BLS OCI Card Application: A Comprehensive Guide

BLS OCI Card Application⁚ A Comprehensive Guide

This comprehensive guide provides a detailed overview of the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card application process through BLS International Services. We will delve into the eligibility criteria, required documents, application procedure, service fees, and the benefits and restrictions associated with the OCI card.

The OCI card is a valuable document for individuals of Indian origin residing abroad, granting them various privileges, including lifelong multiple-entry visas to India. This guide aims to equip you with the necessary information to navigate the application process efficiently and successfully.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an OCI card, foreign nationals must meet specific criteria outlined by the Indian government. The eligibility requirements are as follows⁚

Foreign National of Indian Origin⁚ An applicant must be a foreign national who was a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after, January 26, 1950, or was eligible to become a citizen of India on that date. This includes individuals who belonged to a territory that became part of India after August 15, 1947.
Child or Grandchild of an Indian Citizen⁚ A foreign national who is a child or grandchild of an Indian citizen is also eligible.
Spouse of an Indian Citizen or OCI Cardholder⁚ Foreign nationals married to an Indian citizen or an existing OCI cardholder are eligible to apply.
Valid Passport⁚ Applicants must possess a valid passport.
No Previous Renunciation of Indian Citizenship⁚ If the applicant has previously held Indian citizenship, they must have renounced it formally.
No Criminal Record⁚ Applicants must not have any criminal record in India or any other country.

It is crucial to note that certain categories of foreign nationals are not eligible for OCI registration, including individuals who have been convicted of any crime in India or have been deported from India. The Indian government reserves the right to reject any application for reasons deemed appropriate.

Required Documents

The required documents for an OCI card application vary based on the applicant’s individual circumstances. However, there are common documents that are generally required for all applicants.

Completed Online Application Form⁚ The application form must be filled out online and submitted through the OCI portal (https://ociservices.gov.in/).
Passport⁚ A copy of the applicant’s current passport, including the first and last pages, is required.
Proof of Indian Origin⁚ Applicants must provide supporting documents to establish their Indian origin. This may include a copy of their birth certificate, Indian passport, or OCI/PIO card of their parents/grandparents/great-grandparents/spouse, depending on their specific case.
Photographs⁚ Two passport-size photographs (recent and in color) are required, adhering to the specified dimensions and format;
Marriage Certificate⁚ If applying based on marriage to an Indian citizen or OCI cardholder, a copy of the marriage certificate is necessary.
Renunciation Certificate⁚ If the applicant has previously held Indian citizenship, a copy of the renunciation certificate is required.
Other Supporting Documents⁚ Additional documents may be required based on the applicant’s specific circumstances. This could include a copy of a visa, residence permit, or other relevant documents.

All documents must be self-attested and submitted to the BLS International Service Center. It is essential to ensure that all documents are complete, accurate, and properly submitted to avoid delays in the processing of the application.

Application Process

The application process for an OCI card involves several steps, beginning with online submission and culminating in the issuance of the card. Here is a detailed breakdown of the process⁚

Online Application⁚ The first step is to complete the online application form available on the OCI portal (https://ociservices.gov.in/). Applicants must provide personal details, contact information, and upload supporting documents, photographs, and signatures.
Document Submission⁚ After submitting the online application, applicants must submit the required supporting documents in person or through courier to the designated BLS International Service Center in their country of residence.
BLS Verification⁚ BLS International verifies the submitted documents and forwards them to the Indian High Commission/Consulate General for further processing.
Processing by Indian Mission⁚ The Indian High Commission/Consulate General reviews the application and supporting documents, conducts necessary background checks, and makes a decision on the application.
Issuance of OCI Card⁚ If the application is approved, the OCI card will be printed and dispatched to the applicant through the BLS International Service Center.
Card Collection⁚ Applicants can collect their OCI card from the BLS International Service Center or receive it through courier.

The processing time for OCI applications can vary depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances and the workload of the Indian High Commission/Consulate General. It is advisable to apply well in advance of any planned travel to India to allow ample time for processing.

BLS Service Fees

BLS International Services charges a fee for processing OCI applications. The fee structure can vary depending on the type of application and the country where the application is submitted. Here are some common BLS service fees for OCI applications⁚

Fresh OCI Application⁚ The fee for a fresh OCI application typically ranges from around $370 to $400, depending on the country.
Reissue of OCI Card⁚ If an OCI card needs to be reissued due to damage, loss, or passport renewal, the fee is usually less than a fresh application, typically around $137 to $150.
OCI Miscellaneous Services⁚ BLS charges additional fees for miscellaneous services such as passport or address updates, which can vary depending on the specific service.
ICWF Charge⁚ An additional ICWF (Indian Community Welfare Fund) charge of $5 is typically added to the total service fee.

The specific BLS service fees and payment methods may vary depending on the country where the application is submitted. Applicants are advised to check the BLS International website for the most up-to-date information on fees and payment procedures for their specific location.