Are you an Indian father or mother living in Australia and having a baby born in this country? The process of securing your kid’s link to India, with all the complexities, may seem tough. Nevertheless, the knowledge of how to get your kid to acquire an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card is very important.
This comprehensive guide will analyse the key steps, qualifications, and benefits of obtaining an Indian OCI card on behalf of your Australian-born child to maintain his bonds with India while taking advantage of Australian citizenship privileges.
Are You Eligible For An OCI Card?
So an Australian-born child can qualify for an OCI card if one or both parents meet the following criteria:
- Indian Citizen: One parent is a current citizen of India.
- Former Indian Citizen: One parent was a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after, January 26, 1950.
- OCI Cardholder: One parent holds a valid OCI card.
Important Note: Children of parents from Pakistan or Bangladesh are not eligible for OCI cards.
Step-by-Step Procedure To Apply For OCI Card For Australian Born Child
Now that we have understood the eligibility, let’s understand a simple procedure to procure an OCI card for your Australian-born child:
Step 1: Preparing The Required Documents
To initiate the OCI application process, you’ll need to gather several documents.
Here’s a list of essential documents you’ll need:
- Current Passport of the Child
- Passport Copies of Parents
- Relationship Certificate (Birth Certificate of the Child)
- Marriage Certificate of Parents
- Proof of Indian Origin (if applicable)
- No Objection Certificate (if applicable)
- Other Supporting Documents (if required)
Step 2: Filling Out The Online Application Form
Now that you have all the necessary documents, it’s time to fill out the online application form.
Here is a short overview of the process:
- Start with creating an account on the official OCI site.
- Specify the required data including personal data, family relations, and passport data.
- Upload scanned images of copies of the aforementioned documents.
- Review the information well before the submission of the form.
Step 3: Complete The Physical Application
Apart from the online application, you will also be required to deliver a physical application form which must contain the required documents.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Access and download the application form via the OCI website. subsequently, print it.
- Fill out the form correctly, and verify the details that you give correspond to those you filled in the online application.
- Attach the child’s recent photos according to the listed sizes.
- Call for the signatures/thumb impressions to be taken as may be necessary.
- Collect all documents and the complete application form at the office ready for submission.
Step 4: Submitting The Application
When you have the application form and the documents ready to go, it’s now time to apply. You need to send your application via mail or courier to the closest OCI processing office.
Step 5: Tracking the Application Status
Following your application submission, you can use the specified application reference number to follow its progress online. This will ensure that you are up to date with the status of your OCI card processing.
Documents Required For An OCI Card Application
Here’s a table outlining the documents typically required to apply for an OCI card for kids, new born or a minor child:
| Documents | Description |
| Child’s Birth Certificate | A certified copy of the child’s Australian birth certificate is required. |
| Passport Size Photographs | Recent passport sized photographs of the child are needed. |
| Proof of Parentage | Documents proving the parent-child relationship, such as the child’s birth certificate listing the parents’ names. |
| Proof of Indian Citizenship (Parent) | Documents proving the Indian Citizenship of the eligible parents, such as a copy of their Indian Passport or Citizenship Certificate. |
| OCI Card Copy (Parent) | If applicable, a copy of the parent’s valid OCI card. |
Processing Time
The processing time for OCI card applications can vary depending on individual circumstances and workload. It typically takes 2-4 months to receive the OCI card after applying.
Additional Considerations For An OCI Card For An Australian Born Child
Here are some additional considerations you should keep in mind:
- Minor Applicants: For minor ones, the involvement of both parents or legal guardians in the application process is necessary, and they might need to sign the application form.
- Lost or Stolen OCI Card: Reporting the loss or theft of your child’s OCI card to the Indian embassy or consulate close by is an important action that you almost need to do instantly. A duplicate card of OCI can also be applied but there will be extra fees.
- Renewal of OCI Card: OCI cards are generally valid for a lifetime for minors. However, if there are any changes to the child’s information, such as a name change due to marriage, it’s important to update the OCI card details.
- Travel Restrictions: While the OCI Card simplifies travel, it’s important to be aware of any travel restrictions or advisories issued by the Indian Government before your trip.
Let's Understand About The OCI Card With An Example.
Suppose the Sharma family is from Melbourne, Australia. Mr. Sharma is a Citizen of India, in contrast, Mrs. Sharma was raised in Australia. Their son Rohan was born and brought up in Australia. The Sharma’s are thinking of going to India to visit Mr. Sharma’s family.
Since Mr. Sharma is a Citizen of India, his son Rohan is eligible to obtain an OCI Card. Thus, allowing him and his parents to travel to India without a separate visa.
Conclusion
An OCI card can be a valuable paper for children born in Australia who have Indian parents. This simplifies the process of travel to India, with multiple entries and a long period of validity.
And if you require expert assistance with an OCI Card For Your Australian-born Child, Bharat Suvidha.
This organisation is not connected with VFS Global and is an independent organisation. But their experts offer the required assistance so that you don’t end up with any hiccups and avail of the OCI card for your new born child.
