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What's changed? India revises OCI fees, rules
New fee structure and stricter timelines apply globally, with higher charges for overseas applicants
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Malvika Choudhary - Sat, 18, Apr 2026
- 17:20 EDT
- 44
Indian OCI card / http://Ociservices.gov.in
Beginning this month, India has revised the fee structure and compliance rules for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) services and implemented them through the Bureau of Immigration and Indian missions abroad.
The updated structure differentiates between applications filed within India and those submitted overseas. A fresh OCI application costs $275 abroad, compared to about $180 (Rs 15,000) within India.
Also Read: U.S. Mission in India urges travelers to fill electronic arrival form
Reissuance services–including those required when a cardholder turns 20 or updates personal details–are priced at $25 overseas and about $17 (Rs 1,400) in India.
The revised fee structure for OCI services in India is now in effect. Check the updated details and plan accordingly.#OCICardholder #OCIServices #ImmigrationInIndia pic.twitter.com/apiUl999Qi
— Bureau of Immigration, Government of India (@BOIndiaOfficial) April 13, 2026
For lost or damaged OCI cards, the fee is $100 abroad and approximately $112 (Rs 9,386) within India. Renunciation of OCI status is set at $25 overseas and about $17 in India.
It is to be noted that, applicants filing outside India will continue to incur additional service charges from outsourcing agencies such as VFS Global and BLS International, along with Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) fees.
The revised rules also tighten compliance timelines. OCI cardholders must upload details of a new passport and a recent photograph within three months of passport issuance, failing which the late fee applies.
A late fee of $25 (around $28 equivalent in India) has also been introduced for delays in updating passport details beyond the prescribed timeline.
Physical reissuance of OCI cards is now mandatory only once–after a new passport is issued when the cardholder is over 20 years old. In most other cases, including renewals between ages 21 and 50 and after 50, updates can be completed online at no cost if done within the three-month window.
In a country-specific update, OCI applicants in Canada must submit applications in person at BLS International centers for biometric collection from April 5, with postal submissions discontinued.
Additionally, All PIO Cards have expired after 31st December 2025 and are no longer valid for entry or stay in India.
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