Are you an Indian citizen living abroad, looking to maintain your connection with your roots?
Or are you seeking to explore opportunities in India while holding onto your foreign citizenship?
In both the cases you’ll need OCI Card. This blog is really helpful to know all about OCI Card application.
You can also refer to experts like Bharat Suvidha, to gain detailed clarification for every process. The experts can help you lodge your application without the scope of error so that there are less chances of rejection.
In case you want it to lodge yourself then, let’s dive in this blog:
What Is OCI?
The OCI program was created to make it easy for people from Indian backgrounds living abroad to connect with India. Even though OCI cardholders aren’t Indian citizens, they get many of the same benefits as Indian citizens.
These benefits include being able to live and work in India for as long as they want, owning property there, and taking part in different kinds of work and business activities.
Eligibility Criteria:
Before you start applying for OCI from Australia, it’s important to make sure you’re eligible. In general, people of Indian origin who are citizens of other countries, like Australia, can apply. But some groups, like citizens of Pakistan and Bangladesh, might not be eligible.
People of Indian Origin: If you’re someone who has Indian roots, and you’re a citizen of Australia or any other country, you’re usually eligible to apply for OCI.
Citizens of Other Countries: Even if you’re not an Australian citizen but are a citizen of another country and have Indian roots, you can still apply for OCI from Australia.
Key Documents Required For OCI Application From Australia:
Passport
Birth certificate
Proof of Indian citizenship (if needed)
Marriage certificate (if needed)
Steps Involved
There is a set procedure to lodge you OCI Card application.
However, in case you don’t want to follow this lengthy procedure then, there is a surprise for you.
Read full information so that you don’t miss out any important information and the surprise for you.
Step 1: Gather The Required Documents
The first step in applying for an OCI card is to gather all the necessary documents. Here is a list of the essential documents:
Proof Of Indian Origin: A copy of your Indian passport, birth certificate, or other proof of Indian origin. If your parents or grandparents were Indian, you’ll need their documentation.
Proof Of Current Citizenship: A copy of your current passport.
Passport-sized Photographs: Typically, two recent photographs meet specific size and format requirements.
Proof Of Legal Residence: This may include a utility bill or other evidence that shows you legally reside in your country.
Marriage Certificate (if applicable): If you are applying as a spouse of an Indian citizen or OCI cardholder.
These documents may vary depending on your specific circumstances, so check the latest requirements on the official website of the Indian government or the Indian embassy/consulate in your country.
Step 2: Complete The Online Application
To apply for OCI online, visit the OCI Services website. Here’s what you need to do:
Create An Account
- Create an account on the OCI Services website. (Generally VFS Global is preferred). This account will allow you to track your application and receive notifications.
Fill Out The Application Form
Once logged in, fill out the OCI application form. Be sure to complete all the required fields accurately. Common information includes personal details, citizenship information, and details about your Indian origin.
Double-check your entries to avoid errors, which can delay the application process.
Upload Your Documents
The next step is to upload scanned copies of the required documents. Ensure that the files meet the specified format and size requirements.
After uploading, the website may give you a preview of your application. Review this preview to ensure everything is correct.
Submit The Application
Once you’re satisfied with the information provided, submit your application online. After submission, you’ll receive an Application Reference Number (ARN), which you should keep for future reference.
Step 3: Pay The Application Fee
The application fee for an OCI card varies depending on your location and other factors. Typically, you can pay the fee online using a credit card or another approved payment method. Always remember to keep the payment receipt as proof of payment.
Step 4: Visit The Indian Embassy Or Consulate
After submitting your application online, you’ll need to visit the Indian embassy or consulate in your country to provide additional documents, such as your passport and signed application form.
Provide biometric data: This may include fingerprints and photographs.
Submit original documents: You may need to hand in original documents for verification. Ensure you have copies for your records.
Attend an interview (if required): In some cases, an interview may be needed. Be prepared to answer questions about your application.
Step 5: Track Your Application
After visiting the embassy or consulate, track your OCI application online using the Application Reference Number (ARN) you received earlier. This will give you real-time updates on the status of your application.
Step 6: Receive Your OCI Card
Once your OCI application is approved, you will be notified to collect your OCI card from the Indian embassy or consulate. Make sure to bring any required identification or documentation when collecting your card.
Well, this is the lengthy procedure that you need to follow to lodge your OCI Card application. However, the surprise is Bharat Suvidha can do all these things for you. You just have to follow 3 basic steps that are given below:
Steps To Consider At Bharat Suvidha
Lodging an application for OCI Card online seem to be difficult, or, we can say time-consuming, but we’re here to break it down into easy-to-follow steps:
Sign Up & Provide Details
Sign up with us and provide your relevant details as per the requirements of OCI application.
Experts Handle Application
Once the details are received, our experts will fill out your application to avoid mistakes and save you time.
Application Lodged
After checking the information and completing the form correctly, our experts will submit your application immediately.
And, it’s done.
Yes, this is all you need to do at Bharat Suvidha. You don’t even need to book any appointments and stand
Wrap Up
Applying for OCI opens up opportunities for individuals with ties to India. Whether you want to reconnect with your heritage or explore new possibilities, OCI can be your gateway. By following this comprehensive guide, you can navigate the OCI online application process with confidence and ease.
In case, you want to save your efforts and time let Bharat Suvidha be your trusted partner!
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you.
