If you are a Canadian citizen of Indian origin who seeks to travel and stay indefinitely in India, you can consider asking for an OIC card. The process consists in submitting an online request, providing supporting documents and attending a biometric registration and an appointment of verification of documents at the Indian Embassy in Canada.
To start the request process, visit the Indian Embassy’s official website in Canada and select OIC services under the Consular Services tab. There, you will find instructions on the filling of the request form, the download of the necessary documents and the payment of the required costs.
The cost of the OIC application varies depending on whether the applicant is an adult or a minor. In addition, there may be additional costs for other services such as the surrender of the Indian passport or the renunciation of Indian citizenship. It is recommended to check the latest cost structure on the Indian Embassy website before submitting your request.
What is OIC? Why do you need it?
OCI means Citizen from overseas of India. It is a form of citizenship provided to foreign nationals of Indian origin or descent. The OIC card serves as a life visa for the holder, allowing them to enter and leave India several times without the need for a separate visa.
There are several advantages to hold an OIC card, including the possibility of working or studying in India, buying and having goods, and obtaining a driving license. In addition, OIC card holders are exempt from registering with the regional registration office for foreigners (FRRO) if their stay in India exceeds 180 days.
OIC card holders are not entitled to the same rights as Indian citizens, such as voting or occupying a public service. However, they benefit from most of the same advantages and privileges as Indian citizens, including access to health care and education.
In summary, if you are a foreign national of Indian or descent origin who wants to remain connected to India, an OIC card offers several advantages and can be a valid investment.
How and where to apply for Oci in Canada?
In Canada, OIC requests can be submitted to the High Commissioner of India in Ottawa, or to the Consulate General of India in Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal.
Applicants can either submit their OIC request in person or by mail, depending on preference and convenience. However, it is advisable to verify the latest directives and procedures of the respective embassy or Indian consulate in your region before submitting the request.
To guarantee a smooth and hassle -free request process, it is recommended to carefully examine the requirements and directives for the OIC application, to bring together all the necessary documents and to submit the request well before any planned trip to India.
How to apply to OIC in Canada? How much does it cost?
The OIC (Citizen of India) card is issued to foreign citizens of Indian origin to allow them to travel and remain indefinitely in India. If you are a Canadian citizen of Indian origin and want to ask for OIC, here are the steps to follow:
1. Visit the official Indian Embassy website in Canada (https://www.hciottawa.gov.in/).
2. Click on the “Consular Services” tab and select “OIC services” from the drop -down menu.
3. Read the instructions and directives carefully before filling out the request form.
4. Fill out the online request form and download the required documents (passport size photography, signature and support documents such as Canadian passport, proof of Indian origin, etc.).
5. Pay online request fees using a credit / debit card or a net bank.
6. Once your request is submitted, you will receive an acknowledgment of receipt with a file number.
7. After processing your request, the Indian Embassy will contact you to make an appointment for biometric registration and the verification of documents.
8. Visit the Indian Embassy in person on the date scheduled with original documents and biometric information.
The cost of the OIC application varies depending on whether the applicant is an adult or a minor. For adults, the costs are CAD 424, and for minors, these are Cad 213. In addition to this, there may be additional costs for other services such as the surrender of Indian passports, the renunciation of Indian citizenship, etc. You can find the latest cost structure on the Indian Embassy website.
Documents required for OIC
To request an OIC card, you will have to provide the following documents:
Passport – A valid passport of the country of citizenship and a copy of the Bio -Données page.
Photography – A recent photograph of the size of a passport that meets the specifications described by the Indian Embassy or the Consulate.
Evidence of Indian origin – This may include a birth certificate, a passport of parents or grandparents, or other official documents which prove Indian ancestry.
Proof of address – A public service invoice, a bank statement or another official document that shows your current address.
Certificate of renunciation (if applicable) – If you have already held Indian citizenship, you will have to provide a certificate of renunciation.
Canadian status – A copy of your Canadian passport or your permanent residence card.
Payment of costs – Payment of OIC costs and all other costs applicable via online methods.
It is important to note that these requirements may vary depending on the circumstances or the individual location, and it is recommended to check with the Embassy or the Indian consulate in your region for specific directives and requirements.
How long does OCI take to arrive?
The processing time of an OIC application can vary depending on several factors, such as the volume of the applications processed and the exhaustiveness of the application. Generally, it takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks for an OIC card to be issued from the date of submission of the request.
However, in some cases, the processing time may take longer, especially if additional documents or information is necessary, or if the request is sent for additional verification.
To guarantee the timely processing of your request, it is recommended to ensure that all the required documents are submitted correctly and that the request is complete and free. It is also advisable to submit the request well before any planned trip to India.
Last words
In conclusion, the request for an OCI card in Canada requires special attention to the details and the submission of the necessary documents. Although the process may seem overwhelming at the start, taking the time to prepare to fully and follow the request guidelines can help ensure a successful result.
Having an OIC card can offer many advantages, including the possibility of going to India without the need for a visa, a work or a separate study in India, and access to various services and opportunities available for Indian citizens. If you are a Canadian citizen of Indian origin or descent, and you plan to travel or stay in India, obtaining an OIC card can be a judicious investment.
Please allow me to help you understand the process of requesting an OIC card in Canada. If you have any other questions or concerns, do not hesitate to ask. As a IA language model, I am here to provide information and support each time you need it.
