OCI Category

The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card is a long-term visa provided by the Indian government to foreign nationals of Indian origin, including spouses of Indian citizens or OCI holders. It allows for lifelong, multiple-entry travel to India for purposes like tourism, business, and family visits without the need for a visa. Applicants must complete an online form, upload key documents such as a passport, proof of Indian origin, photographs, and, for spousal cases, a registered marriage certificate. The application is submitted through BLS International in Canada, and processing typically takes 8–10 weeks. While OCI holders enjoy benefits like visa-free travel and exemption from FRRO registration, they cannot vote, hold government jobs, or buy agricultural land in India.