How to Obtain Overseas Citizenship of India

With an OCI you can travel freely to and from India.

Overseas Citizenship of India (or OCI) is granted to any foreign national who was eligible to become a citizen of India on or after January 26, 1950. It is a multiple-entry, multipurpose, lifelong visa to visit India.

Things You'll Need

• Passport and nationality of a foreign nation which has an understanding with government of India on OCI registration eligibility.
• $290 U.S.
• Part A and Part B of OCI Registration form.
• 3 color photographs, 35-by-35 mm

Instructions

1. Access the Ministry of Home Affairs website mha.nic.in) and click the "OCI" link. Review the details of the current OCI scheme to ensure that you are eligible.

2. Click "Online Registration" and fill out Part A of the form online. Click "Save" and a print window will appear. Print Part A; a blank Part B of the form will automatically print along with it.

3. Fill out Part B of the form. Typing is preferred, but you can fill out the form in all caps in blue or black ink instead. Make two copies of Parts A and B of the form (one is for your records).

4. Send the completed application (Parts A and B of the form, in duplicate) along with the color photographs, proof of eligibility (proof of citizenship, passport copies, marriage certificate, birth certificate) and a cashier's check or money order (personal checks are not accepted) for $290 U.S. payable to "Embassy of India, Washington, DC" to:

   Embassy of India
   Consular Wing
   2536 Massachusetts Ave NW
   Washington DC 20008

Tips & Warnings

• Due to unclear and different instructions on every consulate's website, it is important to know the exact details of photograph style that the consulate requires. Some consulates require 35 mm x 35 mm photographs with light colored background, while some require 51 mm x 51 mm (2 inch by 2 inch) US Passport style photographs. Use your best judgment. You can also send two different sets of photographs of each style to avoid delays in processing.

• The application fee is $275 as of 2011; check to ensure the current fee schedule.

• There is an additional $15 fee for return mailing charges.

• Make sure to send a SASE with the form.

References

• Consulate General of India, NY: OCI
• India Ministry of Home Affairs: OCI
• Embassy of India Consular Services: OCI

Resources

• Ministry of Home Affairs