eyes open.
• Please ensure the position of the face is square to camera, the
• Facial expression is neutral, the eyes and the line of sight can have some relaxation. However, a frontal photograph with clarity is required. It should show the child alone (no chair backs, toys or other people visible), looking at the camera with a neutral expression and the mouth closed.

Special attention –

Photographs uploaded digitally, should be

• Without any distortion – face should not appear elongated or pressed when compared with the actual photo
• Photo should be uploaded in the upright position; applications with photos uploaded sideways or upside down will not be accepted.
• Uploaded photo should fill the ‘photo upload’ field completely, there should not be any empty/white space shown once the photo is uploaded. Any application with a photo covering only a part of the ‘photo box’ will not be accepted.

Application Form

All applicants are required to fill the online application form on the website https://ociservices.gov.in and submit the printed application form with with Originals and self attested photo copies of the supporting documents during the appointment.

Kindly ensure to include the completely filled and signed OCI Undertaking Form and the same must also be uploaded online in your respective OCI application in any available category.

Application form must be taken by the applicants for submission to respective application centre as per the applicable JURISDICTION.

PIO to OCI

PIO to OCI conversion discontinued.

PIO to OCI conversion: After 31st December 2025, PIO (Person of Indian Origin) cards are not being considered as valid document for exit/entry into India. The service of conversion of PIO card into OCI card is discontinued after 31.12.2025. The PIO cardholder is required to submit a fresh application under the ‘New OCI Registration’ category by visiting https://ociservices.gov.in/onlineOCI/.

FAQ

• Who can apply for OCI?

  • who is a citizen of another country, but was a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after, the commencement of the Constitution; OR
  • who is a citizen of another country, but was eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of the commencement of the Constitution; OR
  • who is a citizen of another country, but belonged to a territory that became part of India after the 15th day of August, 1947; OR
  • who is a child or a grand-child or a great grandchild of such a citizen; OR
  • a person, who is a minor child of a person mentioned in the above 4 criterion; OR
  • a person, who is a minor child, and whose both parents are citizens of India; OR
  • a person, who is a minor child, and whose one of the parents is a citizen of India; OR
  • Spouse of foreign origin of an Overseas Citizen of India cardholder registered under section 7A and whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for a continuous period of not less than two years immediately preceding the presentation of the application under this section.

  Exceptions: OCI is not granted to any citizen who is / was and / or if their parents, grandparents or great grandparents are / were citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh or such other country as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify, shall be eligible for registration as Overseas Citizen of India cardholder.

• What are the Benefits for an OCI card holder:

  An OCI card holder gets the following benefits:

  • A multiple entry, multi-purpose life-long visa for visiting India.
  • Exemption from registration with local police authority for any length of stay in India.
  • Parity with Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in respect of economic, financial and educational fields, except in relation to acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.
  • OCI can be used as identity proof for application of PAN Card and driving licence as well as for opening a bank account if the OCI card holder is residing in India.

• What benefits an OCI Card holder is not entitled to:

  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.
  • He/she cannot normally hold employment in the Government

• Can foreign nationals, who are not otherwise eligible for OCI, get OCI if they are married to persons who are eligible for OCI?

  The spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an Overseas Citizen of India cardholder registered under section 7A and whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for a continuous period of not less than two years immediately preceding the presentation of the application.

• Are Minor (below 18 years of age) children eligible for OCI Card?

  Minor children whose both parents are citizens of India or one of the parents is a citizen of India are also eligible for OCI Card.

• Is it mandatory to have a Life Long Visa Sticker (OCI) in the foreign Passport?

  No, The life Long Visa Sticker process has been discontinued by Government of India. Applicants are required to carry Valid OCI Card with current foreign passport (endorsed on the OCI Booklet).

• Is an applicant who had held nationality of Pakistan or Bangladesh, eligible for OCI?

  No, If the applicant has ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, he / she will not be eligible for OCI.

• Can a person renounce OCI?

  Yes. He/she has to declare their intention of renunciation in Form XXII to the Indian Mission/Post where OCI registration was granted. After receipt of the declaration, the Indian Mission/Post shall issue an acknowledgement in Form XXII A. A separate application form is available for this purpose.

• Do I have to fill all columns when filling up the application online?

  Yes. It is mandatory that no column is left unanswered.

• Are 'Empire of India' Passports issued by the British authorities in India prior to Indian Independence accepted as a proof of Indian Origin?

  No, if they state the National Status of the holder as British subject by birth. Yes, if they state the National Status of the holder as person of British Protectorate, originally a citizen of a place in India.

• Are letters issued by the Indian Mission/Post in an African country in respect of parents/grandparents etc. stating that the applicant was once a citizen of India accepted as proof of Indian Origin?

  Yes.

• Can I submit my OCI application through an agent?

  No. OCI applications must be submitted in person at the counter by the applicants themselves, or by parents in the case of minors. (Spouse-based applications are accepted at the Mission with prior appointment.)

• Is there an emergency service for OCI?

  No. In case of emergency, please apply for visa.

• What is the processing time of application?

  6-8 weeks is the application has been submitted accurately, any incomplete application submitted may result in additional processing time.

• Facing problems relating to access to online registration for fresh application or transfer through miscellaneous registration. What should I do?

  Please read all instructions contained in Ministry of Home Affairs Website: https://ociservices.gov.in/

• Can OCI applications be made in India?

  Yes. Any applicant wishing to apply in India may see guidelines available on Ministry of Home Affairs website: https://ociservices.gov.in/

• Whether civil Govt. servant working in Ministry of Defence as IT engineers/civil contractors entitled for OCI?

  No. Such applicants are not eligible.

• Can OCI card holder do Journalistic, Filming of Documentary, Missionary, Mountaineering and Research work in India?

  No. An OCI card holder is not entitled to undertake any Journalistic, Filming of Documentary, Missionary, Mountaineering and Research work in India. They need prior approval from the concerned Department/Ministry of the Government of India for these.

OCI Application for Miscellaneous Services

Document Uploading Guideline/Checklist

Applicants need to carry originals for all supporting documents along with the duly filled application form.

Revised Guideline for re-issue of OCI

A. Transfer of OCI from expired Passport to new Passport or change in Nationality:

Applicants are required to fill miscellaneous application form online for transfer of OCI from old passport to new passport and have to submit the printed application along with copy of old and new passport and copy of OCI booklet.

• Copy of old and new passport and copy of OCI booklet all pages.
• New Passport Number is to be given in the application form (if applicable).
• Both parent’s passport copy in case of a minor applicant
• Full version birth certificate in case of a minor
• In case of single parent’s, a court order is required, confirming that the guardian parent’s rights over the child, in case the custody has not been contested, a notarised consent letter signed by both parents, is required to be submitted.
• If case of minor foreigners born out of live-in relationships and from surrogacy may be granted OCI subject to that both the parents are Indian Citizens or either a parent is Indian Citizen. Step & adopted children are normally not eligible for OCI. However, in exceptional cases where the Indian High Commission is satisfied about the genuineness of the application, such cases can be referred to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India for prior clearance. In addition, an adopted child who has had an Indian passport in the past and can produce a surrender certificate for the same, is eligible to apply for an OCI. All other documents advised above for minors will be required in addition to the Surrender Certificate and the Indian passport. All cases will be put under review and a final decision will be made by the competent authorities. For any unsuccessful applications, the refund policy will apply.
• Marriage certificate (applicable for married applicants & parent’s marriage certificate for minors)
• Divorce certificate if applicable.
• 02 photographs along with the application (Signature/thumb impression should be confined in the prescribed box. In case of minor applicants, parents should NOT sign the box. . Please see the Photo & Signature Specification section for more details) Photos uploaded should be same as physical photos provided with the application
• All OCI applicants, other than minor children less than 18 years of age, are henceforth required to submit along with their application a (duly signed) letter from their respective employer regarding their job description, mentioning clearly the nature of the job and the post held. In the absence of such a letter, the OCI application will not be accepted.
  
  • This is for the information of Researchers and Journalists applying for new OCI Card that, in addition to submission of all the mandatory documents, it is also required to submit an undertaking – please click here and download the undertaking format.

  For undertaking the following activities, the OCI Cardholder shall be required to obtain a special permission or a Special Permit, as the case may be, from the competent authority:

  • to undertake any Missionary or Tabligh or Mountaineering or Journalistic
  • to undertake internship in any foreign Diplomatic Missions or foreign Government organisations in India or to take up employment in any foreign Diplomatic Missions in India;
  • to visit any place which falls within the Protected or Restricted or prohibited areas as notified by the Central Government or competent authority;

  Note: For requisite special permission, OCI Cardholder may visit https://ociservices.gov.in.

  

  • In case the applicant is ‘unemployed' proof of last employment needs to be submitted along with the application.
  • In case applicant is a ‘businessman' he/she should provide Company registration certificate.

Applicants who wish to change their OCI booklet on change of nationality have to get the previous OCI booklet cancelled at the time of submission of their new application for Miscellaneous OCI Services.

• Copy of old and new passport and copy of OCI booklet all pages.
• New Passport Number is to be given in the application form (if applicable).
• Both parent’s passport copy in case of a minor applicant
• Full version birth certificate in case of a minor
• Marriage certificate (applicable for married applicants)
• 02 photographs along with the application (Signature/thumb impression should be confined in the prescribed box. In case of minor applicants, parents should NOT sign the box. . Please see the Photo & Signature Specification section for more details) Photos uploaded should be same as physical photos provided with the application
• All OCI applicants, other than minor children less than 18 years of age, are henceforth required to submit along with their application a (duly signed) letter from their respective employer regarding their job description, mentioning clearly the nature of the job and the post held. In the absence of such a letter, the OCI application will not be accepted.
  
  • This is for the information of Researchers and Journalists applying for OCI Card that, in addition to submission of all the mandatory documents, it is also required to submit an undertaking – please click here and download the undertaking format.
  • In case the applicant is ‘unemployed' proof of last employment needs to be submitted along with the application.
  • In case applicant is a ‘businessman' he/she should provide Company registration certificate.

Applicants should enclose two photographs along with the application.

Signature/thumb impression should be confined in the prescribed box. In case of minor applicants, parents should NOT sign the box. (Please see the photo and signature specifications section for more details)

The processing time is minimum 35-40 working days, from the date of submission at the application centre.

Fees for transfer of OCI to New passport and issue of new OCI booklet thereof is £21/-. (Including Consular surcharge and excluding all other operational charges)

Please Click Here for the application form for Miscellaneous Services.

B. Issuance of OCI booklet in case of lost or damage of passport/OCI booklet:

Applicants are required to fill miscellaneous application form online for lost or damage passport or OCI booklet and have to submit the printed application along with

• Copy of old and new passport and copy of OCI booklet.
• New Passport Number is to be given in the application form (if applicable).
• Both parent’s passport copy in case of a minor applicant
• Full version birth certificate in case of a minor
• Consent letter signed by both parent’s (confirming they would like for their child to have an OCI based on their Indian Origin or child’s Indian Origin, separate letter for each child), addressed to High Commission of India or its respective Consulates in Birmingham or Edinburgh, in case of minor children.
• Marriage certificate (applicable for married applicants & minors)
• Copy of police report/crime reference number is required along with the application in/with a declaration from the applicant stating the circumstance in which the documents were lost.

• 2 photographs along with the application (Signature/thumb impression should be confined in the prescribed box. In case of minor applicants, parents should NOT sign the box. . Please see the Photo & Signature Specification section for more details) Photos uploaded should be same as physical photos provided with the application
• All OCI applicants, other than minor children less than 18 years of age, are henceforth required to submit along with their application a (duly signed) letter from their respective employer regarding their job description, mentioning clearly the nature of the job and the post held. In the absence of such a letter, the will not be accepted.
  
  
  • This is for the information of Researchers and Journalists applying for OCI Card that, in addition to submission of all the mandatory documents, it is also required to submit an undertaking – please click here and download the undertaking format.
  • In case the applicant is ‘unemployed' proof of last employment needs to be submitted along with the application.

In case applicant is a ‘businessman' he/she should provide Company registration certificate.

The processing time is 35-40 working days, from the date of submission at the application centre.

Fees for issue of new OCI Visa and OCI booklet is £73/-(Including Consular surcharge and excluding all other operational charges)

Please Click Here for the application form for Miscellaneous Services

C. Issue of new OCI Visa and OCI booklet due to change of personal particulars (change of name, address, wrong date of birth in OCI booklet etc.):

Applicants are required to fill miscellaneous application form online for new OCI booklet due to change in personal particular and have to submit the printed application form along with copy of OCI booklet and copy of old and new passport (if applicable).

New Passport Number is to be given in the application form in case of new passport.

Proof of the change

Applicants should enclose two photographs along with the application. Photos uploaded should be same as physical photos provided with the application

• Both parent’s passport copy in case of a minor applicant
• Full version birth certificate in case of a minor

• Consent letter signed by both parent’s (confirming they would like for their child to have an OCI based on their Indian Origin or child’s Indian Origin, separate letter for each child), addressed to High Commission of India or its respective Consulates in Birmingham or Edinburgh, in case of minor children.

  Marriage certificate (applicable for married applicants & minors)

• All OCI applicants, other than minor children less than 18 years of age, are henceforth required to submit along with their application a (duly signed) letter from their respective employer regarding their job description, mentioning clearly the nature of the job and the post held. In the absence of such a letter, the OCI application will not be accepted.
• This is for the information of Researchers and Journalists applying for OCI Card that, in addition to submission of all the mandatory documents, it is also required to submit an undertaking – please click here and download the undertaking format.
• In case the applicant is ‘unemployed' proof of last employment needs to be submitted along with the application.

In case applicant is a ‘businessman' he/she should provide Company registration certificate.

Signature/thumb impression should be confined in the prescribed box. In case of minor applicants, parents should NOT sign the box.

The processing time is minimum 35-40 working days, from the date of submission at the application centre.

Name change deed from solicitor/oath commissioner/notary should be submitted in case of name change. Marriage certificate is required to be submitted for name change after marriage.

Fees for new OCI booklet is £21/- (Including Consular surcharge and excluding all other operational charges).

Please Click Here for the application form for Miscellaneous Services.

Important note for all OCI Applicants (Mandatory):

New Updates regarding Name Change / Discrepancy in Name (s)

In some cases of applications for OCI services, names of the applicants or parents do not match in different documents required for OCI services. Such a mismatch could be due to the use of different alphabets in the spellings of the names or there may be slight differences in the way the middle or family names are placed in different documents. Such cases are different from those which involve formal change of name.

OCI services, like all other Government-delivered services, especially identity-related are governed by the administrative procedures followed by the Government of India, wherein uniformity of name and spelling of names is a pre requisite in all kinds of documents.

Hence, in any case of different spellings of names, applicants must submit an affidavit issued by a UK Notary public explaining the cause for the difference / mismatch in the name (s) in different documents, additionally stating that all these documents relate to the same applicant.

However, in cases where a name has been formally changed, applicants will have to submit the name change deed.

Applicants are required to submit the originals along with application form at the counter. Originals will be returned to the applicant, once the application has been accessed by the competent authorities.

Delivery procedure for OCI Cards and Documents:

OCI Cards will be delivered by Post/Courier. A secured courier service is available at the VFS application centres. Applicant can check the status of their application Online Only. Applicants should keep a record of the online application form reference number for tracking the OCI status after submission.

• Refund Process For Applicant Not Eligible For OCI

Applicants who are not found eligible for OCI will be refunded the admissible amount after deducting necessary administration costs.