How long OCI card holder can stay in India? Rules for OCI Holder (2024)

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R.Soumya

82021-04-20T00:00:17+00:00 April 20, 2021

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OCI card holders enjoy few benefits in our country as provided by the Government of India. An Overseas Citizen of India is the person who holds an OCI card. OCI card is the lifetime free visa to travel to India. Now the very common question arises how long OCI card holder can stay in India?

  • An OCI card holder does not need a visa to live or work in India. An OCI card holder can stay in India for life time.
  • It is important for an OCI card holder to ensure that they hold valid passports from their home country.
  • In case the passport needs to be renewed then the OCI card holders have to get it renewed visiting their home country embassy in India.
  • Another way to get the new passport is to visit back to your home country and once you hold a valid password. Your OCI card will be considered valid.

New Rules for OCI 2021

  • An OCI card needs to be reissued every time when a person reissues his/her passport. The passport is reissued when an individual reaches the 20 years of his/her age and after 50 years of age.

Hope your query on how long OCI card holder can stay in India is clear by reading this answer.

Wondering to know “

how long can I stay in India with OCI”. Let me tell you.

The duration of stay in India for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders is subject to certain regulations and guidelines issued by the Indian government.

The OCI cardholders enjoy multiple entry, lifelong visa-like privileges when visiting India. It means that there is no specific restriction on the duration of stay for OCI cardholders. They can stay in India for an indefinite period.

However, it's important to note that they are not Indian citizens and do not have the same rights and privileges as citizens. OCI cardholders should adhere to the terms and conditions outlined by the Indian government.

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Can a foreigner buy property in India?

Anamika Sen

22023-06-09T11:42:23+00:00 June 9, 2023

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Overseas Citizenship of India, or OCI is a permanent residency status that allows Indians and their spouses to live and work in India forever. But there is one thing that you need to remember. OCI does not give an individual citizenship rights. He/she does not get the right to vote in elections or hold public office. There are many other aspects related to OCI that I believe everyone must be aware of.

How long a us citizen can stay in India with OCI?

As far as I know, an OCI card holder can stay in India as long as they want. He/she might not be allowed to do certain things or activities, but there is no restriction regarding his/her living in the country. So if you are wondering how long can you stay in India with OCI, learn that you can stay in India for your lifetime.

Who is eligible to be registered as an OCI?

It is important to know who is considered an OCI. To qualify for OCI the individual

Needs to have possessed an Indian passport

  • The person’s parents, grandmother or great-grandparents must have been born in India and lived in the nation permanently and never had been a citizen of some other country

  • A young child whose parents are both Indians or one of the parents is an Indian citizen

  • A foreign national who is the wife/husband of an Indian citizen/OCI cardholder and whose marriage has been registered and sustained for at least two years.

These details must have made it clear how many days OCI card holder can stay in India and who is eligible for an OCI. But not everything is good to be an OCI. India does not accept dual citizenship so you will have to surrender your Indian passport if you want to live here.

So this is the meaning of overseas citizenship of India and some of its important aspects.

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Read More:

Do OCI holders need to pay tax in India?Can OCI Get PAN Card?What is OCI Card from Indian Embassy?Can OCI Get Aadhar Card?

Ridhima

32023-01-09T07:52:51+00:00 January 9, 2023

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To reside or work in the nation, you can use an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI card India), which is a perpetual visa. It is an adaptable travel document with various entries. OCI cardholders are so exempt from entry requirements such as those for business or tourism.

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Even reporting their length of stay to the police is not required.

Every right of an Indian citizen is available to OCI card holders. They can do a variety of things, including work in the countryside and invest in both commercial and agricultural real estate. To put it simply, someone who has an OCI card is an Indian citizen. Numerous websites that provide OCI auxiliary services for card applications can be found online.

How long can OCI stay in India?

Technically, by OCI stay limit in India, I’d say that an OCI card has no expiration date because it is a lifetime visa. Nevertheless, you will eventually need to renew it. A foreign spouse of an Indian citizen, a spouse of an OCI cardholder, or a foreigner of Indian heritage are all eligible for an OCI card.

As of right now, OCI cardholders are only needed to have their cards reissued once when they turn 20 and once when they become 50. When a person gets a new passport, they must have the card reissued once if it was initially given to them before they turned 20. Your old OCI card will immediately expire if you acquire a new one.

I hope this clarifies your query, about the OCI maximum stay in India.

All legitimate foreign passport holders, with the exception of Pakistanis and Bangladeshis, are qualified to apply for OCI cards as long as they can demonstrate their Indian ancestry or have a valid PIO card. The following citizens of foreign ancestry are eligible for an OCI card:

  • They are of Indian origin

  • They belonged to a land that became Indian territory after the independence

  • On January 26, 1950, they became eligible to become citizens of India

  • They were citizens of India as of or before January 26, 1950

I would like to conclude here about the OCI card India. I hope this helps:)

Read More:

What is OCI Card from Indian Embassy?How do I Apply for Aadhaar Card as Foreign National with OCI CardCan OCI get PAN card?

Mandira Jain

52022-05-24T08:17:36+00:00 May 24, 2022

⤺ Reply

Hi Buddy,

I am an Indian-born foreign citizen. I live and work in India often for an indefinite period of time. Hence, I have acquired an OCI card. I regularly keep track of any kind of modifications in the OCI rules. I am not aware of any changes to the OCI rules. Hence, I would be able to help you out with a few insights about OCI and for what duration an OCI card holder can stay in India.

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However, there is one significant factor that OCI holders in India should be aware of. The holder of an OCI visa must possess a valid foreign passport. OCI holders in India should make sure they have a valid passport from their home country. If your foreign passport is about to expire in India, you should renew or replace it at the embassy of your home country. OCI holders in India with expired foreign passports may be regarded as illegally present in the nation.

If you are wondering, how long OCI can stay in India? I would like to say that an OCI has a lifetime visa with unlimited travel to India, however, a PIO cardholder only has a 15-year visa.

These are a few points to clarify your query about

for what duration an OCI cardholder can stay in India

:

  • The Indian government has decided to remove the "U'' Visa sticker from OCI card holders' foreign passports with immediate effect. As a result, when OCI cardholders enter or exit India, immigration authorities will not require them to produce a foreign passport with the "U'' Visa sticker. On the basis of their valid foreign passport and OCI Registration Certificate, OCI cardholders will now be granted immigration clearance (OCI booklet, popularly known as OCI card)

  • Except for Pakistan and Bangladesh, if an OCI card bearer gets the nationality of a foreign country after acquiring the card, he or she will be allowed to enter and exit India on the basis of his or her new passport and OCI Registration Certificate (OCI card)

  • OCI/PIO cards will not be accepted for entry on a Diplomatic/Official passport since OCI/PIO cards are not provided to foreign diplomats and their family members. Entry may be permitted if he or she has a valid ordinary passport and valid OCI/PIO cards

  • The March 2021 circular makes a significant change about how long OCI card holder stay in India? It is considered that they must now record any changes in their residence location or occupation. OCI Cardholders who want to do an internship or work for a foreign country's office in India must additionally get a special permit. Under the March 2021 announcement, this is a new requirement

I now conclude my answer about OCI and for what duration an OCI card holder can stay in India. I hope this helps:)

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Read More:

Can OCI Get PAN Card?Can OCI Get Aadhar Card?

How long OCI card holder can stay in India? Rules for OCI Holder (2024)

FAQs

How long OCI card holder can stay in India? Rules for OCI Holder? ›

A: An OCI card holder gets the following benefits: A multiple entry, multi-purpose life-long visa for visiting India. Exemption from registration with local police authority for any length of stay in India.

How long can you stay in India if you have OCI? ›

Following benefits will be allowed to an OCI: (a) Multi-purpose, multiple entry, lifelong visa for visiting India. (b) Exemption from registration with local police authority for any length of stay in India.

Can OCI stay in India for more than 182 days? ›

An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) is a foreign citizen who is of Indian origin. They are permitted to reside and work in India indefinitely. As per Section 7A of The Citizenship Act 1955, foreign citizens can register as OCI cardholders.

How long a US citizen can stay in India without OCI? ›

Maximum stay by a foreigner in India on an e-Tourist visa or regular paper Tourist visa or both in one calendar year shall be restricted to 180 days.

What are the restrictions for OCI card holders in India? ›

Restrictions Faced by OCI Cardholders

Despite the extensive rights, OCI cardholders do not enjoy full citizenship rights. They cannot vote in Indian elections, hold public office, or take up government jobs.

Can US citizen with OCI stay in India? ›

A: An OCI card holder gets the following benefits: A multiple entry, multi-purpose life-long visa for visiting India. Exemption from registration with local police authority for any length of stay in India.

How can I stay in India longer than 6 months? ›

To successfully apply for an India long-stay visa, follow these comprehensive steps:
  1. Determine Your Visa Type. ...
  2. Gather Essential Documents. ...
  3. Complete the Visa Application Form. ...
  4. Schedule an Appointment. ...
  5. Step 5: Attend the Appointment. ...
  6. Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee. ...
  7. Step 7: Wait for Processing. ...
  8. Step 8: Collect Your Visa.

Can I live in India on OCI? ›

Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is a permanent residency status that allows people of Indian heritage and their spouses to live and work in India permanently. OCI status is not citizenship and does not provide the right to vote in Indian elections or hold public office, despite its name.

Are OCI considered NRI? ›

It can be for a temporary duration. The basic difference between NRI and OCI is that NRIs will continue to have their Indian citizenship, and the OCIs will have their respective citizenship based on the country of their origin. Yes, OCI cardholders can stay and work in India indefinitely.

Can OCI have a bank account in India? ›

Further, an OCI can open all types of accounts allowed to a Resident customer. A joint account with Resident Indian (RI) who is a close relative can also be opened subject to following conditions: Mode of operation permitted is 'Former (NRI) or Survivor' only.

Can OCI buy property in India? ›

A: OCI card holders can purchase residential and commercial properties in India. But they are not permitted to purchase agricultural land, including farmland or any kind of plantation property. Q: Can a foreign national of non-Indian origin resident outside India purchase immovable property in India?

How long is OCI card valid in USA? ›

OCI Cards to be renewed only once in life after the attaining the age of 20 years and getting a new passport. Renewal of OCI card for those who obtained OCI after 20 years of age is not required.

Is OCI dual citizenship? ›

The Constitution of India does not allow holding Indian citizenship and citizenship of a foreign country simultaneously. Based on the recommendation of the High Level committee on Indian Diaspora, the Government of India decided to grant Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) commonly known as 'dual citizenship'.

How long can an OCI card holder stay in India? ›

The OCI Cardholder is entitled to lifelong visa for visiting India and is not required to report to FRRO or local police authorities irrespective of length of stay in India.

What is the new law on OCI in India? ›

Introduced in 2021, new rules require OCI cardholders to seek permission for certain activities. Violating rules may result in penalties and potential blacklisting. Despite restrictions, OCI cardholders enjoy benefits like lifelong visa, property ownership, healthcare professions, and service discounts in India.

Can I travel to India without updating my OCI card? ›

There will be no restriction on the OCI cardholder to travel to/from India during the period from the date of issue of new passport till the date of final acknowledgment of his/her documents in the online system.

Does Indian OCI have expiry date? ›

OCI does not expire but if you do not link it with the new passport, check in staff may refuse to check you in for your flight. Hence although OCI is for life, it is only valid as per the passport it relates to. The old rules of keeping your old passport with the OCI visa has been amended.

Can I travel to India with less than 6 months on my passport with OCI? ›

PASSPORT VALIDITY: Must be valid for six months beyond date of visa application to obtain a visa.

Can I travel to India while OCI is in progress? ›

Further, it may be noted that OCI cards cannot be expedited or processed on emergency basis. If one has travel to India under emergency, he/she is advised to apply for appropriate visa which can be done even while his/her OCI application is under process.

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