How long a US citizen can stay in India with OCI?

Asked by: Jude Boyer  |  Last update: October 12, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (13 votes)

He/she might not be allowed to do certain things or activities, but there is no restriction regarding his/her living in the country. So if you are wondering how long can you stay in India with OCI, learn that you can stay in India for your lifetime. Who is eligible to be registered as an OCI?

How long can you stay in India if you are US citizen?

Maximum stay by a foreigner in India on an e-Tourist visa or regular paper Tourist visa or both in one calendar year shall be restricted to 180 days. Foreign nationals will not be allowed to enter India through land routes on e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa.

Can US citizens with OCI own property in India?

Q: Can OCI card holders purchase property in India? A: OCI card holders can purchase residential and commercial properties in India. But they are not permitted to purchase agricultural land, including farmland or any kind of plantation property.

Can I live and work in India with OCI?

First of all, you can work in India with an OCI card. Also, you can live in the country and enter as many times as you would like.

What are the benefits of OCI in India?

Benefits of OCI
  • Multiple entries and multi-purpose life long visa to visit India.
  • Parity with NRIs on inter-country adoption.
  • Equality with resident Indian nationals in domestic affairs.
  • Equality with Indian nationals in entry fees for national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

Travelling with OCI - What you need to know - Do's and Don'ts (Travel Experience)

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Should OCI pay tax in India?

AN OCI's foreign income and interests from non-resident rupee bank accounts are exempted from being taxed. However, all their income from Indian sources shall be liable to Indian taxes. This is because taxability in India is not determined by the country of origin.

Can OCI card holder live permanently in India?

Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is a form of permanent residency available to people of Indian origin and their spouses which allows them to live and work in India indefinitely. Despite its name, OCI status is not citizenship and does not grant the right to vote in Indian elections or hold public office.

Does India allow dual citizenship with us?

The Constitution of India does not allow holding Indian citizenship and citizenship of a foreign country simultaneously.

Does OCI count as dual citizenship?

It is basically a life long Visa and with some other privileges attached which can be seen on the Ministry of Home Affairs' web site. It is reiterated that holding an OCI card in no way entitles its holders to claim the status of dual citizenship.

Can US citizens have Aadhar card in India?

YES. An NRI (whether minor or adult) with a valid Indian Passport can apply for Aadhaar from any Aadhaar Kendra. If your passport has the name of your spouse, then it can be used as Proof of Address for them.

Can you open a bank account in India with OCI card?

OCI can be used as identity proof for application of PAN Card and driving license as well as for opening a bank account if the OCI card holder is residing in India.

What is the new rules for OCI card holders?

It allows them to live and work in India indefinitely but does not grant citizenship or voting rights. In 2021, new rules were introduced, requiring OCI cardholders to seek permission for certain activities. Violating the rules can result in penalties and even blacklisting.

Can I live in India after getting U.S. citizenship?

No Longer Can One Lose U.S. Citizenship By Living in Another Country. At this time, no penalties exist if a naturalized U.S. citizen simply goes to live in another country. This is a distinct benefit of U.S. citizenship, since green card holders can have their status taken away for "abandoning" their U.S. residence.

Can a US citizen stay out of the country for more than 6 months?

It depends. While the normal limit is a year, you can stay longer and still preserve your US citizen if you are a military service member, Government employee, or meet any other criteria discussed above i.e., work for a US multinational or you proactively preserve residence.

How can I stay in India longer than 6 months?

Applying for an extension of your Indian visa

Foreign travelers with a visa valid for more than six months and registered with the Regional Foreigners Registration Office can extend their permission to stay in India.

Can a US citizen leave the US on a foreign passport?

U.S. nationals, including U.S. dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States. U.S. dual nationals may also be required by the country of their foreign nationality to use that country's passport to enter and leave that country.

Why dual citizenship is not allowed in India?

The Constitution of India does not allow the holding of Indian citizenship with that of a foreign country simultaneously. However, the Government of India introduced the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) in 2005.

How long does it take to renounce US citizenship?

Your Loss of Nationality application and supporting documents will be forwarded to the Department of State in Washington, D.C. for consideration and adjudication, a process that may take between 3-6 months.

Does OCI need to be renewed?

OCI card holder who is 21 to 49 years of age, it is not mandatory to renew OCI card each time a new passport is obtained. OCI card holder who attains the age of 50 years or more, OCI card must be renewed only once after the issuance of a new passport.

What is the duration of OCI card?

Indian OCI Card - An Overview

An Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card is a lifelong visa that allows an OCI card holder to visit India whenever they want. An OCI cardholder can visit, live, or even work in the country. You'll be treated as an Indian citizen.

How much does it cost to renew OCI card?

US$25.00 for re-issue of OCI card in lieu of existing OCI card / US$100.00 for re-issue of OCI card in lieu of lost or damaged OCI card.

Can OCI card holder sell property in India?

According to the latest rules regarding the OCI cardholders, Indian origin people who moved out from India for employment or business, NRIs with foreign citizenship, and OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) cardholders are not allowed to buy and sell properties in India.

How much OCI cost for India?

A Person in India (PIO) card allows the holder to stay in the country visa-free for a 15-day period. If you are a PIO card holder, you can still apply for the OCI card. The OCI fee for a PIO card is the same: $275 consular fee, $3 ICWF fee, and additional service fee.

Can OCI transfer money to India?

If you are an NRI or an OCI, you also need a declaration to the effect that the total remittances being made by you have not exceeded the limit under the foreign exchange laws. As an NRI/OCI, there will be no tax applicable on your remittance since the remittance is not being made under LRS.