An OCI card ( overseas citizen of India)  is a lifelong VISA. It helps foreign Indian-origin people work in India with the same rights as Indian citizens in the economic, financial, and educational sectors. In the UK, OCI processing time UK is around 6-8 weeks,  with the application process involving online submission, document verification at a VFS Global center, and then waiting for the card to be delivered by courier, with the possibility of delays depending on individual circumstances; applicants should always check the status of their application online through the VFS Global website. In this blog, we will discuss how to apply for an OCI Card in London, the application process, the documents required,  and the benefits of an OCI card.

Overseas citizens of India ( OCI)  can only apply if they have proof of Indian origin. If the applicant stays in India for more than 182 days in 12 months, it can be applicable for an OCI card. If the candidate holds any proof of Indian nationality,  OCI can be applied; the process to apply for an <strong><a href="https://visament.com/uk/oci-services-manchester">OCI Card from Manchester</a></strong> is the same as in the UK. Here are the steps to applying for an OCI application. 

You need to fill out an application form for a new OCI application.

Applicants need to submit the required photos and signatures for the OCI card application.

Applicants need to attach all the Required Documents for the OCI application.

For an OCI, you need to pay the required fees for the application. 

Scheduled an appointment with the nearby application center

After submission, collect your OCI card. 

All applicants need to submit their original document along with a photocopy of their originals at the time of submission. The documents required for application for an  OCI card are:

You need to submit your foreign passport.

Two passport-size photos.

Applicants who have obtained the UK/foreign nationality by Naturalization are required to submit the Original Naturalization Certificate along with a copy.

You need to provide proof of employment, which includes job title, job description, and job address.

MARIAGE certificate if you are married.

For the OCI card for minors, you need to submit the marriage certificate of the parents and a full version of the birth certificate with the parents' names mentioned in it.

Proof of Indian nationality.

If you lost your passport, you'll need to provide evidence for it. 

The physical and digital photos must be identical.

You need to upload a digital signature with blue or black ink to the OCI portal.

OCI card holders can enter India multiple times without needing a  VISA.

OCI cardholders can buy personal and commercial property in India. 

OCI status can make business dealing easier.

OCI card holders receive educational and financial benefits similar to those of NRI(non-resident of India).

They have no right to vote in India.

OCI card holders cannot apply for the government job in India.

OCI card holders cannot purchase land for agriculture.

There are various for applicants to prove Indian origin:

## For those previously holding Indian nationality and Indian passport 

According to Indian law, they are required to surrender their Indian passport to the nearest  Indian embassy. India doesn't allow dual citizenship.

## For those who have Indian origin but never held an Indian passport

Those who were born in India but never held an Indian passport are  required to 

Submit an original affidavit from the UK stating the fact of how they traveled to the UK.

## For those claiming Indian nationality on the basis of grandparent's Indian origin 

Applicants can apply for OCI on the basis of their grandparent's Indian nationality they have to submit the original birth certificate with the names of both the parents in it.

## Native and domicile certificate

If the applicant fails to prove the Indian origin of their grandparents or parents, then a native certificate is accepted. To apply for this certificate, you would be required to complete the application form and get it certified in India. The Nativity certificate should be certified by the District Magistrate or District Collector of the area where the applicant's parents or grandparents were born or resided.

A domicile certificate is issued to confirm India's residence status at any time. The domicile certificate issued by District Magistrate, Collectors, or Sub Divisional Magistrates is accepted for the OCI application.

In this blog, we learn about how to apply for an OCI card in the UK, the application process, the documents required for applying, the merits and demerits of having an OCI card, and proof of Indian origin/nationality hope this blog helps easier to apply for an OCI for more information you can visit our official website (Visament).