How To Renew an OCI Card? Here is A Step-By-Step Guide For the Process

India doesn't allow its citizens to hold dual citizenship; however, people of Indian origin, heritage, or roots can apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. These individuals are enrolled under Section 7A of the Citizenship Act of 1955.

It is important for Indian citizens to renew OCI card once after getting a new passport after the age of 20 and after getting a new pasport after the age of 50, due to physical changes. Additionally, people can also apply for the reissuance of OCI whenever there is a change of personal information like name, errors, damage of present document, etc.

What Is OCI Card?

Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Scheme was introduced by the Indian government in August, 2005. The scheme allows the registration of all the person of Indian origin (PO), who were citizens of India on 26 January, 1950, to register as OCI. However, Indian origin people who had been a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh or such other country as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify, are excluded from the scheme.

How To Reissue OCI?

The government has different re-issuance conditions for younger and older OCI Card holders. Fresh OCI registration certificates are needed with each new passport until completing 20 years. Another compulsory re-issue is required once after turning 50 years because of biological changes in facial appearance. Between 21 and 50 years, renewal with every new passport is not mandatory.

What is the Eligibility For OCI Card?

An Overseas Citizen of India is a foreign passport holder with Indian roots or past citizenship. The person may have Indian heritage, origin, or family links. It can also be someone who was once an Indian citizen before acquiring foreign nationality. Such individuals are registered under Section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955.

When To Apply For OCI Re-Issuance?

Re-issuance of an OCI Card is required in several specific situations. It is needed when an OCI Card was granted before age 20 and a new passport is obtained after turning 20. It is also required if the card is lost, damaged, or if the holder changes name for any reason, including after marriage.

Re-issuance is also required when the nationality of the OCI Card holder changes, as long as the new citizenship is not of Pakistan or Bangladesh. If there are mistakes in any OCI Card details, the holder must apply for correction. Suitable documentary proof must be provided so authorities can make the necessary changes to the card.

How to apply online for OCI Card re-issuance

Applications for re-issuance or changes to an OCI Card are made through the official online portal.

-Visit the OCI website, ie https://ociservices.gov.in/onlineOCI/

-Select the option 'OCI Miscellaneous Application Process Flow'.

-The process involves uploading a copy of the current passport, a recent photograph, supporting documents and paying the required fee, where applicable.

-Between 21 and 50 years of age, OCI registration certificates do not need fresh issue with every new passport.

However, a holder may still choose to apply for a new set of OCI documents. Across age groups, authorities expect cardholders to keep personal data accurate, either through re-issuance or by updating information online when required.