What is OCI card and its benefits?

Benefits of OCI Multiple entries and multi-purpose life long visa to visit India. Parity with NRIs on inter-country adoption. Equality with resident Indian nationals in domestic affairs. Equality with Indian nationals in entry fees for national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

Is OCI card mandatory for India?

No. As per the latest guidelines, all OCI card holders (with valid reason) holding US Passport are permitted to enter India. You may also refer to https://www.cgisf.gov.in/news_detail/?newsid=81 OCI Card holders do not require Emergency visa to enter India.

Can OCI get government job?

OCI cardholders are neither permitted to vote, nor are they eligible to run for public office nor hold government jobs in India, among a few other things. A detailed list of prohibited activities is provided under section 7 of the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955 as amended from time to time.

Which is better OCI or Visa?

If you require an OCI card for staying in India for under five years, opting for an India visa is an ideal choice. Thus, it saves you both time and money unlike applying for an OCI card. Moreover, in the case of your stay exceeding the 5-year mark, you can always apply for a new visa.

Is your OCI card valid for travel to India?

Recently, the Consulate General of India worldwide released a press release circulating a new update for the Overseas Citizen of India card. The OCI card holders – foreign citizens of Indian origin – are required to comply with the new criteria regarding validity of their OCI cards before they book their travel to India.

What is the difference between an OCI and an NRI?

PIO stands for Person of Indian Origin and OCI means Overseas Citizen of India. NRI is a residential status given to a citizen of India with an Indian Passport who resides in a foreign country for the purpose of work/business, or education.

What is the difference between OCI and Pio in India?

Next important difference between OCI and PIO is the extension of stay. A PIO card allows only 180 days of continuous stay in India, the PIO cardholder has to inform the FRRO or local police if the stay needs to be extended beyond 180 days.

What are the new criteria of OCI card validity?

The new criteria of the OCI card validity came into effect this November 1. The OCI card holders within the age bracket of 20 years are required to get their OCI cards reissued each time when their passport is reissued, according to the Consulate General of India. Those above 20 years of age are exempted from ensuring this criterion of validity.