How to Apply for an OCI Card in the UK
OCI stands for the overseas citizens of India. did you know thousands of Indian residents in the UK as a result of Indian emigration The OCI cards allow them to travel multiple times in India without a Visa, IN this comprehensive guide, we will talk about how to Apply for an OCI Card in the UK, and we will guide you through every step of the OCI in the UK to ensure a seamless application process.
Who is an OCI?
A person of Indian origins who is a citizen of another nation and has registered as an OCI cardholder under section 7A of the Citizenship Act of 1955 is known as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). In order to give international nationals of Indian descent the opportunity to live and work in India, the Indian government introduced this card in 2005. OCI gives certain rights with certain requirements and is a type of permanent residency.
Benefits of OCI cardholders
Here are the advantages of having an OCI card were:
- Life-long visa-free entry in India.
- The application fee for an OCI card is a one-time expense.
- No need to report to the authorities for a long-term stay in India.
- Avail of the same benefits provided to citizens of India.
Disadvantages of OCI cardholders
Here are some of the disadvantages of having an OCI card were:
- In India, OCI cardholders are not eligible to vote. They are therefore unable to take part in the democratic process, which could be a drawback for people who want to get involved in Indian politics.
- OCI cardholders have limited rights to purchase the property
- India doesn’t allow dual citizenship. For those who want the full benefits and rights of citizenship, this might be a drawback.
Applying for an OCI Card in the UK Involves the Following steps:
To apply for OCI in London first fill out the OCI application online form. Collect all the required documents for OCI Application London. These frequently include passport-sized photos, required documents, and Indian origin proof. Here’s a full guide to help you go through the application process easily.
Step 1 Gather all the required documents
Before we begin the application form process, let’s make sure all required documents are ready, these documents are essential for a successful application. Here is the list of required documents:
- A copy of their current valid passport.
- A copy of their Indian passport or their parents’ or grandparents’ Indian passport.
- Proof of renunciation of Indian citizenship, if applicable.
- Birth certificate as proof of family ties to a former Indian citizen.
- Proof of residency in the current country.
- Current passport-sized photos with the right background color and dimensions.
- Evidence of Indian origin: It can be a duplicate of your revoked Indian passport.
Step 2 Fill Out the Online Application Form
The OCI Card Application process for NRI is begun through the official website of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The applicant must complete the application form by filling in your personal information, passport details, and occupation details accurately. Take your time and ensure all the information is correct and then upload the required document for it. Once you complete all formalities the application fee must be paid online.
Step 3 Upload Scanned Image and Signature
You need to upload square-shaped passport-size photographs and signatures meeting specific size and aspect ratio requirements.
Step 4 Wait Until the Application Proceed
Next step for your Application For OCI Cards in the UK Once your application is accepted by VFS and sent for further processing, you need to wait for the application to be processed. The OCI processing times for this is said to be around 6 to 8 weeks. With the comprehensive number provided during the submission of the application form, you can check the status of your application.
Step 5 Get the printout and visit to VFS Centre
After applying, patiently await the processing of your OCI application by the High Commission of India. Take the printout of the receipt and then book an appointment with VFS GLOBAL APPLICATION CENTRE, submit physical documents, and photograph as per the checklist provided by VFS Global. Complete the biometrics and fingerprints.
Step 6 collect the original OCI card
- Once your application is processed, you’ll receive an email notification from VFS Global informing you of the status update.
- If your application is approved, return to the VFS Global Application Center to collect your OCI cards.
- Congratulations! You now hold OCI cards, granting you multiple-entry, life-long access to India.