If you are residing out of the country and you belong to an Indian origin, an OCI card is perfect for you to travel hassle-free.With an OCI card, you obtain many advantages like multiple-entry and lifelong visa-free travel to India without taking any permission for the duration of stay. In this blog, we will discuss how to apply for an Overseas Citizenship of India card, but before that, we will see the Importance Of An OCI Card.
Importance Of An OCI Card
An OCI Card functions as both an identification document and a travel document. This allows Indian people living outside the country to travel to India for an unlimited period. For those who marry an Indian citizen or have parents or grandparents with strong ties to Indian origin for the OCI card. It is a document to travel to India without requiring a visa.
- Cardholders can travel to India lifelong without needing any regular visa.
- Cardholders don’t need to take any permission to stay in India from any authorities.
- An OCI card can be used as valid proof of identity for various purposes.
- Having an OCI card allows you to buy or sell commercial property in India..
- Most hotels prefer Aadhaar cards and OCI cards as identity proof.
Advantages of an OCI card
The advantages of an OCI card are mentioned below:
- This card allows the person who is living overseas multiple entries in India without needing a visa.
- For this card, you have to invest once.
- You are not required to provide your travel details to the authorities for the duration of the stay.
- Equal opportunities with NRIs in financial, educational, and economic fields.
- Have quicker immigration clearance.
Disadvantages of An OCI Card
The disadvantages of the OCI card are mentioned below:
- As per Indian guidelines, Cardholders are not allowed the right to vote or hold any government job in India.
- It has some restrictions on buying some properties, like agricultural or plantation properties.
- Several countries still require OCI cardholders to obtain visas for entry.
- Cardholders are not considered full Indian citizens.
Steps To Apply For OCI Card
Steps that help to apply for OCI in uk are given below:
- You need to visit the official website.
- Now select “New OCI Registration”.
- Then fill out the online application form.
- Your personal and family passport details are required while applying for an OCI.
- Upload a colored photograph and a scanned signature.
- Set out all the necessary documents for the OCI Application UK form.
- Make the payment of the OCI application form fees.
- Book an appointment for an interview.
- After that, visit the VFS Centre with the completed and signed form.
- Finally, wait for the processing time to complete before receiving your OCI card.
Documents Required For OCI Card in the UK
To apply for an OCI card, you need to make sure that you have all the vital documents. Here is a list of documents required for the OCI application.
- A valid passport with a validity of up to 6 months is required when applying for OCI services.
- You need to attach a Surrender Certificate.
- Proof of Indian Origin, which includes strong ties with India of your parents and grandparents.
- Have you received British citizenship through naturalization? If you have, then you need to attach a Naturalization certificate.
- You need to provide your address in the UK.
- You need to submit your two recent colored passport-size photos.
- Also, you can attach your guardian’s OCI card.
- You need to provide a relationship certificate.
- PIO card.
A fee is required for an OCI card
The fees for an OCI card depend on where the application is submitted. If applying outside, the fees are US$275. If you are applying from India, the fees are Rs. 15,000. It is a one-time payable fee.
Processing time of the OCI card
After submitting your OCI application form, you need to wait for the OCI processing time uk. The processing time generally takes 6-8 weeks, so be calm and avoid any unwanted inquiries during the period.
Track your OCI Application Status.
After submission of the application form. You can track your application status online. To check the status, follow these steps given below:
- Go to the official website
- Log in with your registered credentials
- Click on Track Application Status
- Enter your application referral number and date of birth
- Click on Track Status
- The status will be unveiled on the screen.
Read Also: Germany Visa from India
Conclusion
If you are residing out of the country and you belong to an Indian origin, an OCI card is perfect for you to travel to India without needing any visa. An OCI card allows multiple entries in a year/ month with visa-free travel. In this blog, we have learned about how to apply for an OCI Card in the UK. Also, we have seen the Advantages of an OCI card, the disadvantages of an OCI Card, Documents Required, Processing time, and track your OCI application status. Still, if you have any queries regarding immigration services or visa services, then you should contact Visamant. Our experts are here to assist you 24*7 as soon as possible.
