What Is OCI - Benefits and Eligibility Criteria Of OCI

What is OCI?
OCI is Overseas Citizenship of India. It is an immigration status authorising a foreign citizen of Indian origin to live and work in India for an indefinite period. 

The OCI card was launched by the Government of India to meet the demands of the Indians residing overseas who insisted on dual citizenship. 

Since India did not have the option of dual citizenship, they introduced the OCI card in 2005. Presented by The Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2005. 
The Constitution of India prevents an Indian Citizen from possessing dual citizenship. The best alternative to this means is the OCI for many NRIs residing overseas. Do note that there is a vast difference between NRI and OCI card. 
 

Eligibility
A Foreign national who has the eligibility to become an Indian Citizen on or at any given time post-1950. Who belonged to a territory which became part of India after 1947 is eligible to register as an Overseas Citizen of India. 
A minor of such parents is also provided with this eligibility. 
 
Nowadays, there are many questions on the rise to inquire what is OCI and what are its benefits? 
The OCI card offers utmost convenience to those foreign individuals who intend to reside in India but still maintain their citizenship in another country. 
 
Benefits
•    Section 7 B of the Citizenship Act allows the individual multi-purpose, multiple entries and a lifelong visa for visiting India. 
•    Exemption from foreigner registration obligation for any length of stay in India. 
•    Equivalence to NRIs in respect of economic, financial, educational fields. An exception in the matter of acquisition of agricultural and plantation properties. 
•    Equality for the NRIs for intercountry adoption. 
•    Offer similar domestic airfare charges to OCI cardholders as of a resident Indian national. 
•    Equality with an Indian national for entry fees to national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. 
•    The OCI cardholder professionals have the opportunity to pursue the profession in pursuance of the provisions contained in the relevant act. 
Such as Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, Pharmacists, Advocates, Architects and Chartered Accountants. However, these professionals are required to appear for the All India Pre- Medical test or any such other relevant test for eligibility towards admission in fulfilment of the provisions contained in the applicable act. 

 
Application of OCI Card
 
An OCI card can be applied online by logging in at https://passport.gov.in/oci.
 The following documents have to be furnished: 
•    Filled and signed application form
•    Proof of current Citizenship
•    Evidential documentation to prove self, parents, grandparents or great grandparents being citizens of India 
•    Relationship evidence as a parent, grandparent or great grandparent, if their Indian origin is requested basis for registration as an OCI cardholder
•    Evidence as spouse of a Foreign origin of a citizen of India or an OCI cardholder
•    Current passport size photograph of the applicant
•    Thumb impression and signature of the applicant

There is a stipulated fee that is chargeable when you apply for an OCI card through Indian missions overseas and in India. 

Now that you know about what is OCI, its benefits and documents required for the application. To make the most of this facility and utilise the option to invest in India, click here.

What is an offshore account? Click here to read more. 

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