For many people of Indian origin living in New Zealand, applying for an OCI card in India opens the door to endless opportunities. The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card enables you to enjoy multiple benefits, like visa-free travel to India, property rights ownership, and access to various economic and educational prospects.
Whether you have just moved out to NZ or are a long-term resident, you can still apply for an OCI card from your home.
This blog guide will walk you through the OCI application NZ procedure, from the required documents to eligibility criteria and checking OCI card status.
How to Get Started With the OCI Application NZ
Thanks to the digitization of services, the procedure for OCI card application in NZ has become simpler. So, to easily apply for an OCI card, you can go to the official OCI Services page on Visament, and there you will get the complete OCI card application from NZ. Visament is a team of experts who will help throughout the process, ensuring everything goes right. We have covered everything from fast approvals to handling all the documentation.
Key Documents Required to File an OCI Application in NZ:
- Your foreign passport copy
- Documents that showcase you are an Indian citizen
- Recent passport-size picture
- Copy of your complete online application
- Current residency proof of New Zealand
- If you have a taxable income source in India, a PAN card for OCI citizens is also helpful.
Note: If you are applying for an OCI card for minors, the documents of both parents of the child are required, including the passport and proof of relationship with the child.
Eligibility Criteria to Apply for an OCI Card in NZ
People who want to apply for an OCI card in NZ must be:
- Former Indian citizens
- Descendants of Former Indian Citizens
- The applicant should not be a citizen of Bangladesh, Pakistan, or any other country designated by the Government of India.
- Family Ties (Spouses of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders are eligible to give a fact that their marriage is registered and subsisting for a minimum of two years before applying)
Important Note: To know in detail about the eligibility criteria of OCI cardholders, go through the Ministry of Home Affairs
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Apply OCI Card How to Track Your OCI Application Status in NZ
If you want to track your OCI application status, all you need to do is go to the OCI service website from where you applied, and then you can click on the "Status Enquiry." Once you click on a status inquiry, enter your online file reference number and passport number to track the application.
What are OCI Miscellaneous Services?
The OCI Miscellaneous Services are granted to OCI cardholders for the issuance or re-issuance of duplicate OCI documents in a particular situation.
These Situations Include:
- Change in personal details like name, address, or nationality.
- Re-issuance of the Overseas Service of India card after renewal of the passport.
- Damage and Lost OCI Card.
OCI Card Validity
The OCI card is a lifelong visa for India, leaving you with various benefits like multiple entry and exit privileges. The OCI card does not expire and is valid for the holder's lifetime. However, there will be certain circumstances in which you will have to renew your card.
So, if you are an OCI cardholder between the ages of 20 and 49, you are not required to renew your OCI card in India while obtaining a new passport. However, individuals aged 50 and above must renew their OCI card once they have obtained a new passport.
OCI Card Application Processing Time
The new OCI application process time is around 5-6 weeks from the registration date. Whereas the re-issuance or the updating of OCI cards can take approximately six to seven weeks, it is better to apply for your OCI card well in advance.
Moreover, OCI cards are not permitted to be processed on an emergency basis, so if you have to travel to India during an emergency, applying for the appropriate visa is advised.
OCI Application NZ Fees
| New OCI Application NZ for Minor/Adult |
Approx US$ 275 |
| Reissuance/Duplicate OCI |
Approx US$ 25 |
| Duplicate OCI (Lost or Damaged) |
Approx US$ 100 |
| Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) |
Approx US$ 3 |
Note: The OCI fees NZ charges are subject to change, so you should check with the Indian consulate or embassy in your country for up-to-date information.
Conclusion
Applying for an OCI card from New Zealand seems overwhelming while juggling those documents and a lengthy procedure. Well, Visament is here to help you escape all those hassles. Whether you are applying for an OCI card in India for the first time or want to avail of OCI Miscellaneous Services in New Zealand, we are here to guide you at every step possible. Our experts are here to help with your OCI application in NZ. Visament provides end-to-end support from filing your application to checking the documents and following up; we have covered you all.
Apply today with Visament to avoid rejection, delays, and errors.