How to Apply for OCI Card in USA: Step-by-Step Guide

Are you facing issues while applying for an OCI card from the United States? Applying for an OCI card from the USA is not difficult, but you can easily make small mistakes. Even a single missing document or a slightly off photograph can cause application delays or even rejection.

Getting an OCI card for an Indian American is among the most practical and important documents for them. If you get the application process correct the first time, it will save months of unnecessary delays. 

Read the blog below to learn more about how to apply for an OCI card in the USA and how to get it done correctly. 

What are the Advantages of an OCI Card for USA Citizens?

The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card offers several benefits to foreign nationals of Indian origin living in the United States. 

These are:

• Lifelong entry into India along with a multiple-entry visa.
• You are allowed to live in India without requiring a separate visa.
• You are eligible to own properties, study, work, or conduct businesses in India.
• Parity with NRIs on certain economic and financial factors.
• Access to OCI-related consular services for assistance.
• Using separate immigration counters at Indian airports. (if available)
• Travel without any restrictions on the duration of stay in India.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for an OCI Card?

Before filling out the OCI application form, you must keep in mind that there are specific criteria for an OCI card. You are eligible for an OCI card if:

• You are a former Indian citizen who became a US citizen on or after January 26, 1950.
• You are a child, grandchild or great-grandchild of an Indian Citizen. (even if you were not born in the US)
• You are the spouse of an Indian citizen or OCI cardholder, provided the marriage has lasted for at least 2 years.
• You are a minor child of an OCI cardholder born outside India.

Who Cannot Apply for An OCI Card?

There are a few sets of individuals that are not eligible to apply for an OCI card. These are listed below.

• You are ineligible for an OCI card if you or your parents or grandparents ever held Pakistani or Bangladeshi citizenship.
• If you have served in a foreign military or intelligence agency.
• If you have a criminal history or are under investigation for serious offences.

What Documents are Required to Apply for an OCI Card from the USA?

You must have a few necessary documents at hand before applying for an OCI card. These include:

• Your current US passport (must be valid for 6+months, along with its signature page)
• Proof of your Indian origin, such as your birth certificate or your old Indian passport.
• Naturalisation certificate from outside India
• Renunciation or surrender certificate
• Your recent passport-sized photographs
• Printed application form along with the tracking number

How to Apply for an OCI Card in the USA?

Follow the steps below to apply for an OCI application from the USA.

1. Register yourself on the OCI Portal

• Access the official OCI portal. 
• Register for an OCI application and start filling out the online application form.

2. Verify your Eligibility

• Make sure you have checked your eligibility to qualify for an OCI card.

3. Gather all the Necessary Documents

• After filling out the application form, gather all the required documents to ensure your application is accepted for further processing.
• Make sure you have checked the form thoroughly. Even minor mistakes can lead to delays or rejection of the application.

4. Pay the OCI Application Fee

• Pay the applicable fees through the VFS website in the US.
• Visit your nearest VFS centre with all the required documents for identity verification and application confirmation.

5. Processing Time and Application Tracking

• After the application submission, the VFS officials will forward it for processing.
• The processing time for OCI card in the USA is approx. 8-12 weeks.
• You can also track your application status using the reference number on the VFS website.

6. Passport Submission

• Make sure to monitor the status of your application on the VFS website.
• After the status shows "Processed", visit the VFS centre and obtain a printout of your application status.
• You might be required to submit your passport. (in some cases)

7. Receive your OCI Card

• Your OCI card will be dispatched to your registered address.

What is the OCI Fee Structure for US Applicants?

The table below outlines the OCI card fees in the USA.

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Applying for an OCI Card from the United States

For a smooth OCI application process, you must avoid unnecessary mistakes while filling out the OCI application form. A few of them are listed below.

• You have attached photos that do not match specifications. Make sure the passport-sized photo has a white background and is printed on matte paper.
• Avoid photographs that you have taken yourself at home. Always opt for a professional photographer.
• Your name on the application form must match the one on your passport. 
• If you do not have your old passport for any reason, you must contact the Indian consulate for guidance. This is not optional and must be done before submitting your application.
• You must make sure to upload the documents clearly. Avoid blurry or low-resolution scans. Do not take photos of the documents with your phone. The system can easily flag this.
• You can book your VFS appointment in advance since waiting times for OCI application appointments in cities like New York and San Fransciso can take 3-4 weeks.

Conclusion

Applying for an OCI card from the United States can be a simple and easy process if you follow all the steps carefully. You must review your application before submitting it to avoid any delays in the processing time. Keeping track of your OCI application status regularly can help you avoid any mistakes or even rejection of your application. You must also know all the benefits and disadvantages of the OCI card and be aware of what all it has to offer for your needs.