OCI/PIO Information

Overview

Important reminder and updates

Please note the following additional guidelines to register the OCI cases with immediate effect.

1. The applicants have to upload all appropriate complete documents on MHA online.
2. All compulsory certificates issued by foreign authorities should be apostilled with English translation and attested by the Embassy.
3. Cases of foreign spouses where the period of marriage is less than 02 years cannot be accepted
4. Mandatory field like date of marriage, local contact details etc. are to be filled compulsorily.
5. It has been decided by the Embassy of India to compulsorily capture the biometrics of overseas citizens of India (OCI) applicants during registration as OCI cardholders. All applicants are therefore advised to kindly give their biometrics at the time of submission of their applications at VF Services.
6. It has been decided to introduce a mandatory verification step of personal interview of all OCI applicants who apply for registration as OCI cardholder on spouse basis under section 7A(1)(d) of Citizenship Act, 1955. Therefore, it is requested that from now onward all spouse based OCI applicants must visit the Embassy for interview between 9:30 and 11:30 (Monday to Friday) before applying at VFS.

The OCI Card is a multiple entry life-long visa which enables the holder to have unlimited travel and stay in India. On change of passport, one has to apply for a new OCI Card corresponding to the new passport.

Eligibility for an OCI card

A foreign national is eligible to apply for an OCI card if he/she:

• Was a citizen of India on or at any time after the commencement of the Constitution; or
• Was eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of the commencement of the Constitution; or
• Belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15.08.1947; or
• Who is a child or a grandchild or a great grandchild of such a citizen mentioned above; or
• A person who is a minor child of a person mentioned above; or
• A person who is a minor child and whose both parents are citizens of India or one of the parents is a citizen of India; or
• A 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 under this section:

You are not eligible to apply for an OCI card in the following cases:

• The applicant will not be eligible for OCI, if the applicant/their parents had ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh
• Foreign Defence/Military/Police/ex-Defence personnel and the persons working with security agencies are not eligible for OCI card

The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify the date from which the existing Persons of Indian Origin cardholders shall be deemed to be Overseas Citizens of India cardholders.

Please refer to links below for more information:

• Gazette of India
• Press Information Bureau, Government of India

Fees

Your payment allows you to deposit an application. The latter can be accepted, refused or modified by the Embassy of India in its full right. Once fees have been paid, they cannot be refunded, even in a case of an application refusal or cancellation.

Fees Chart
The price of your visa is made up of fixed service charges and variable consular charges. The consular charges depend on the type of visa requested and on your nationality, profession or origin. Please consult the fees chart below in order to calculate the total amount to pay. Note that in certain cases bank charges may apply.

Print Fees Brochure Indian Services

Documents Required

Kindly print the check list which corresponds with the visa category you wish to apply for and attach it with your application. It must be filled in and signed. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Print OCI Registration Checklist

Important reminder and updates

Please note the following additional guidelines to register the OCI cases with immediate effect.

1. The applicants have to upload all appropriate complete documents on MHA online.
2. All compulsory certificates issued by foreign authorities should be apostilled with English translation and attested by the Embassy.
3. Cases of foreign spouses where the period of marriage is less than 02 years cannot be accepted
4. Mandatory field like date of marriage, local contact details etc. are to be filled compulsorily.
5. All documents copies provided with your application have to be self attested

Photo Specifications

Photographs should be in colour and strictly as per the specifications below.

• Un-mounted - 2 inch x 2 inch (5cm*5cm) in size.
• Face should cover about 70 to 80% of the photo area.
• Frame Subject with Full Face, Front view, Eyes open
• Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance.
• The photographs must be clear, well defined and taken against a plain LIGHT background (NOT WHITE).
• Appropriate brightness and contrast showing your skin tones naturally
• Even lighting (no shadows across or behind the face)
• Face must be square to the camera with a neutral expression, neither frowning nor smiling and with your mouth closed.
• If you must wear a head covering for religious reasons, make sure your full facial features are not obscured.
• Non-tinted prescription glasses are allowed as long as your eyes are clearly visible. Make sure that the frame does not cover any part of your eyes. Sunglasses are not acceptable.
• Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo.
• Photograph for Child/babies - The photograph should show the baby or child awake, looking straight at the camera with mouth closed and nothing covering the mouth. It should also show both edges of the face clearly (no toys, blankets, chair backs or other people visible) and no hair across the eyes.

Please Note:
There is one self-service Photo-booth available in our Paris and Marseille office.

Processing Time

Please note due to the processing time of OCI applications, in case you need to travel urgently you should apply for a visa.

The Embassy of India and VF Services (UK) Limited cannot, in any circumstances, be held responsible for any applications which are not completed in time for your intended date of departure. Kindly note that obtaining an OCI card is not automatic; your application may be accepted, modified or refused by the Embassy of India in its full right.

Applications processed individually

Each application is processed individually by the Embassy of India: as a result processing times may vary between applications that appear to be similar. It is particularly frequent for families and groups who have submitted their applications simultaneously to receive their OCI cards with a few days gap.

Minimum processing times

The company VF Services (UK) Limited has no influence over the processing times of an OCI application: these depend essentially on the Embassy of India and to a lesser extent on the postal services (in case you have opted for a return courier service). We are therefore not in a position to guarantee maximum processing times. We are only able to communicate minimum processing times, provided for information purposes only.

Download Forms

ONLINE APPLICATION FORM

In order to start an OCI application, you are required to complete an online form operated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

When filling the form please ensure to select the correct Mission and OCI service, enter complete information without errors and then proceed to print and sign the hard copy of the application form.

You must also upload all required documents online and print a proof of the upload status to provide along with your other supporting documents.

Important Note

Filling or submitting the online form on the Government website does not complete the process - you are required to submit the physical application form and supporting documents to the VFS Application Centre.

How long will my form be valid?

Under instruction from the Indian Government and in order to protect your personal data, your application details would be kept for a maximum of 20 days. It is therefore necessary to submit your application within 20 days of registering online. If we do not receive your application before this period, we would no longer be able to access your data (they will have been deleted) and you would be required to complete a new online form.

Additional Forms

Your application may require additional documents as per your situation or the age of the applicant. You may find all the additional forms on this page.

Overview

OCI Card Re-Issue is for applicants currently holding an OCI Card which needs to be renewed for the following reasons:

• Change in the passport number
• Change in personal particulars
• Loss or damage of OCI Card

As per the extant law, a foreigner of Indian origin or a foreign spouse of an Indian citizen or foreign spouse of an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, can be registered as an OCI cardholder. OCI card is a life-long visa for entry into and stay in India with a number of other major benefits attached to it which are not available to other foreigners.

Hitherto, the OCI card was required to be re-issued each time a new passport was issued up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age, in view of biological changes in the face of the applicant. With a view to facilitate the OCI cardholders, it has now been decided by the Government of India to dispense with this requirement. A person who has got registration as OCI cardholder prior to attaining the age of 20 years will have to get the OCI card re-issued only once when a new passport is issued after his/her completing 20 years of age, so as to capture his/ her facial features on attaining adulthood. If a person has obtained registration as OCI cardholder after attaining the age of 20 years, there will be no requirement of re-issue of OCI card.

With a view to update the data regarding new passports obtained by the OCI cardholder, it has been decided that he/she shall upload a copy of the new passport containing his/her photo and also a latest photo on the online OCI portal, each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age. These documents may be uploaded by the OCI cardholder within 3 months of receipt of the new passport.

In the case of those who have been registered as OCI cardholder as spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or an OCI cardholder, the person concerned will be required to upload on the system, a copy of the new passport containing the photo of the passport holder and also a latest photo along with a declaration that their marriage is still subsisting each time a new passport is issued. These documents may be uploaded by the OCI cardholder spouse within three months of receipt of his/ her new passport.

On updation of details on the system, an auto acknowledgement through e-mail will be sent to the OCI cardholder informing that the updated details have been taken on record. 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 acknowledgement of his/ her documents in the web-based system.

All the above services of uploading documents will be provided on gratis basis to the OCI cardholders. Please refer to the below link for more information in this regard:

https://ociservices.gov.in/MiscNew.pdf

It has been decided by the Embassy of India to compulsorily capture the biometrics of overseas citizens of India (OCI) applicants during registration as OCI cardholders. All applicants are therefore advised to kindly give their biometrics at the time of submission of their applications at VF Services.

Fees

Your payment allows you to deposit an application. The latter can be accepted, refused or modified by the Embassy of India in its full right. Once fees have been paid, they cannot be refunded, even in a case of an application refusal or cancellation.

It has been decided by the Embassy of India to compulsorily capture the biometrics of overseas citizens of India (OCI) applicants during registration as OCI cardholders. All applicants are therefore advised to kindly give their biometrics at the time of submission of their applications at VF Services.

Fees Chart
The price of your visa is made up of fixed service charges and variable consular charges. The consular charges depend on the type of visa requested and on your nationality, profession or origin. Please consult the fees chart below in order to calculate the total amount to pay. Note that in certain cases bank charges may apply.

Print Fees Brochure Indian Services

Documents Required

Kindly print the check list which corresponds with the visa category you wish to apply for and attach it with your application. It must be filled in and signed. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Print OCI Re-Issue Checklist

Photo Specifications

Photographs should be in colour and strictly as per the specifications below.

• Un-mounted - 2 inch x 2 inch (5cm*5cm) in size.
• Face should cover about 70 to 80% of the photo area.
• Frame Subject with Full Face, Front view, Eyes open
• Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance.
• The photographs must be clear, well defined and taken against a plain LIGHT background (NOT WHITE).
• Appropriate brightness and contrast showing your skin tones naturally
• Even lighting (no shadows across or behind the face)
• Face must be square to the camera with a neutral expression, neither frowning nor smiling and with your mouth closed.
• If you must wear a head covering for religious reasons, make sure your full facial features are not obscured.
• Non-tinted prescription glasses are allowed as long as your eyes are clearly visible. Make sure that the frame does not cover any part of your eyes. Sunglasses are not acceptable.
• Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo.
• Photograph for Child/babies - The photograph should show the baby or child awake, looking straight at the camera with mouth closed and nothing covering the mouth. It should also show both edges of the face clearly (no toys, blankets, chair backs or other people visible) and no hair across the eyes.

Please Note:
There is one self-service Photo-booth available in our Paris and Marseille office.

Processing Time

Please note due to the processing time of OCI applications, in case you need to travel urgently you should apply for a visa.

The Embassy of India and VF Services (UK) Limited cannot, in any circumstances, be held responsible for any applications which are not completed in time for your intended date of departure. Kindly note that obtaining an OCI card is not automatic; your application may be accepted, modified or refused by the Embassy of India in its full right.

Applications processed individually

Each application is processed individually by the Embassy of India: as a result processing times may vary between applications that appear to be similar. It is particularly frequent for families and groups who have submitted their applications simultaneously to receive their OCI cards with a few days gap.

Minimum processing times

The company VF Services (UK) Limited has no influence over the processing times of an OCI application: these depend essentially on the Embassy of India and to a lesser extent on the postal services (in case you have opted for a return courier service). We are therefore not in a position to guarantee maximum processing times. We are only able to communicate minimum processing times, provided for information purposes only.

Download Forms

ONLINE APPLICATION FORM

In order to start an OCI application, you are required to complete an online form operated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

When filling the form please ensure to select the correct Mission and OCI service, enter complete information without errors and then proceed to print and sign the hard copy of the application form.

You must also upload all required documents online and print a proof of the upload status to provide along with your other supporting documents.

Important Note

Filling or submitting the online form on the Government website does not complete the process - you are required to submit the physical application form and supporting documents to the VFS Application Centre.

How long will my form be valid?

Under instruction from the Indian Government and in order to protect your personal data, your application details would be kept for a maximum of 20 days. It is therefore necessary to submit your application within 20 days of registering online. If we do not receive your application before this period, we would no longer be able to access your data (they will have been deleted) and you would be required to complete a new online form.

ADDITIONAL FORMS

Your application may require additional documents as per your situation or the age of the applicant. You may find all the additional forms on this page.

Overview

PIO Alert

PIO Scheme has been withdrawn and merged with OCI scheme.

Applications for replacement can be submitted using the web link: click here

Visa Fees

Your payment allows you to deposit an application. The latter can be accepted, refused or modified by the Embassy of India in its full right. Once fees have been paid, they cannot be refunded, even in a case of an application refusal or cancellation.

Modes of payment
Please refer to the page of the mode of submission that you are planning to use to find the list of accepted modes of payment.

Fees Chart
The price of your visa is made up of fixed service charges and variable consular charges. The consular charges depend on the type of visa requested and on your nationality, profession or origin. Please consult the fees chart below in order to calculate the total amount to pay. Note that in certain cases bank charges may apply.

Print Fees Brochure Indian Services

Documents Required

Kindly print the check list which corresponds with the visa category you wish to apply for and attach it with your application. It must be filled in and signed. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Print OCI In Lieu of PIO Checklist

Photo Specifications

Photographs should be in colour and strictly as per the specifications below.

• Un-mounted - 2 inch x 2 inch in size.
• Face should cover about 70 to 80% of the photo area.
• Frame Subject with Full Face, Front view, Eyes open
• Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance.
• The photographs must be clear, well defined and taken against a plain white background.
• Appropriate brightness and contrast showing your skin tones naturally
• Even lighting (no shadows across or behind the face)
• Face must be square to the camera with a neutral expression, neither frowning nor smiling and with your mouth closed.
• If you must wear a head covering for religious reasons, make sure your full facial features are not obscured.
• Non-tinted prescription glasses are allowed as long as your eyes are clearly visible. Make sure that the frame does not cover any part of your eyes. Sunglasses are not acceptable.
• Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo.
• Photograph for Child/babies - The photograph should show the baby or child awake, looking straight at the camera with mouth closed and nothing covering the mouth. It should also show both edges of the face clearly (no toys, blankets, chair backs or other people visible) and no hair across the eyes.

Please Note:
There is one self-service Photo-booth available in our Paris and Marseille office.

Processing Time

Please note due to the processing time of OCI applications, in case you need to travel urgently you should apply for a visa.

The Embassy of India and VF Services (UK) Limited cannot, in any circumstances, be held responsible for any applications which are not completed in time for your intended date of departure. Kindly note that obtaining an OCI card is not automatic; your application may be accepted, modified or refused by the Embassy of India in its full right.

Applications processed individually

Each application is processed individually by the Embassy of India: as a result processing times may vary between applications that appear to be similar. It is particularly frequent for families and groups who have submitted their applications simultaneously to receive their OCI cards with a few days gap.

Minimum processing times

The company VF Services (UK) Limited has no influence over the processing times of an OCI application: these depend essentially on the Embassy of India and to a lesser extent on the postal services (in case you have opted for a return courier service). We are therefore not in a position to guarantee maximum processing times. We are only able to communicate minimum processing times, provided for information purposes only.

Non-French Nationals

Non-French nationals having long term visa or residency permit to stay in France may submit their applications for OCI Card in France, however additional time would be required to process such applications since clearances from the Indian Mission in their respective home country would be required.

Download Forms

ONLINE APPLICATION FORM

In order to start an OCI application, you are required to complete an online form operated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

When filling the form please ensure to select the correct Mission and OCI service, enter complete information without errors and then proceed to print and sign the hard copy of the application form.

You must also upload all required documents online and print a proof of the upload status to provide along with your other supporting documents.

Important Note

Filling or submitting the online form on the Government website does not complete the process - you are required to submit the physical application form and supporting documents to the VFS Application Centre.

How long will my form be valid?

Under instruction from the Indian Government and in order to protect your personal data, your application details would be kept for a maximum of 20 days. It is therefore necessary to submit your application within 20 days of registering online. If we do not receive your application before this period, we would no longer be able to access your data (they will have been deleted) and you would be required to complete a new online form.

ADDITIONAL FORMS

Your application may require additional documents as per your situation or the age of the applicant. You may find all the additional forms on this page.

Overview

Merger of PIO Card and OCI Card: Clarifications for the PIO Card holders.

PIO Scheme has been withdrawn and merged with OCI scheme.

Visa Fees

Your payment allows you to deposit an application. The latter can be accepted, refused or modified by the Embassy of India in its full right. Once fees have been paid, they cannot be refunded, even in a case of an application refusal or cancellation.

Modes of payment
Please refer to the page of the mode of submission that you are planning to use to find the list of accepted modes of payment.

Fees Chart
The price of your visa is made up of fixed service charges and variable consular charges. The consular charges depend on the type of visa requested and on your nationality, profession or origin. Please consult the fees chart below in order to calculate the total amount to pay. Note that in certain cases bank charges may apply.

Print Fees Brochure Indian Services

Documents Required

Kindly print the check list which corresponds with the visa category you wish to apply for and attach it with your application. It must be filled in and signed. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Print PIO Minor Checklist

Photo Specifications

Photographs should be in colour and strictly as per the specifications below.

• Un-mounted - 2 inch x 2 inch in size.
• Face should cover about 70 to 80% of the photo area.
• Frame Subject with Full Face, Front view, Eyes open
• Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance.
• The photographs must be clear, well defined and taken against a plain white background.
• Appropriate brightness and contrast showing your skin tones naturally
• Even lighting (no shadows across or behind the face)
• Face must be square to the camera with a neutral expression, neither frowning nor smiling and with your mouth closed.
• If you must wear a head covering for religious reasons, make sure your full facial features are not obscured.
• Non-tinted prescription glasses are allowed as long as your eyes are clearly visible. Make sure that the frame does not cover any part of your eyes. Sunglasses are not acceptable.
• Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo.
• Photograph for Child/babies - The photograph should show the baby or child awake, looking straight at the camera with mouth closed and nothing covering the mouth. It should also show both edges of the face clearly (no toys, blankets, chair backs or other people visible) and no hair across the eyes.

Please Note:
There is one self-service Photo-booth available in our Paris and Marseille office.

Processing Time

Please note due to the processing time of PIO applications, in case you need to travel urgently you should apply for a visa.

The Embassy of India and VF Services (UK) Limited cannot, in any circumstances, be held responsible for any applications which are not completed in time for your intended date of departure. Kindly note that obtaining an PIO card is not automatic; your application may be accepted, modified or refused by the Embassy of India in its full right.

Applications processed individually

Each application is processed individually by the Embassy of India: as a result processing times may vary between applications that appear to be similar. It is particularly frequent for families and groups who have submitted their applications simultaneously to receive their PIO cards with a few days gap.

Minimum processing times

The company VF Services (UK) Limited has no influence over the processing times of a PIO application: these depend essentially on the Embassy of India and to a lesser extent on the postal services (in case you have opted for a return courier service). We are therefore not in a position to guarantee maximum processing times. We are only able to communicate minimum processing times, provided for information purposes only.

Non-French Nationals

Non-French nationals having long term visa or residency permit to stay in France may submit their applications for PIO Card in France, however additional time would be required to process such applications since clearances from the Indian Mission in their respective home country would be required.

Download Forms

ONLINE APPLICATION FORM

In order to start an OCI application, you are required to complete an online form operated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

When filling the form please ensure to select the correct Mission and OCI service, enter complete information without errors and then proceed to print and sign the hard copy of the application form.

You must also upload all required documents online and print a proof of the upload status to provide along with your other supporting documents.

Important Note

Filling or submitting the online form on the Government website does not complete the process - you are required to submit the physical application form and supporting documents to the VFS Application Centre.

How long will my form be valid?

Under instruction from the Indian Government and in order to protect your personal data, your application details would be kept for a maximum of 20 days. It is therefore necessary to submit your application within 20 days of registering online. If we do not receive your application before this period, we would no longer be able to access your data (they will have been deleted) and you would be required to complete a new online form.

ADDITIONAL FORMS

Your visa application file may require additional documents as per your nationality, origin, the mode of submission you have chosen or the age of the applicant. You may find all the additional forms on this page.