How to Apply for OCI Card in 2026
OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) is a lifelong visa for people of Indian origin. It costs $275 from USA, takes 7-11 weeks, and lets you travel to India without ever needing a visa again. Here's exactly how to get one.
Need an OCI photo?
CVS charges $16.99. Get yours for $1.
7-11
weeks
$275
USA
£218
UK
Lifetime
validity
What is OCI and do you need it?
OCI is essentially a permanent visa for India. If you were born in India, or your parents or grandparents were Indian citizens, you're probably eligible. Once you have it, you can enter India any time without applying for a visa, stay as long as you want, work, study, and even buy property (with some restrictions on agricultural land).
It's particularly useful if you're an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) who visits India regularly. Instead of applying for a tourist visa every time (which can take weeks and costs money each trip), OCI gives you unlimited entry for life.
The catch: you need to renew the physical card when you get a new passport (the OCI itself doesn't expire, but the card needs to match your current passport). And citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh, or anyone whose parents/grandparents were from those countries, are not eligible.
Are you eligible?
You qualify for OCI if any of these apply:
Not eligible: Citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh, or anyone whose parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent was a citizen of those countries. This is a firm rule with no exceptions.
Step-by-step application process
The process has two parts: an online application, then an in-person visit to a VFS or BLS center. Here's exactly what to do:
Complete the online application
Go to ociservices.gov.in and create an account. Fill Part A (your personal details, current passport info) and Part B (Indian origin details, parents' information, address in India if any).
Select the correct Indian Mission based on your location. The form will auto-generate once you pick your country.
Tip: Save your temporary reference number. You have 180 days to complete the application.
Upload your photo and documents
You'll need a passport photo (51×51mm, same size as US and Indian passports), a signature image, and supporting documents: your current foreign passport, proof of Indian origin (old Indian passport, parents' Indian passport or birth certificate), and a surrender certificate if you still hold an Indian passport.
For the photo, use 200×200 to 500×500 pixels, JPEG format, max 500KB, white background.
Skip the expensive photo shops abroad. CVS charges $16.99, Boots charges £12-15. Take a photo at home with your phone, and our tool formats it to exact OCI specs for $1. Print at any drugstore for ~$0.35.
Create OCI Photo — $1Same size as US passport photo. Works for OCI, Indian passport, and US passport.
Pay fees and book VFS/BLS appointment
After completing the online form, you'll pay the OCI fee and schedule an appointment at your nearest VFS or BLS center. The fee depends on your country:
USA (VFS)
$275
UK (VFS)
£218
Canada (BLS)
CAD $230
Australia (VFS)
AUD $295
Additional VFS/BLS service fees may apply. Check their website for your specific location.
Visit VFS/BLS center
On your appointment date, bring: printed application form (with barcode), original documents plus self-attested copies, 2 passport photos (51×51mm), and your payment receipt.
Staff will verify your documents and may capture biometrics. The visit takes about 30-45 minutes.
For minors (under 18): Kids don't need to visit in person. Parents can submit on their behalf with the child's passport and photos.
Track status and receive OCI
Track your application at ociservices.gov.in. Processing takes 7-11 weeks typically—longer during peak times.
Once approved, you'll receive your OCI card and a sticker that goes in your foreign passport. You need both when traveling to India.
Don't book travel until you have your OCI in hand. Processing times can vary significantly, and there's no way to expedite a pending application.
Save on passport photos abroad
One frustrating part of applying from abroad: passport photo prices are absurd. CVS in the US charges $16.99 for two photos. Boots in the UK charges £12-15. For a simple 2×2 inch photo.
Here's the workaround: take a photo at home with your phone (any background works), use our tool to remove the background and crop to exact specs ($1), then print the 4×6 sheet at any drugstore (~$0.35). Total cost: $1.35 instead of $17.
CVS (USA)
$16.99
Boots (UK)
£12-15
Our tool + print
$1.35
Common questions
Who is eligible for OCI card?
You qualify if you were an Indian citizen, are a child/grandchild of an Indian citizen, or are married to an Indian citizen (2+ years). Citizens of Pakistan/Bangladesh or their descendants are not eligible.
How long does OCI processing take?
Typically 7-11 weeks from submission. Processing times vary by location. Don't book travel until you receive your OCI card.
What photo size is required for OCI?
Photos must be 51×51mm (2×2 inches)—same as US and Indian passports. For upload: min 200×200 pixels, max 500KB, JPEG, white background.
Can I apply for OCI online?
You complete the application online, but must visit a VFS/BLS center in person (if 18+) to submit documents and biometrics.
Do I need to surrender my Indian passport?
Yes, if you still hold one after acquiring foreign citizenship. The surrender certificate is required for OCI application.
Related guides
Applying for OCI?
Get your photo for $1
Create Photo Now51×51mm format. Print at CVS, Walgreens, or any drugstore.
Sources: Ministry of External Affairs, VFS Global