Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card
It is informed that VFS Global is the service provider for OCI services for the Embassy of India, Washington DC or its Consulates in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York and San Francisco. Its operations have started from 04 November 2020.
All the OCI applicants are requested to visit the link https://services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-oci-services for details.
Apart from the applicable Government of India OCI fees, the applicants will also be required to pay US$ 15.90 as service charge to VFS Global and US$ 3 as contribution to Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF).
In case of any other specific queries related to OCI services, please email to fsoci.washington@mea.gov.in
The details of the VFS Global Application Centre are as under:
Washington, DC 20005
1025 Vermont Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20005
It may be noted that Applications will be accepted by post and in-person (by prior appointment on a limited basis)
VFS Helpline Numbers
Consular Services (For OCI and Renunciation) + 1 800 320 9693
Operational Days: Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 20:00 hours EST
General information related to OCI
Answer. The service of OCI is outsourced to Cox and Kings Global Services (CKGS) by EoI Washington DC since May 21, 2014. For information, please visit link https://www.in.ckgs.us/oci/how-to-apply . You can also call their helpline at 917 444 7911 / 917 444 7752. If still you have any query please drop an email at fsoci.washington@mea.gov.in.
Answer. The complete documentation checklist depending on different application basis can be viewed at the CKGS website https://www.in.ckgs.us/oci/how-to-apply
Answer. Please check your OCI status online https://ociservices.gov.in/statusEnqury with the help of your passport number and online registration number.
Answer. Please drop us an email at oci2.washington@mea.gov.in with the applicant’s full name, DOB, Passport number, OCI file acknowledgement number to know the status.
Answer. The time taken for issue of OCI Card is minimum 4-6 weeks. Delay beyond the specific time frame cannot be ruled out owing to certain technical reasons. All applicants are advised to book their travel plan only after obtaining the OCI. For spouse cases, it may take more time.
Answer. 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).
Answer. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has mandated that international travel documents should be machine readable with effect from 1 st October, 2018. Therefore, it is necessary upon PIO Card holders to obtain machine readable OCI Cards in lieu of handwritten valid PIO Cards. The Indian Immigration Authorities will continue to consider valid PIO Cards for entry/exit into/from India till March 31, 2020 along with foreign passport. However, PIO Card holders are advised to get their PIO Card converted to OCI Card. PIO Card holders can apply online for conversion at https://ociservices.gov.in/welcome and submit print of application, passport, specified photos, documentation, fees etc at the CKGS. The charges for conversion of PIO to OCI are US$ 100/- plus CKGS service charges and US$ 3 for Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF).
Answer. Re-issuance of OCI is mandatory every time passport is renewed up to the age of 20 years, and once after completing 50 years of age in view of frequent biological changes in facial features in this age group.
Answer. You are required to apply through OCI Miscellaneous services for all the above. For detailed application procedure visit link https://ociservices.gov.in/welcome . It will take around 7- 10 working days.
Answer. 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.
Answer. 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 concerned Department/Ministry of the Government of India before undertaking such activities. The OCI Card holder is not entitled to vote. He/she cannot normally hold employment in the Government sector.
Answer. Yes, you may qualify for an OCI based on your spouse if you have a registered marriage certificate & your spouse holds a valid Indian passport or OCI card, and your marriage has subsisted for at least 2 + years.
All applicants applying for OCI card under Foreign Spouse category are required to attend an interview at the Embassy of India, 2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20008, along with his/her spouse before submitting application at CKGS center. After applying for OCI card online under this category, applicant, along with his/ her spouse can visit the Embassy with prior appointment (please email oci1.washington@mea.gov.in for appointment) along with copy of application and all other supporting documents (both in original and copies) before submitting application at CKGS center. Rest of the procedure regarding submission of application /fees at CKGS center will remain the same.
Fees
All the applicants are required to include the CKGS Service fee of $17 per application and other charges while organizing their payments. These details can be checked at the https://www.in.ckgs.us/oci/how-to-apply
Additional Forms that can be submitted along with the OCI application form as per requirements
--> General information related to OCI
What is the procedure and eligibility to apply for an OCI?
Answer. The service of OCI is outsourced to Cox and Kings Global Services (CKGS) by EoI Washington DC since May 21, 2014. For information, please visit link https://www.in.ckgs.us/oci/how-to-apply. You can also call their helpline at (516)-206-1483 / (646)-589-0088. If still you have any query please drop an email at fsoci.washington@mea.gov.in.
Answer. The complete documentation checklist depending on different application basis can be viewed at the CKGS website https://www.in.ckgs.us/oci/how-to-apply
Answer. Please check your OCI status online https://ociservices.gov.in/statusEnqury with the help of your passport number and online registration number.
Answer. Please drop us an email at oci2.washington@mea.gov.in with the applicant’s full name, DOB, Passport number, OCI file acknowledgement number to know the status.
Answer. The time taken for issue of OCI Card is minimum 4-6 weeks. Delay beyond the specific time frame cannot be ruled out owing to certain technical reasons. All applicants are advised to book their travel plan only after obtaining the OCI. For spouse cases, it may take more time.
Answer. 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).
Answer. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has mandated that international travel documents should be machine readable with effect from 1st October, 2018. Therefore, it is necessary upon PIO Card holders to obtain machine readable OCI Cards in lieu of handwritten valid PIO Cards. The Indian Immigration Authorities will continue to consider valid PIO Cards for entry/exit into/from India till September 30, 2019 along with foreign passport. However, PIO Card holders are advised to get their PIO Card converted to OCI Card. PIO Card holders can apply online for conversion at https://ociservices.gov.in/welcome and submit print of application, passport, specified photos, documentation, fees etc at the CKGS. The charges for conversion of PIO to OCI are US$ 100/- plus CKGS service charges and US$ 3 for Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF).
Answer. Re-issuance of OCI is mandatory every time passport is renewed up to the age of 20 years, and once after completing 50 years of age in view of frequent biological changes in facial features in this age group.
Answer. You are required to apply through OCI Miscellaneous services for all the above. For detailed application procedure visit link https://ociservices.gov.in/welcome . It will take around 7- 10 working days.
Answer. 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.
Answer. 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 concerned Department/Ministry of the Government of India before undertaking such activities. The OCI Card holder is not entitled to vote. He/she cannot normally hold employment in the Government sector.
Answer. Yes, you may qualify for an OCI based on your spouse if you have a registered marriage certificate & your spouse holds a valid Indian passport or OCI card, and your marriage has subsisted for at least 2 + years.
All applicants applying for OCI card under Foreign Spouse category are required to attend an interview at the Embassy of India, 2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20008, along with his/her spouse before submitting application at CKGS center. After applying for OCI card online under this category, applicant, along with his/ her spouse can visit the Embassy with prior appointment (please email oci1.washington@mea.gov.in for appointment) along with copy of application and all other supporting documents (both in original and copies) before submitting application at CKGS center. Rest of the procedure regarding submission of application /fees at CKGS center will remain the same.
Fees
All the applicants are required to include the CKGS Service fee of $17 per application and other charges while organizing their payments. These details can be checked at the https://www.in.ckgs.us/oci/how-to-apply
Additional Forms that can be submitted along with the OCI application form as per requirements
How to use the CKGS Website?
Do not go directly to the Government of India website to fill the online application. You must go via the links on the CKGS website provided below. You will be guided to the Government of India website to fill your online form/s at the appropriate step via the CKGS website.
For USA applicants, the CKGS website has been customized so that service category, type, duration, fees and documents checklist are displayed. The supplementary documents, forms and letters requirements are as per the instructions of the Embassy of India in USA. Simply fill in the widget and it will guide you through the entire application process.
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OCI Application Guide
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