OCI Card Application Process for Returning US Citizens

A few months ago, a friend from our WhatsApp group messaged me in a panic.

Her two kids were born in the US. She wanted to move back to India. But she had no idea how they’d travel or stay long-term.

“Do they need a visa every single time?”

I told her about the OCI card. And it solved almost everything.

If you’re in a similar situation, this guide is for you.

What Exactly is an OCI Card?

OCI stands for Overseas Citizen of India.

It’s basically a lifelong visa for people of Indian origin living abroad.

With an OCI card, you can:

• Enter India as many times as you want
• Stay for as long as you need
• Work, study, or start a business
• Buy residential or commercial property
• Skip the long immigration lines at airports

It’s India’s way of keeping the door open for you.

One thing to know: OCI is not dual citizenship. You can’t vote, hold government jobs, or buy farmland. But for most returning families, it covers everything that matters.

Are You Eligible?

You can apply for an OCI card if:

• You were an Indian citizen before becoming a US citizen
• Your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were Indian citizens
• Your child was born in the US, but you or your spouse is of Indian origin
• You’re married to an Indian citizen or OCI holder for at least 2 years

Not eligible: Anyone whose family was ever a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Here’s how to apply from the US.

I’ll break it down so it’s easy to follow.

Step 1: Fill Out the Online Form

Go to the official portal: ociservices.gov.in

Complete the application carefully.

A few things to watch out for:

• Your name must match your US passport exactly
• Upload a square photo (minimum 200×200 pixels)
• Upload your signature in 1:3 ratio
• All documents should be PDF format, under 1MB each

Once done, download and print the form.

Sign wherever required.

Step 2: Register on VFS Global

VFS handles the physical submission process.

Create an account at services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind.

This is where you’ll book appointments, pay fees, and get shipping labels.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

This is where most delays happen. So take your time here.

If you were previously an Indian citizen:

• Completed OCI form (signed)
• US passport copy (photo page)
• Old Indian passport or renunciation certificate
• Naturalization certificate (if applicable)
• Two photos (51mm x 51mm)
• US address proof
• Marriage certificate (if spouse name is on the form)

If applying for a US-born child:

• Child’s US birth certificate
• Child’s US passport
• Both parents’ Indian passports or OCI cards
• Parents’ marriage certificate
• Notarized parental authorization form

Self-attest every photocopy with your signature.

Triple-check before mailing. Small errors cause big delays.

Step 4: Pay the Fees

Here’s what you’ll pay:

Fee	Amount
Consular fee	$275
Community Welfare Fund	$3
VFS service fee	~$16
Total	~$294

Optional extras like SMS tracking and courier may add a bit more.

Step 5: Mail Your Application

Send your documents to the nearest VFS/ICAC center.

Here are the main locations:

• Atlanta: 1200 Altmore Ave, Suite 175, Sandy Springs, GA 30342
• Chicago: 180 N Stetson Ave, Suite 2075, Chicago, IL 60601
• Houston: 1001 Texas Ave, Suite 550, Houston, TX 77002
• New York: 128 E 32nd St, Floor 2, New York, NY 10016
• San Francisco: 642 Harrison St, Suite 200, San Francisco, CA 94107

Step 6: Track Your Status

Use your reference number to check progress on the VFS tracking page.

When it shows “Processed,” you’ll get an email.

At that point, send your original US passport for the OCI sticker.

Step 7: Get Your OCI Card

Once verified, your OCI card and passport will be mailed back to you.

That’s it. You’re done.

How Long Does It Take?

Most applications are processed in 5 to 6 weeks.

But plan for 6 to 8 weeks if:

• You’re applying for a spouse (interview required)
• It’s a busy season
• There are document issues

If you have travel coming up, don’t wait for your OCI. Apply for a regular Indian visa separately. You can travel while your OCI is in process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve seen these trip up a lot of people in our community:

1. Photo format wrong – Follow exact pixel and size requirements
2. Name doesn’t match – Must be identical across all documents
3. Missing documents – Use the official checklist before mailing
4. Forgot to self-attest – Every copy needs your signature
5. Started too late – Begin at least 3 months before your move

FAQs

Helpful Links

Here are some related guides on BacktoIndia.com:

• How to Plan Your Move Back to India
• Return to India from USA Checklist
• Can NRIs Get an Aadhaar Card?
• OCI Holders and Aadhaar
• How to Transfer OCI to a New Passport
• VFS Global Centers in the USA

Final Thoughts

The OCI process looks complicated at first.

But once you break it into steps, it’s very doable.

I’ve seen families with newborns and retirees in their 70s complete this successfully.

Take it one step at a time. You’ll get there. 💙

If you’re planning your move back, join our WhatsApp community at backtoindia.com/groups.

Over 20,000 NRIs are already there, helping each other every day.

It’s free. It’s volunteer-run. And you’ll find people who’ve been exactly where you are.