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India eases OCI application document requirements
India revises visa requirements for OCI applicants filing within the country and outlines updated application process.
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Pranavi Sharma - Sat, 18, Jul 2026
- 04:17 EDT
- 22
OCI cards / MEA
The Bureau of Immigration has revised the visa requirements for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card applications submitted within India, removing the need for a Registration Certificate or Residency Permit while requiring applicants to hold a qualifying long-duration visa with at least three months of validity.
Under the revised requirements, applicants submitting an OCI application in India must provide a copy of any long-duration visa, except an E-3 visa, that has a minimum validity of three months as of the date of application. A copy of the Registration Certificate/Residency Permit (RC/RP), which was previously required, is no longer necessary.
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The Bureau of Immigration also clarified the documents that must accompany an application. Applicants are required to submit a valid passport with at least six months' validity on the date of application submission, a valid visa with a minimum of three months' validity on the date of application, two proofs of Indian origin, and address proof.
Applying for OCI Card in India? There's an update!
— Bureau of Immigration, Government of India (@BOIndiaOfficial) July 17, 2026
Change in visa requirements:
In all cases where an application is submitted in India, the visa requirements have been revised.
A copy of any long-duration Visa (other than E-3 Visa) with 3 months validity as on the date… pic.twitter.com/GCrsqwvASK
According to the updated guidelines, the date of application will be considered the date on which the application is physically submitted at the concerned Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
The application process begins with registration on the OCI services portal. After registering, applicants must log in, select "Online Registration," and apply under the applicable category. They must then complete the application form and upload a photograph, signature, and the required documents.
Once the application is submitted, applicants receive a reference number that must be used to schedule an appointment at the concerned FRRO. On the appointment date, applicants are required to appear with their original documents for verification.
After successful verification, a payment link will be generated. The application will be acknowledged once the payment is completed. After the application is processed and approved, applicants will be able to download their electronic OCI card from the portal.
The Bureau of Immigration also stated that no physical OCI booklet will be issued under the updated process.
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