Understanding OCI
What is an OCI Card?
The OCI card (Overseas Citizen of India) is a lifelong, multiple-entry visa issued under Section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, that allows foreign nationals of Indian origin to live, work, and travel to India without restrictions. Created by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and administered through the Bureau of Immigration, the OCI card grants visa-free travel to India indefinitely — making it the closest alternative to dual citizenship for the Indian diaspora living abroad.
The OCI Card is a lifelong visa issued to US citizens of Indian origin and eligible foreign spouses. It allows multiple entries, long-term stay, and the freedom to live and work in India without requiring a separate visa for each visit.
OCI Card Eligibility
Who Can Apply for OCI from the USA?
Former Indian Citizens
Now US citizens who previously held Indian nationality
Children of Indian Citizens
Including minors born in the USA
Spouses of Indian Citizens / OCI Holders
Subject to marriage duration & documentation
Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)
Individuals of Indian origin holding citizenship of eligible countries as per OCI guidelines
Service Packages
OCI Card Application Services & Pricing in the USA
Choose the right OCI service package based on your needs — whether you prefer paying government fees yourself, all-in-one processing, or priority handling with a faster turnaround.
Essential Plan
$
150
+ Government fees paid separately via VFS USA
- Document Review & Checklist
- OCI Form Filling Assistance
- VFS USA Appointment Booking
- Tracking Support
- Expert Assistance
Get Started
Complete Plan
$
600
Includes service + government fees
- Everything in Essential
- VFS USA Fee Handling
- End-to-End Processing
- Submission Coordination
- Priority Review
Get Started
Expedite Plan
$
700
Fast-track OCI processing (USA)
- Everything in the Complete
- Priority Handling
- Faster Review
- Lifetime Application Record Support
- Money-Back Service Assurance
Get Priority Service
How to Apply for OCI Card
We Handle the Complexity, You Handle the Easy Steps
A clear step-by-step process so you always know what’s happening — and who is responsible at each stage of your OCI application.
Visament does this
End-to-End OCI Application Management
6 steps — Fully Managed Process
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1
Document Verification
We review all your documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with OCI and VFS USA requirements.
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2
Photo & Signature Guidance
We ensure your photo and digital signature meet strict OCI specifications to avoid rejection.
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3
OCI Application Form Filing
We accurately fill out your OCI application on the official government portal and prepare it for VFS USA submission.
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4
Payment & Fee Guidance
Assisted support for OCI government fee payment through the correct VFS USA channels.
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5
VFS USA Appointment & Courier Support
We guide you in booking your VFS USA appointment or completing the courier submission process, including label generation and tracking.
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6
Application Tracking
Real-time updates at every stage — from submission to OCI approval and delivery.
YOU ONLY NEED TO DO THIS
Simple 2-Step Checklist
Just 2 Steps — Quick & Straightforward
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1
Review & Notarize Documents
Verify your application and complete required notarisation — we guide you step-by-step.
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2
Visit VFS/BLS Centre
Visit your appointment centre for biometric submission. The process is simple and usually takes 30–45 minutes.
That’s it —
we handle everything else. From documentation to submission and tracking, our experts manage your OCI application while keeping you updated at every stage.
No Follow-Ups Required
Free Re-Submission Support
Dedicated OCI Expert Assistance
Ready to get your OCI Card Application?
Skip the paperwork — our experts handle everything from document prep to final delivery.
Start Application
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- No hidden fees
- Money-back guarantee
- 48-hr document review
- Expert assigned on Day 1
How to Apply for OCI Card
We Handle the Complexity, You Handle the Easy Steps
Processing Within 90 Days
Applications typically processed within 30–90 days from submission.
Hassle-Free NRI Documents
Standardized templates for affidavits, cover letters, and government forms.
Minimize Rejection Risk
Expert verification catches errors before submission — near zero rejection rate.
Apply from Anywhere
Serving NRIs in USA, UK, Canada, Australia, UAE, Singapore, and 40+ countries.
Expert Knowledge Base
Curated guides and FAQs from thousands of resolved complex OCI cases.
Dedicated Support Channel
Reach our team via WhatsApp, email, or phone throughout your application.
Expert Handling
Doing It Yourself
What feels complicated in the USA OCI process — we’ve already simplified with expert guidance, VFS coordination, and accurate submission.
Filing on the official OCI government portal
Expert document review before submission
Real-time tracking with timely updates
Free re-submission if errors occur
Dedicated OCI expert support
Consulate & VFS query assistance
How to Apply for OCI Card
OCI Card Application Document for USA Applicants
Select your application type to view the exact list of documents required for OCI Card Application submitted from the USA
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1. Indian passport photocopy accepted.
2. Post-2009 citizenship requires a renunciation certificate.
3. If no cancelled passport or any photocopy, submit the election card, 10th/12th marksheet, or parents’ citizenship proof. ( any two)
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01
Proof of Address in India
if available
Required
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03
Cancelled Indian Passport
First 3 and Last 2 pages
Required
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04
Naturalization Certificate
Required
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05
Marriage Certificate
Apostilled / Attested
Required
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06
Surrender/Renunciation Certificate
(If Foreign Citizenship Acquired Post-2010)
Required
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07
Photograph
Recent passport-size photo
Required
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16
Conference Invitation
Letter of Invitation from the Organizing Body or Conference Host
Required
Download the complete OCI checklist — organized by category with format specifications.
Download checklist
1. Indian passport photocopy accepted.
2. Post-2009 citizenship requires a renunciation certificate.
3. If no cancelled passport or any photocopy, submit the election card, 10th/12th marksheet, or parents’ citizenship proof. ( any two)
-
01
Proof of Address in India
if available
Required
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04
Proof of Legal Status
Visa / BRP / Green Card / Work Permit / Residence Permit
Required
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05
Marriage Certificate
Apostilled / Attested
Required
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06
Proof of DOB
Birth Certificate, Matriculation, DL, Passport
Required
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07
Employment Letter
if employed
Required
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16
Photograph
Recent passport-size photo
Required
Download the complete OCI checklist — organized by category with format specifications.
Download checklist
1. Indian passport photocopy accepted.
2. Post-2009 citizenship requires a renunciation certificate.
3. If no cancelled passport or any photocopy, submit the election card, 10th/12th marksheet, or parents’ citizenship proof. ( any two)
-
01
USA Address Proof Of Parents
Utility Bills, Bank Statements, Lease Agreements, DL, State ID's
Required
-
02
Marriage Certificate
Apostilled / Attested
Required
-
Download the complete OCI checklist — organized by category with format specifications.
Download checklist
1. Indian passport photocopy accepted.
2. Post-2009 citizenship requires a renunciation certificate.
3. If no cancelled passport or any photocopy, submit the election card, 10th/12th marksheet, or parents’ citizenship proof. ( any two)
-
01
Proof of Address in India
if available
Required
-
-
03
Grandparent’s Indian Passport / Govt ID
Domicile, Voter ID
Required
-
04
Proof of Legal Status
Visa / BRP / Green Card / Work Permit / Residence Permit
Required
-
-
06
Proof of DOB
Birth Certificate, Matriculation, DL, Passport
Required
-
07
Marriage Certificate
Apostilled / Attested
Required
-
08
Employment Letter
if employed
Required
-
-
10
Photograph
Recent passport-size photo
Required
1. Indian passport photocopy accepted.
2. Post-2009 citizenship requires a renunciation certificate.
3. If no cancelled passport or any photocopy, submit the election card, 10th/12th marksheet, or parents’ citizenship proof. ( any two)
-
01
Proof of Address in India
if available
Required
-
-
-
04
Proof of Legal Status
Visa / BRP / Green Card / Work Permit / Residence Permit
Required
-
05
Marriage Certificate
Apostilled / Attested
Required
-
06
Proof of DOB
Birth Certificate, Matriculation, DL, Passport
Required
-
07
Photograph
Recent passport-size photo
Required
-
08
Thumb Impression of Minor
Left thumb for boys, Right thumb for girls
Required
-
01
Proof of Address in India
if available
Required
-
-
03
Indian Parent’s Indian Passport
First 3 & last 3 pages
Required
-
04
Proof of Legal Status
Visa / BRP / Green Card / Work Permit / Residence Permit
Required
-
05
Foreign Parent’s Foreign Passport
Required
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06
Naturalization Certificate
Required
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07
Marriage Certificate
Apostilled / Attested
Required
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08
Proof of DOB
Birth Certificate, Matriculation, DL, Passport
Required
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10
Photograph
Recent passport-size photo
Required
How to Apply for OCI Card
All OCI Card Application Services for USA Applicants
OCI Miscellaneous Services
Update your personal information, make changes to your existing OCI card, such as name change, addre
OCI Miscellaneous Services
Indian Passport Surrender
Surrender your Indian passport after getting citizenship of another country, and get your surrender
Indian Passport Surrender
Get your OCI card update free of cost under the OCI Gratis Scheme for minors and senior citizens fro
OCI Gratis Services
Authenticate your documents with ease and make them globally accepted for work, study, or personal n
Apostille Services
How to Apply for OCI Card
OCI Services Where You Live Local support across 45+ countries
Visament handles OCI applications across all major NRI hubs — with local consulate knowledge and city-level VFS support.
OCI Services in the USA
End-to-end OCI support across all 6 Indian consular jurisdictions in the USA — covering all major USA cities.
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India
Delhi · Mumbai · Bangalore
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How to Apply for OCI Card
Expert OCI Guides & Resources Written by our immigration team
In-depth guides reviewed by chartered accountants and immigration consultants updated to reflect the latest MHA and consulate guidelines.
Surrender of Indian Passport in the USA for OCI Application
By Visament Team |
16 Jun, 2025
Surrender of Indian Passport in the USA for OCI Application
Frequently Asked Questions
To apply for an OCI application, first, you need to fill out the application by logging in or registering at the Official OCI portal. Then, gather all the necessary documents and submit them through the VGS Global via courier or by booking an appointment. Make sure you get professional assistance, which will help in the smooth application process.
Yes, if you previously held an Indian passport, then you will need to provide the surrender certificate to apply for an OCI application.
Submitting an incorrect signature, photo, or providing incorrect information in the OCI application, uploading, not providing enough supporting documents for the OCI application, are some of the reasons that led your OCI application to rejection.
For this, when you submit your OCI application to the VFS, use the courier service, and attach a shipping label with your OCI application and documents to the correct jurisdiction. Get a professional expert who will help you to avoid any errors and reactions.
The normal time for the OCI application processing is about 4-8 weeks, which also depends on the verification of documents, VFS processing time, and approval from the consulate.
Here are some of the VFS Centers in the USA for OCI applications: New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, and Washington.
Yes, if you have submitted any incorrect information, wrong or mismatched documents, signature, or incorrect photo, then your OCI application can be rejected.
Yes, you can track your OCI application by going to the official OCI portal, then clicking on the 'Track Application Status', entering your Application ID, Passport number, and Captcha, and clicking 'Get status' to see the real-time status of your OCI application.
V
Visament Expert Team
OCI & Consular Services Specialists
Our team has processed 10,000+ OCI applications across 45 countries with deep knowledge of MEA guidelines and VFS Global requirements.
Last updated: June 2026 · Fact-checked by consular experts