<p>The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) is a major identity worldwide. It serves as proof of their connection with India and provides several benefits and privileges that are otherwise not available to foreign nationals. So, if you are an NRI seeking an OCI card, then it is essential to maintain the bond with India, understand what OCI is and its benefits, and know the eligibility criteria. </p>
<p>In this comprehensive guide, we will talk about the OCI card, the benefits of OCI card, the steps to fill OCI card application form, and many more. So stay tuned with us if you are a non-resident Indian and want to get an OCI card.</p>
<h2>What do you Mean By OCI Cards for NRIs</h2>
<p>knowing the <em><a href="https://visament.com/blog/oci-card-benefits-eligibility-in-the-usa">benefits of OCI card</a></em>, the application process, and more it is crucial to learn what an OCI card is for NRI. When talking about the Overseas Citizens of India card then it is a document that showcases the Indian government's initiative to build a relationship stronger with the Indian diaspora. It is a document for NRI of Indian origin and allows them and their spouses to live, work, and study in India for an indefinite period. The OCI card is a bridge for overseas citizens living in India to partake in various aspects and activities of Indian life. Apart from this, many people think OCI offers <a href="https://visament.com/blog/dual-citizenship-rules-for-nri" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>dual citizenship</em></a> but it is not. OCI is a form of permanent residence and offers specific rights with some expectations.</p>
<h2>Benefits of the OCI Card for NRIs</h2>
<p>There are plenty of advantages of the OCI card for NRIs, all of which aim to make their time in India as comfortable as possible. The advantages include the freedom to enter India without a visa, the ability to work and trade there, and the same rights as Indian citizens regarding property ownership—except for agricultural land. The same domestic airline rates and admission costs to national parks, museums, and other public locations as Indian citizens are likewise advantageous to cardholders. OCI cardholders are also eligible for a driver's license, a PAN card, and other kinds of identification, and they can open special bank accounts in India and engage in financial markets. However, it's essential to be aware of the <a href="https://visament.com/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-oci-card"><strong>advantages and disadvantages of OCI card</strong></a> status to make informed decisions about its use and benefits.</p>
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<h2>Eligibility Criteria for the OCI Card</h2>
<p>One must have been a citizen of India after January 26, 1950, or have grandparents who were citizens when the Indian Constitution went into effect to be eligible for an OCI card. Spouses of Indian nationals or OCI cardholders, as well as their children and grandchildren, are eligible. There are some restrictions, though, like the need that the marriage have last for at least two years. Furthermore, anyone who has worked in a position about a foreign state's security or who has served in a foreign military is not eligible for an OCI card.</p>
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<h2>Steps to Apply for the OCI Card</h2>
<p>Plenty of people think filling out an OCI application form is a typically hard process. If you think in the same way then follow the below-mentioned steps to apply for the OCI card for NRI. </p>
<ul>
<li>Fill Online Registration </li>
<li>Upload photograph and signature.</li>
<li>Take a printout of the successfully submitted application form and attach the original photograph and signature in the given spaces.</li>
<li>Submit the OCI application form with supporting documents at the Embassy counter.</li>
<li>Pay the fees at the Embassy counter to complete your application process. After that, you can also check your <a href="https://visament.com/blog/how-to-check-oci-application-status"><strong>OCI card Status</strong></a> Online.</li>
</ul>
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<h2>Key Difference between OCI vs. PIO Card</h2>
<p>Plenty of citizens think that the PIO and OCI cards are the same or some want to know the difference between OCI and PIO cards. So by keeping everything in mind, we will a</p>
<table style="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: #ffffff;" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th style="width: 19.8271%; text-align: left; border-color: #ffffff;">Point of difference</th>
<th style="width: 37.8954%; border-color: #ffffff;">PIO</th>
<th style="width: 42.2775%; border-color: #ffffff;">OCI</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 19.8271%; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: left;">Who is eligible to apply?</td>
<td style="width: 37.8954%; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>People who held an Indian passport previously.</li>
<li>Whose parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were born and stayed in India as stated in the Government of India Act, 1935</li>
<li>Spouses of Indian citizens or PIOs</li>
<li>Children whose parents are Indian citizens</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 42.2775%; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>People who were Indian citizens or eligible to become Indian citizens on or after 26th January 1950</li>
<li>People belong to a region that became part of India after 15th August 1947.</li>
<li>Children and grandchildren of such citizens</li>
<li>Minor children whose parents are Indian citizens</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 19.8271%; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: left;">Visa requirement</td>
<td style="width: 37.8954%; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>Not required</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 42.2775%; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>Not required</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 19.8271%; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: left;">Validity of visa</td>
<td style="width: 37.8954%; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>Visa is valid for 15 years after the date of issuance</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 42.2775%; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>Once issued, the visa has lifelong validity</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 19.8271%; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: left;">Registration with FRRO</td>
<td style="width: 37.8954%; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>PIO cardholders can stay in India for up to 180 days without registering with the FRRO/FRO. If the stay exceeds 180 days, they need to register at the nearest FRRO/FRO within 30 days</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 42.2775%; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>OCI cardholders are not required to register with the FRRO/FRO for any stay duration</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 19.8271%; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: left;">Benefits</td>
<td style="width: 37.8954%; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>A visa is not needed for up to 15 years from the date of issue of the card for PIO cardholders.</li>
<li>PIO cardholders can study and work without a special visa</li>
<li>PIO can enjoy parity with NRIs regarding financial and economic rights but does not acquire agricultural or plantation properties.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 42.2775%; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>OCI cardholders can visit India anytime during their lifetime.</li>
<li>OCI can study and work without a special visa</li>
<li>OCI enjoy parity with NRIs regarding financial and economic rights except in acquiring agricultural or plantation properties</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 19.8271%; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: left;">Indian citizenship</td>
<td style="width: 37.8954%; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>As per the Citizenship Act, PIO cardholders must stay in India for at least 7 years before making an application for registration</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="width: 42.2775%; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>Individuals registered as OCI cardholders for 5 years and residing in India for twelve months before application for registration can become Indian citizens</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>With the help of the above-mentioned table, you will get to know the difference between OCI and PIO next we will check out the things to consider before becoming a Non-resident Indian. </p>
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<h2>Things to Consider Before Becoming NRIs</h2>
<p><img src="https://visament.com/editor_image/mceu_46325263711737091601865_1737091602.jpg" alt="Things to Consider Before Becoming NRIs" width="966" height="507"></p>
<p>In this blog section, we will discuss the 6 things to consider before becoming Non-resident Indians. It will help NRIs in different ways such as in saving money, staying connected with their relatives, and many more. </p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Bank Accounts:</strong> Before becoming an NRI must convert your existing bank accounts into an NRI bank account such as NRO, NRE, or FCNR. </li>
<li><strong>Insurance:</strong> If you have any running insurance plan then must check whether the policies will be beneficial or not if you continue the plan. </li>
<li><strong>Existing investments:</strong> If you have any existing investments like mutual funds, PPF accounts, and others then must check all of them and take the necessary steps. </li>
<li><strong>Bank Locker:</strong> If you are going to India, apply for an OCI card for NRI, and have a bank locker in a foreign land then you can continue to use them. Apart from this if you are never going to back then we suggest you give it up otherwise you have to pay annual charges. </li>
<li><strong>Credit Card/Debit Card:</strong> It is essential to convert your cards to international cards. Additionally, if you have many cards then must try to give it up or you have to pay fees. </li>
<li><strong>Mobile Phone:</strong> To stay connected with your relatives living in a foreign land mobile phone is important and to make a call activate international roaming on your phone. </li>
</ul>
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<h2><strong>Choose Visament for OCI card for NRIs</strong></h2>
<p>By going through this post on OCI card for NRIs readers will get to know various things related to the Overseas Citizen Of India card. Above we mentioned what is OCI card for NRIs is, its benefits, how to apply, the difference between an OCI card and a PIO card, and many more. If you are still facing any issues related to the OCI card for NRIs then we strongly recommend you to hire Visament. It is one of the best immigration service providers and has an experienced team that helps applicants in various ways. Including filling out an error-free OCI application form, Speedy approvals, inexpensive prices, 24*7 client support, and many more. </p>
<p>Additionally, by choosing this service provider, you can also get help with passport-related services, Aadhaar cards, OCI, NRI, PIO, and others. </p>
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