What is the new rules for OCI card holders?
Asked by: Ronny Reinger | Last update: February 18, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (32 votes)
The new OCI rules significantly ease re-issuance, requiring only online updates for passport renewals for most, but mandate physical re-issuance (via VFS) once after turning 20 and once after turning 50, plus online updates at other passport renewals, while also clarifying that OCI holders can work in academia/IITs but not government/military/police roles, and cannot buy agricultural land.
What is the new rule for OCI card holder?
Now, OCI cardholder is required to get the OCI card re-issued only once when a new passport is issued after completing 20 years of age. However, OCI cardholder is required to upload Online a copy of the new passport and a latest photo each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age.
What are the restrictions on OCI card holders?
Restrictions Encountered by OCI Cardholders
They are not allowed to vote in Indian elections or hold elected office or take up government jobs. Additionally, they are not allowed to buy agricultural land, which was imposed to safeguard the agrarian economy in India.
Can an OCI card holder live permanently in India?
According to Indian law, NRIs are allowed to live in India for a maximum of 182 days a year, whereas OCIs can live in the country indefinitely. This is the major difference between NRI and OCI card holders in India.
Does OCI need to be renewed after 50?
OCI card is required to be re-issued once on acquiring a new passport after completing 50 years of age. Re-issuance of OCI card is not required each time a passport is issued to a cardholder between 21 and 50 years of age.
Can OCI Card Holders Be BANNED from Entering India in 2025?
Do I need to renew my OCI if I renew my US passport?
Q. I have recently acquired a new passport; do I need to re-issue my OCI card? A: OCI Card renewal is only required once after acquiring a new passport after turning 20 years of age or if there has been any change in his personal particulars viz. Name, father's name, nationality etc.
What is the OCI card rule 2025?
New OCI rules for 2025 focus on stricter cancellation for crimes, new restrictions on certain activities (research, journalism), relaxed reissuance for minor updates (upload new passport photo/details online within 3 months), and a final deadline of December 31, 2025, for converting existing PIO cards to OCI. Key changes include lifetime bans for serious offenses and mandatory special permissions for specific jobs or restricted areas, alongside a shift to online document uploads for routine passport renewals.
How long can a US citizen stay in India with OCI?
A U.S. citizen with an OCI card has a lifelong visa for unlimited travel and stay in India, with no time limit on how long they can stay in a single visit or cumulatively, and is exempt from police registration for any length of stay, allowing them to live in India long-term, though they must still comply with Indian tax laws.
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. as specified in section 7B(2) of The Citizenship Act, 1955.
What are the disadvantages of an OCI card?
❌ Disadvantages of OCI Card No Voting Rights – OCI holders cannot vote in Indian elections. No Political or Govt Jobs – Ineligible for government employment. Restrictions on Property – Cannot buy agricultural or plantation land. Not Full Citizenship – No Indian passport; only travel/limited rights.
How often do you have to update OCI?
An OCI Cardholder shall have to get the OCI Card re-issued once when a new passport is issued after completing 20 years of age so as to capture his/ her facial features on attaining adulthood.
Can OCI holders open a bank account in India?
Further, an OCI can open all types of accounts allowed to a Resident customer. A joint account with Resident Indian (RI) who is a close relative can also be opened subject to following conditions: Mode of operation permitted is 'Former (NRI) or Survivor' only.
Can I convert my OCI to citizenship?
It is basically a life long Visa and with some other privileges attached which can be seen on the Ministry of Home Affairs' website. It is reiterated that holding an OCI card in no way entitles its holders to claim the status of dual citizenship.
Is OCI for lifetime?
A: An OCI card holder gets the following benefits: A multiple entry, multi-purpose life-long visa for visiting India.
Can OCI holders buy property in India?
As per the guidelines issued by Reserve Bank of India, an NRI or OCI card holder can invest in any residential or commercial property. The guidelines also state that one can buy any number of residential or commercial properties.
What is the new travel rule for India?
U.S. citizen travelers are now able to travel to India with a valid e-visa (or physical visa from an Indian embassy/consulate) AND a valid e-arrival form. All travelers to India should consult with their airlines to confirm entry requirements at the time of ticket purchase.
What is the new law on OCI in India?
New OCI rules simplify re-issuance, making it mandatory only once after age 20 and once after 50, requiring online updates (photo/passport copy) instead of physical re-issuance for most cases, but criminal activity can now lead to lifetime cancellation, and certain restricted areas still need permits, while smart cards are being introduced for smoother travel.
Can US citizens with OCI get Aadhaar card?
Yes, OCI card holders can enroll as Resident Foreign National for Aadhaar. Documents required: POI: Valid OCI card, along with valid foreign passport. POA: Any document having Indian address from list of valid supporting document.
Do OCI pay more tax in India?
As an OCI, your foreign income and interest earnings from a non-resident rupee bank account are exempted from tax in India. However, your income from Indian sources will be taxed under the Income Tax Act. Your duration of stay in India helps establish your residential status.
Can OCI live in India permanently?
(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.
What is the six month rule?
The six-month passport validity rule requires visitors traveling to the United States to possess passports that are valid for at least six months beyond their intended period of stay.
Does OCI need to be transferred to a new passport?
OCI Card Reissue Guidelines
(i) OCI cardholder is required to upload ONLINE a copy of the new passport and a recent photo (not more than 30 days old) each time a new passport is issued. The uploading of these documents may be done within three months of receipt of the new passport.
What are the disadvantages of OCI?
Disadvantages of OCI Card
Citizens with OCI cards cannot become members or vote in the Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council of the Indian Parliament. An OCI cardholder is not allowed to hold constitutional posts, such as that of the President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme or High Court and so on.
Do I need to update OCI with a new US passport?
Foreign Military/Police personnel either serving or retired. 3. An OCI cardholder has to update the OCI card each time a new passport is issued irrespective of age.
Is OCI forever?
Yes, OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) is essentially a permanent residency status with a lifelong visa, allowing indefinite stay and work in India, but the physical card needs re-issuance when getting a new passport after turning 20 or 50, and can be cancelled under specific conditions like fraud or joining military/police service, although the underlying status is permanent unless revoked or cancelled by the government, making it a long-term, near-permanent right to live and work in India for eligible persons of Indian origin, notes an article from the Consulate General of India, Toronto, the Embassy of India, Rome, and VisaHQ.