How long does it take to get OCI?
Asked by: Miss Marjolaine Wehner | Last update: October 23, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (54 votes)
Kindly note that normal processing time for a new OCI application (based on Indian origin) is 5-6 weeks from the date of registration of the application in the Consulate whereas for re-issuance/updation of OCI Cards, it is 6-7 weeks. This is subject to getting necessary clearance from Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA).
How fast can I get an OCI card?
While the processing time for an OCI card can fall anywhere between 7-11 weeks, you can get an e-visa within 3-5 days.
Can I travel while OCI is in process?
There will be no restriction on the OCI cardholder to travel to/from India during the period from the date of issue of new passport till the date of final acknowledgment of his/her documents in the online system.
Can I live in India permanently with OCI?
Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is a form of permanent residency available to people of Indian origin which allows them to live and work in India indefinitely.
Do OCI pay more tax in India?
In India, the income tax system does not distinguish between OCI holders and foreigners. The primary distinction is between resident and non-resident. If you stay outside India for more than 182 days in a year, you are generally considered a non-resident.
OCI Timeline and Steps in Processing | New OCI | VFS Global - USA
How long can a US citizen stay in India with OCI?
An OCI card holder can stay in India for life time. It is important for an OCI card holder to ensure that they hold valid passports from their home country. In case the passport needs to be renewed then the OCI card holders have to get it renewed visiting their home country embassy in India.
Which is better, OCI or NRI?
The basic difference between NRI and OCI is that NRIs will continue to have their Indian citizenship, and the OCIs will have their respective citizenship based on the country of their origin. Can an OCI live permanently in India? Yes, OCI cardholders can stay and work in India indefinitely.
Can I buy property in India with OCI?
Both NRIs and OCI have the permission to buy both commercial and residential property in India. You do not need to submit any intimation or send any communication to the Central Bank for the purchase of a property. NRIs cannot buy agricultural land, plantation or farmhouses in India.
What is not allowed in OCI?
The OCI Cardholder is not entitled to vote, be a member of Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council or Parliament, cannot hold Constitutional posts such as President, Vice President, Judge of Supreme Court or High Court etc.
Is an OCI card valid for life?
A: An OCI card holder gets the following benefits: A multiple entry, multi-purpose life-long visa for visiting India.
Which is better, an OCI or an Indian visa?
The eVisa is an online visa that allows short-term visits for tourism, business, or medical purposes. On the other hand, OCI is a long-term visa that grants individuals of Indian origin certain rights and privileges, including the ability to live and work in India indefinitely.
Are OCI cards printed in the USA?
OCI cards, which are issued and printed in India, will now be printed in the US itself. The only Indian Consulate in the West Coast announced on X (formerly Twitter) that new OCI cards are now being printed in San Francisco, and thereby reducing the wait time and the overall application cost for OCI registrants.
Is OCI dual citizenship?
The Constitution of India does not allow holding Indian citizenship and citizenship of a foreign country simultaneously. Based on the recommendation of the High Level committee on Indian Diaspora, the Government of India decided to grant Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) commonly known as 'dual citizenship'.
How to get OCI after US citizenship?
- Step 1: Complete the Government online form:
- Step 2: Click here to know the supporting form and arrange documents as per the checklist.
- Step 3: Click here to book an appointment and pay fees.
- Step 4: Visit the VFS Indian Consular Application Centre as per your scheduled appointment date and time.
Does OCI pay tax in India?
Taxation of OCIs
If an OCI is classified as a resident under these criteria, their global income will be taxed in India. “Any earnings, regardless of location, will be subject to Indian income tax," says Pallav Pradyumn Narang, partner, CNK. If classified as a non-resident, their taxation is different.
Can OCI hold a bank account in India?
Both NRIs and OCI cardholders are allowed to open bank accounts in India. There are primarily three types of bank accounts that NRIs and OCIs can hold: Non-Resident Ordinary Accounts (NRO), Non-Resident External Accounts (NRE), Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) Accounts FCNR(B).
Can I work in India with a OCI?
Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is a permanent residency status that allows people of Indian heritage and their spouses to live and work in India permanently. OCI status is not citizenship and does not provide the right to vote in Indian elections or hold public office, despite its name.
Can OCI stay in India forever?
(i) An OCI is entitled to life long visa with free travel to India whereas for a PIO card holder, it is only valid for 15 years.
Is OCI better than Pio?
PIO and OCI statuses offer significant benefits to individuals of Indian origin, OCI provides more extensive rights and fewer restrictions than PIO.
Can a US citizen open a bank account in India?
Answer: An NRO (current/ savings) account can be opened by a foreign national of non-Indian origin visiting India, with funds remitted from outside India through banking channel or by sale of foreign exchange brought by him to India.
Can a US citizen permanently live in India?
Permanent Residency in India. If you are interested in obtaining permanent residency in India, you should know that there are two ways to obtain it if you already have ties with the country: being an OCI (overseas Citizen of India) or a PIO (Person of Indian Origin).
How much money can OCI take out in India?
Residents of India can travel abroad with up to Rs. 25,000¹. There's no limit to how much of a foreign currency you can take out of India. But, if it's US$5,000 or more in banknotes and coins, or US$10,000 or more in coins, notes, and traveller's cheques, it will have to be declared¹.
Is OCI a lifetime visa?
As an OCI card is a lifelong visa, it technically never expires. However, you still need to renew it after some time. Foreigners of Indian origin, OCI cardholder spouse, or foreign spouse of an Indian citizen can get an OCI card.