{"id":5327,"date":"2024-01-11T17:52:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-11T17:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/documitra.com\/blog\/?p=5327"},"modified":"2025-07-28T17:19:06","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T17:19:06","slug":"oci-card-application-usa-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/documitra.com\/blog\/oci-card-application-usa-canada\/","title":{"rendered":"New OCI Card Application in the USA and Canada"},"content":{"rendered":"
Introduction:<\/span><\/div>\n
What is an OCI Card?<\/span><\/div>\n

An <\/span>OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) Card<\/span><\/a> is a form of identification and travel document that allows foreign nationals of Indian origin to stay and work in India indefinitely. The OCI card is not equivalent to Indian citizenship but provides certain benefits to foreign nationals of Indian origin.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the benefits of having an OCI card?<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Identification and Travel Document:<\/span><\/p>\n

The OCI card serves as both an identification and travel document for foreign nationals of Indian origin.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Permanent Residency:<\/span><\/p>\n

Holders of OCI cards are allowed to stay in India for an indefinite period. It is not equivalent to Indian citizenship but offers certain benefits to those of Indian origin.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Visa-Free Travel:<\/span><\/p>\n

OCI cardholders enjoy visa-free travel to India. And even while their stay in India, they can stay for more than 180 days in India without notifying FRRO or FRO Office.<\/span><\/p>\n

Benefits for Indian-Origin Foreign Nationals:<\/span><\/h4>\n

OCI status is primarily designed for foreign nationals who are of Indian origin or descendants of Indian citizens. It allows them to reconnect with their roots and contribute to the Indian community.<\/span><\/p>\n

Carry out financial Transactions:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Buying and selling a property in India (other than agricultural land)<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Doing investments in India<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Opening a bank account in India<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. To claim a family property in India<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR AN OCI CARD? <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Eligibility for New OCI Card Registration:<\/span><\/p>\n

    A foreign national who:<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Was a citizen of India on or after 26th January 1950.<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. Was eligible to become a citizen of India on 26th January 1950.<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. Belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15th August 1947.<\/span><\/li>\n
    4. Is a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of such a citizen.<\/span><\/li>\n
    5. Is a minor child of the mentioned individuals.<\/span><\/li>\n
    6. Is a minor child with both parents as Indian citizens or one parent as an Indian citizen.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Spouse of foreign origin of:<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. A citizen of India.<\/span><\/li>\n
      2. A former citizen of India or a person of Indian Origin.<\/span><\/li>\n
      3. Marriage registered and subsisted for at least two years.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        POINTS TO CONSIDER BEFORE APPLYING FOR AN OCI CARD:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n