Originals will be returned to the applicant, once the application has been accessed by the competent authorities. to be a member of a Legislative Assembly or of a Legislative Council or of the Parliament of India. Fluorescent or other lighting with unbalanced colour may cause unwanted colour cast in the photo. and with the passport copy submitted with the application (if applicable). In addition, an adopted child who has had an Indian passport in the past and can produce a surrender certificate for the same, is eligible to apply for an OCI. Please read the instructions below: Head should face the camera directly and should not tilt or turned (portrait style). Applicants who wish to change their OCI booklet on change of nationality have to get the previous OCI booklet cancelled at the time of submission of their new application for Miscellaneous OCI Services. Applicants should keep a record of the online application form reference number for tracking the OCI status after submission. Photographs with any type of glasses/spectacles/sunglasses are not acceptable. (First and Last Pages). Please click here to find out your jurisdiction. The guide below helps the applicants understand the documents to be uploaded for different types of OCI applications. The eyes must be open, level and clearly visible and must not be covered by hair or eyeglass frames. All cases will be put under review and a final decision will be made by the competent authorities. In case applicant is a ‘businessman' he/she should advise their position & nature of business that the company undertakes on company’s letterhead and should include it with the application. Parity with Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in respect of economic, financial and educational fields, except in relation to acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties. Letter from employer/Pay Slip/Proof of own business/Student ID card/Proof of last employment. As such, the PIO Card Scheme was withdrawn. Authorities will then contact the couple and take interview via video call. Applicants are required to provide two prepaid self - addressed Special Delivery envelopes (Silver Royal Mail Envelopes) to return the documents and OCI Card OR you can use the secured courier service offered at the centre.You can also seek information from the advisor at the application centre for secured delivery courier services available at the application centre. This is extremely useful if you OCI card or PIO card (First and Last Page), Signature/ thumb impression should not be distorted (Stretched, carrying a background, pixilated, parts missing). Register with these services. Lighting should be adjusted to avoid shadows on the face or background. It is mandatory that no column is left unanswered. Please check frequently asked questions (FAQs) for more details. [Procedure: online through Miscellaneous registration]. Premium services. Please Click Here for the application form for Miscellaneous Services. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has mandated for machine readable electronic travel documents for travel w.e.f. The spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an Overseas Citizen of India cardholder registered under section 7A and whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for a continuous period of not less than two years immediately preceding the presentation of the application. Photos uploaded should be same as physical photos provided with the application. There should be no distracting shadows on the face or background. Non UK passport holder should give residential address in respective country. For Individual /TA’s this option is disabled.) It should have full face, front view, eyes open. The expression on the face should look natural. However, in exceptional cases where the Indian High Commission is satisfied about the genuineness of the application, such cases can be referred to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India for prior clearance. The light should be even and balanced to avoid shadows on the face. All OCI applicants, other than minor children less than 18 years of age, are henceforth required to submit along with their application a (duly signed) letter from their respective employer regarding their job description, mentioning clearly the nature of the job and the post held. Signature/Thumb impression should be with, Uploaded signature/thumb impression should exactly match with the original signature/thumb impression placed on the application form. (Including Consular surcharge and excluding all other operational charges). In case an OCI card holder who has attained the age of 50 years and has got his/her passport renewed subsequently but has not got his/her OCI card re- issued on renewal of his/her passport, he/she may travel on the strength of the existing OCI card along with the old and new passports. Process for Spouse Based OCI applications - Applicants are now not required to attend Interview at High Commission of India, London or its respective Consulates in Edinburgh or Birmingham. Fees for issue of new OCI Visa and OCI booklet is £73/-(Including Consular surcharge and excluding all other operational charges), Please Click Here for the application form for Miscellaneous Services. Name change deed from solicitor/oath commissioner/notary should be submitted in case of name change. All photocopies need to be self-attested. Application forms filled 180 days or before, need to be filled in again before visiting the centre. B. Children below 5 years of age should place the thumb impression and children above 5 years of age should write their name or sign. https://www.hcilondon.gov.in/docs/1597915375OCI%20Document%20Requirement%2019082020.pdf, please click here and download the undertaking format, please click here and download the undertaking format. All photocopies need to be self-attested. VFS Global, also known as "Visa Facilitation Services Global," is an outsourcing and technology services company that serves governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. OCI Travel Advisory – Re-issue of OCI Card (On getting a New Passport), Collection Procedure for OCI Cards and Documents, Step by Step guide to apply for OCI related service, Refund Process for applicant not eligible for OCI. Yes, if they state the National Status of the holder as person of British Protectorate, originally a citizen of a place in India. The last date for application for conversion of valid PIO card to OCI card on gratis basis was till 31 December, 2017. The head should be in the centre of the frame. Current Indian Passport/OCI/PIO (first and last pages) of Spouse. Fees for new OCI booklet is £21/- (Including Consular surcharge and excluding all other operational charges). All Rights Reserved. Please click here to view the Step by step guide to apply for OCI related service. In case of minor applicants, parents should NOT sign the box. An OCI card holder is not entitled to undertake any Journalistic, Filming of Documentary, Missionary, Mountaineering and Research work in India. Minor foreigners born out of live-in relationships and from surrogacy may be granted OCI subject to that both the parents are Indian Citizens or either a parent is Indian Citizen. Once the passport and status report is submitted at the respective VFS office, the turn-around time would be a minimum of 7-10 working days (subject to the completion of the necessary processes) by the High Commission of India and its Consulates in the UK. Signature/thumb impression should be confined in the prescribed box. Applicant can check the status of their application Online Only. The processing time is 7-10 working days, from the date of submission at the application centre. In the absence of such a letter, the OCI application will not be accepted. Africa, South Whether civil Govt. Arabia, South Copy of police report/crime reference number is required along with the application in/with a declaration from the applicant stating the circumstance in which the documents were lost. Applicants who are not found eligible for OCI will be refunded the admissible amount after deducting necessary administration costs. The list of documents advised is not exhaustive, for complete list of supporting documents for an OCI application, please click on the 'Documents required' tab above. £66.00(£63+£3) for conversion of PIO to OCI. If case of minor foreigners born out of live-in relationships and from surrogacy may be granted OCI subject to that both the parents are Indian Citizens or either a parent is Indian Citizen. 26011/06/2015-OCI dated 29th January, 2015 of Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, all immigration authorities in India will not insist on production of the foreign passport containing the 'U' Visa Sticker in the case of OCI Cardholders while they enter / exit India and the immigration clearance will be granted based on production of the 'OCI CARD ONLY'. The visa application centres of UK and Schengen countries are often conveniently located next to each other at the VFS Global centres. PIO Card holders can apply online for conversion at https://ociservices.gov.in/. 1 October, 2018. Can I submit my OCI application through an agent? All cases will be put under review and a final decision will be made by the competent authorities. As per new instructions, fee for the OCI service has been revised as per detail below with immediate effect, *VFS Service and logistic charges not included. Uploading of the supporting documents for an application is a mandatory part of the application process. In case of minor applicants, parents should NOT sign the box. In case of minor children, both the parents need to be signed in part ‘B’ or parent’s consent letter is mandatory (if divorced) or court order having custody of children. Exemption from registration with local police authority for any length of stay in India. Based upon the specifications of the International Standards Organization (ISO) and ICAO, responsible for standardizing travel documents, the most important requirement for a photograph is that the face must be taken from a full frontal position and the height of the face must meet the prescribed specifications. The applicants may submit the applications for OCI card in lieu of PIO card to the Indian Mission/FRRO concerned within the jurisdiction of his/her place of residence. Applicants need to carry originals and photocopies for all supporting documents. [Procedure: online through Miscellaneous registration]. Once the decision is made, you will be called once again to complete the procedures as required by the embassy. OCI card is a smart card which will facilitate quicker immigration clearance at the ICPs and also for obtaining various Consular services from the Indian Missions. PIO Card holders were advised, from time to time, to convert PIO Card to OCI Card. Each application must comply with the guidelines applicable for your visa category. After receipt of the declaration, the Indian Mission/Post shall issue an acknowledgement in Form XXII A. Applicants are required to provide two Prepaid Self - addressed Special Delivery envelope (Silver Royal Mail Envelope only) to return the documents with OCI Card OR you can use the courier service offered at the centre. High-resolution photography and printing are strongly recommended. ), Digitally printed photos should be produced without visible pixels or dot patterns. Facial features should be clearly evident in the photo. The following OCI guidelines have been in force since 2005: This is to inform that Government of India has decided to extend the temporary relaxation period till 31st December 2020 in the following cases: Applicants must fill the on line Application as per the Jurisdiction Applicable. OCI is an online process. Any applicant wishing to apply in India may see guidelines available on Ministry of Home Affairs website: https://ociservices.gov.in/. Failure to upload all the necessary documents can lead to delays in processing your application and/or your application not being accepted for submission at the application centre. Photo must show both edges of the face clearly. Copy of old and new passport and copy of OCI booklet. In order to make your UK visa application process hassle-free and convenient, UK Visas and Immigration and VFS Global offer you an exclusive array of value-added services. Need a visa at short notice? C. Issue of new OCI Visa and OCI booklet due to change of personal particulars (change of name, address, wrong date of birth in OCI booklet etc. Attend a center. Copy of old and new passport and copy of OCI booklet all pages. He/she cannot normally hold employment in the Government. In case an OCI card holder below the age of 20 years has not got the OCI card re-issued on change of passport, he/she may travel on the strength of his/her existing OCI card bearing old passport number subject to the condition that along with the new passport, the OCI cardholder carries old passport mentioned in the OCI card. They need prior approval from Ministry of Home Affairs in India before undertaking such activities. Choose from any of these time-saving services: If you need to apply for multiple visas, such as a UK / Schengen combination, or wish to make a short trip while waiting for your UK visa to be processed. Exception from having to report to Police authorities for any length of stay in India. Marriage certificate (applicable for married applicants & minors). For any unsuccessful applications, the refund policy will apply. No.  OCI applications can be submitted at the Counter only by the applicants in person or by spouse or by parents in case of minors. No, if they state the National Status of the holder as British subject by birth. While uploading signatures on the application form please ensure the below: Photo Specifications for OCI registration. (Please see the photo and signature specifications section for more details). Equality with NRIs in all spheres of financial, economic and educational fields barring the purchase of agricultural or plantation properties. The High Commission of India and its respective Consulates are satisfied with the documents provided. New Passport Number is to be given in the application form (if applicable). Nous voudrions effectuer une description ici mais le site que vous consultez ne nous en laisse pas la possibilité. OCI Miscellaneous services take 7-10 working days. Welcome to the website of the India Visa and Consular Service Application Centre in UK. £73.00 (£70+£3) for lost/damaged OCI Card . This is in modification of the earlier instructions that they should apply only at the location where the PIO card was issued. In order to make your UK visa application process hassle-free and convenient, UK Visas and Immigration and VFS Global offer you an exclusive array of value-added services. (Myanmar), New Is it mandatory to have a Life Long Visa Sticker (OCI) in the foreign Passport? Consent letter signed by both parent’s (confirming they would like for their child to have an OCI based on their Indian Origin or child’s Indian Origin, separate letter for each child), addressed to High Commission of India or its respective Consulates in Birmingham or Edinburgh, in case of minor children. There should not be any over-exposure or underexposure which results in an unusable photo. Please upload documents relevant to the options available in the drop down menu. Therefore, it is necessary upon PIO Card holders to obtain electronic machine readable OCI Cards in lieu of handwritten valid PIO Cards. The photo-print should be clear and with a continuous-tone quality. Applicants are now required to upload all supporting documents on the application form. This facility enables applicants to finish the visa formalities of multiple countries along with that of UK in a single day. The photograph should be in size 2 inch x 2 inch (51 mm x 51 mm). If one of the parent/grandparent is of Pakistani or Bangladeshi origin, applicant will not be eligible for OCI. Applicants applying for OCI on the basis of their Indian origin spouses, now deceased, can only apply for an OCI by providing their proof of Indian Origin or Nativity Certificate. The face should be centred within the frame. © VFS Global. VFS Services (UK) Ltd is a trusted partner to “The Government of India” in UK and manages the administrative function of the Visa, Passport, OCI and selected Consular Services application process. The above implies that the personnel of Home Office as well as of MoD. This is for the information of Researchers and Journalists applying for OCI Card that, in addition to submission of all the mandatory documents, it is also required to submit an undertaking –, Marriage certificate (applicable for married applicants), This is for the information of Researchers and Journalists applying for OCI Card that, in addition to submission of all the mandatory documents, it is also required to submit an undertaking –. £194.00 (£191+£3) for each OCI (fresh) application. Please ensure the position of the face is square to camera, the. Surrender Certificate/Renunciation certificate. Welcome to the website of the India Visa and Consular Service Application Centre in UK. Entry on the Diplomatic/Official passport shall not be granted on the basis of OCI/PIO cards as OCI/PIO cards are not issued to the foreign diplomats and their family members. The background should be a plain light coloured background. want to carry on with another country’s visa application formalities, as this service allows you to keep your passport with you. Super Priority Visa Service is available at VFS Global’s UK visa application centres in New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. (Children 5 years & above are required to write their name in the signature fields provided on the first and last page of the form. However an adopted child who has had an Indian passport in the past and can produce a surrender certificate for the same, is eligible to apply for an OCI, all other documents advised above for minors will be required in addition to the Surrender Certificate and the Indian passport. Select Mission (option available only for CC User. you will find the ‘Keep My Passport When Applying’ service at the UK Visa Application Centre very helpful. This is possible where the overall size of the entire document in PDF format does not exceed the maximum limit set. This is for the information of Researchers and Journalists applying for OCI Card that, in addition to submission of all the mandatory documents, it is also required to submit an undertaking – please click here and download the undertaking format. The Government of India had announced vide Gazette Notification No.26011/01/2014IC.I dated 09 January 2015 that all PIO cardholders with valid PIO Cards as on 09 January, 2015 were deemed to be OCI Cardholders. Registered Marriage Certificate (If married) or equivalent proof (Indian passport copy on which spouse name is endorsed) to endorse name of spouse in OCI card. Please select the region and country you wish to apply from. Track the progress of your visa application with VFS Global. Important note for all OCI Applicants (Mandatory): Applicants are required to submit the originals along with a set of photocopies of the originals, both sets of documents need to be submitted at the counter. The instructions below guide an applicant about the documents that are required to be uploaded on an OCI application. All applicants are advised to book their travel plan only after obtaining the OCI. No.  In case of emergency, please apply for visa. There should not be any distracting shadows on the face or on the background. All the applicants are requested to include the VFS Service fee of £7.44 per application while organising their payments. £21.00 (£18+£3) for changing any details in the card and linking of new passport with OCI. OCI Card is a multiple entry life-long visa which enables the holder to have unlimited travel and stay in India. This is in addition to the Premium Lounge facility and the On Demand Mobile Visa services available at the UK visa application centres. He/she has to declare their intention of renunciation in Form XXII to the Indian Mission/Post where OCI registration was granted. Applicants are required to carry Valid OCI Card with current foreign passport (endorsed on the OCI Booklet). The first step is to determine which visa type you need, and check whether you’re eligible to apply for it.. You’ll also need to know the documents that you’ll have to submit along with your application, how long the application might take and fees you’ll have to pay. In case of single parent’s, a court order is required, confirming that the guardian parent’s rights over the child, in case the custody has not been contested, a notarised consent letter signed by both parents, is required to be submitted. Mode of payment could be Debit Card (we do not accept credit card), Postal Order or Bank Draft payable to “VF Services UK Ltd. Kindly click the below link to view the documents required for various OCI services. In case the applicant is ‘unemployed' proof of last employment needs to be submitted along with the application. Step & adopted children are not eligible for OCI. OCI card or PIO card (First and Last Page). Multiple entries, with multi-purpose life-long Visa being offered to visit India. Photo should present full head from top of hair to bottom of chin. Applicants should enclose two photographs along with the application. Signature/thumb impression should be confined in the prescribed box. Asylees or Stateless applicants are not eligible for OCI. Ensure the print is clear and has a continuous-tone quality. Applicants should enclose two photographs along with the application. Are 'Empire of India' Passports issued by the British authorities in India prior to Indian Independence accepted as a proof of Indian Origin? Transfer of OCI from expired Passport to new Passport or change in Nationality: Applicants are required to fill miscellaneous application form online for transfer of OCI from old passport to new passport and have to submit the printed application along with copy of old and new passport and copy of OCI booklet. Do not retouch or otherwise enhance or soften the photo. Lanka, United Do I have to fill all columns when filling up the application online? Diffuse sources of light, such as umbrella lights, are preferable to point sources. Colour should reproduce natural skin tones. Without any distortion – face should not appear elongated or pressed when compared with the actual photo. Please click the below link for documents required: https://www.hcilondon.gov.in/docs/1597915375OCI%20Document%20Requirement%2019082020.pdf. They need prior approval from the concerned Department/Ministry of the Government of India for these. Please view the full requirements for OCI Re-issue for more information at the following link. No, The life Long Visa Sticker process has been discontinued by Government of India. Book an appointment. Facial expression is neutral, the eyes and the line of sight can have some relaxation. Uploaded photo should fill the ‘photo upload’ field completely, there should not be any empty/white space shown once the photo is uploaded. Issuance of OCI booklet in case of lost or damage of passport/OCI booklet: Applicants are required to fill miscellaneous application form online for lost or damage passport or OCI booklet and have to submit the printed application along with. Exceptions: OCI is not granted to any citizen who is / was and / or if their parents, grandparents or great grandparents are / were citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh or such other country as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify, shall be eligible for registration as Overseas Citizen of India cardholder. and in colour.Print photo on thin photo paper or stock. An OCI card holder is not entitled to undertake any Missionary, mountaineering and research work in India. Full version birth certificate in case of a minor. All applicants are required to fill the online application form on the website https://ociservices.gov.in and submit the printed application form with Supporting Documents. The processing time is longer for such cases. A. New Passport Number is to be given in the application form in case of new passport. In case of minor applicants, parents should NOT sign the box. Do note that the eligibility for application for either of these services may vary. Please note: In some cases, applicants are required to upload two or more documents under one drop down menu option (Upload/Reupload Document) ex: Proof of Indian Origin – Surrender Certificate and cancelled Indian Passport. OCI can be used as identity proof for application of PAN Card and driving   licence as well as for opening a bank account if the OCI card holder is residing in India. This is in addition to the Premium Lounge facility and the On Demand Mobile Visa services available at the UK visa application centres. OCI Cards will be delivered by Post/Courier only once approved and ready. The documents upload option would appear once Part B of the application form is completed. Both parent’s passport copy in case of a minor applicant. Can OCI card holder do Journalistic, Filming of Documentary, Missionary, Mountaineering and Research work in India? Spouse of foreign origin of an Overseas Citizen of India cardholder registered under section 7A and whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for a continuous period of not less than two years immediately preceding the presentation of the application under this section. Brightness and contrast should be adjusted to present the subject and background accurately. Applicant whose birth certificate mentions about only one parent and nationality and other parent is not known, is not eligible for OCI Card. In case of minor applicant, his/her thumb impression (left hand thumb) or signature (if minor can sign, signature is mandatory) of the minor applicant should be provided in BOX. Couple has to come together at VFS and fill the OCI Spouse application form by hand, at the VFS centre. Background behind the face should be properly illuminated to avoid shadows in the background. In case applicant is a ‘businessman' he/she should provide Company registration certificate. £194.00 (£191+£3) for lost PIO Card [Procedure: Online through New OCI Registration]. stating that the applicant was once a citizen of India accepted as proof of Indian Origin?Â.