Does the OCI card expire? How to reissue or renew it? Check all the details
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What is an OCI card?
An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) is an individual of Indian origin, ancestry, or heritage, or someone who was previously an Indian citizen but later acquired a foreign nationality and holds a foreign passport. Such individuals are registered under Section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
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Does an OCI card expire? Validity rules explained
An OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card remains valid for a lifetime, allowing its holders a multiple-entry lifelong visa for visiting India for any purpose. However, it has to be renewed from time to time.
If an OCI cardholder is 20 years of age or younger, their OCI card must be renewed each time a new passport is issued. Once you turn 50, you need to renew the OCI just once after the issuance of a new passport.
If an OCI cardholder is 20 years of age or younger, their OCI card must be renewed each time a new passport is issued. Once you turn 50, you need to renew the OCI just once after the issuance of a new passport.
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Does an OCI card stay valid if a new passport is issued?
Yes. If the OCI cardholder is between 21 and 49 years of age, it is not mandatory to renew their OCI card each time a new passport is obtained. OCI cardholders (except those aged 20 years or less) will be permitted to enter/exit India on the strength of the OCI card, even if it contains their old passport number.
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When should you apply for re-issuance of an OCI Card?
One should apply for the re-issuance of an OCI Card :
If the OCI cardholder acquired an OCI card before the age of 20 years and has obtained a new passport after attaining the age of 20 years.
If the OCI card is lost or damaged. If there is a change in name for whatever reason, including a change in name after marriage. If there is a change in nationality, provided the new nationality is not that of Pakistan or Bangladesh. If there are any errors in the existing OCI card. The OCI cardholder needs to provide suitable proof for carrying out the necessary correction.
If the OCI cardholder acquired an OCI card before the age of 20 years and has obtained a new passport after attaining the age of 20 years.
If the OCI card is lost or damaged. If there is a change in name for whatever reason, including a change in name after marriage. If there is a change in nationality, provided the new nationality is not that of Pakistan or Bangladesh. If there are any errors in the existing OCI card. The OCI cardholder needs to provide suitable proof for carrying out the necessary correction.
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How to apply for re-issuance of an OCI Card
You can visit the https://ociservices.gov.in/onlineOCI/ and select the option ‘OCI Miscellaneous Application Process Flow’ for uploading a copy of the passport, recent photograph and other documents along with applicable fees.
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Which documents are required for re-issuance of OCI Card?
If issuing a new passport: Copies of the existing OCI Card, new passport, old passport (unless the old passport has not been returned).
If OCI Card is lost/damaged: Copy of the police complaint (or equivalent report) and copy of OCI Card if available. If the complaint/report is in a foreign language, an authorised translation is required.
For change of personal particulars/address/occupation: Documentary proof for the requested changes; for address proof, items like electricity bill, landline phone bill, or rent/lease agreement can be used.
If OCI Card is lost/damaged: Copy of the police complaint (or equivalent report) and copy of OCI Card if available. If the complaint/report is in a foreign language, an authorised translation is required.
For change of personal particulars/address/occupation: Documentary proof for the requested changes; for address proof, items like electricity bill, landline phone bill, or rent/lease agreement can be used.
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What is the fee for the re-issuance of OCI card?
US $100 (or equivalent in local currency) is charged if the OCI card needs to be reissued due to loss or damage
US $25 (or equivalent in local currency) is charged for re-issuing an OCI card after a new passport is issued once the holder is over 20 years of age
Updates to OCI details under Miscellaneous Services are free of charge (gratis)
US $25 (or equivalent in local currency) is charged for re-issuing an OCI card after a new passport is issued once the holder is over 20 years of age
Updates to OCI details under Miscellaneous Services are free of charge (gratis)