OCI Card Vs Indian Visa – What Should You Apply For?

Understanding the OCI Card and Indian Visa

OCI Card is a practical and long term option for travelers who want to visit India frequently and plan to stay for longer duration. EVisa/Visa is a more practical option for short duration stays, and this will not work well for multiple entries.  

Eligibility Criteria for OCI Card Applicants

OCI card came into existence by Government of India in the year 2005 by amending the Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2005. The purpose was to meet demands of growing Indians living abroad and who wanted to enjoy rights as a citizen of India in India. OCI serves as a legit alternative to the NRI. You become eligible to be an OCI card if you were born in the territory which ceded to India in the post-independence scenario. A minor who is born to these parents will also become eligible. Other eligibility conditions include:

• Any child or grandchild or even a great grandchild of Indian citizen;
• Any individual who is the spouse of foreign-origin of citizen of India, or spouse of foreign-origin of an Overseas Citizen of India cardholder, who is registered under section 7A and whose marriage has been registered and manage to survive for an unceasing period of not less than two years.

Types of Indian Visas Available for Travelers

• Tourist Visa (T) 
• Business Visa (B) Business visa holders should register themselves with the FRRO/FRO if their total stay in India exceeds 180 days in one calendar year.
• Employment Visa (E) 
• Student Visa (S) 
• Transit Visa (TR) 
• Journalist Visa (J)
• Mountaineering Visa
• Ayush Visa

Validity and Duration: OCI Card vs. Indian Visa

There are different types of travel Visas issued to the foreigners visiting India for varied purposes. There is a One Month e-Tourist Visa; One year e-Tourist Visa; Five years e-Tourist Visa; and stay. The maximum stay time in India of a foreign traveler who is on a 1 year and 5 years study visa should not go beyond 180 days. 

Application Process and Required Documents

• Two photographs according to the photo specifications.
• Photocopy of Foreign Passport.
• Photocopy of Naturalisation Certificate, if pertinent.
• Applicants having Foreign Nationality by Naturalisation should submit Naturalisation Certificate (In Original) along with a photocopy.

Fees and Processing Time Comparison

India offers multiple e-Tourist Visa options based on travel frequency and length of stay. Below is a clear comparison of validity, entry limits, and visa fees to help travelers choose the right option.

1) 30-Day e-Tourist Visa

• Validity: 30 days from the date of arrival in India

• Number of Entries: Double entry

• Processing Fee: USD 10 to USD 25

• Best For: Short trips, sightseeing, or quick visits

2) One-Year e-Tourist Visa

• Validity: 365 days from the date of grant of ETA

• Number of Entries: Multiple entry

• Processing Fee: USD 40

• Best For: Frequent travelers and extended travel plans

3) Five-Year e-Tourist Visa

• Validity: Five years from the date of grant of ETA

• Number of Entries: Multiple entry

• Processing Fee: USD 80

• Best For: Long-term and repeat visitors to India

Travel, Stay, and Work Rights in India

With an OCI Card, the traveler can visit and stay in India for indefinite time and period. Such travelers also have legality to work in India, except that they cannot have full time employment in any government of India office. There are certain restrictions attached to OCI card holder, and these are:

• No voting rights;
• S/he cannot be the member of Assembly or Legislative Council or Parliament;
• S/he cannot hold constitutional posts like President, Vice President, Judge of Supreme Court or High Court etc.;
• S/he cannot be a regular employee in any government office of India.

Restrictions and Limitations of OCI Card and Indian Visa

There are certain restrictions attached to OCI card holder, and these are:

• No voting rights;
• S/he cannot be the member of Assembly or Legislative Council or Parliament;
• S/he cannot hold constitutional posts like President, Vice President, Judge of Supreme Court or High Court etc.;
• S/he cannot be a regular employee in any government office of India.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for OCI Card/ EVisa/Visa

Applying for OCI Card or EVisa/Visa requires an individual to take care of following things:

• Present valid and updated information on the OCI application; 
• The information should match exactly with official documentations and proof of the identities;
• Maintain complete Terms and Conditions provided in OCI Card and/or EVisa/Visa; 
• Do not overstay on EVisas /Visas;
• Try to be an honest traveler and respect the customs of India. 

Which Option Is Best for Your Travel Needs?

OCI Card is a practical and long term option for travelers who want to visit India frequently and plan to stay for longer duration. EVisa/Visa is a more practical option for short duration stays, and this will not work well for multiple entries.  

FAQs

Q: What is the main difference between an OCI Card and an Indian Visa?
A: An Indian Visa or eVisa is a short-term travel permit for tourism, medical treatment, or brief business visits. An OCI Card is a long-term immigration status for foreign citizens of Indian origin, allowing multiple entries and the right to live and work in India for an unlimited period.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for an OCI Card?
A: OCI eligibility applies to foreign nationals of Indian origin, including individuals who were Indian citizens at any time or whose parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were Indian citizens. Minor children of eligible parents can also apply. Spouses of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders may qualify if the marriage is registered and has lasted for at least two continuous years.

Q: Can OCI cardholders work or study in India?
A: Yes, OCI cardholders are permitted to work, study, and pursue professional opportunities in India without any time restrictions, except for employment in government services.

Q: How long is an Indian visa valid for different travel purposes?
A: Indian visas vary by purpose and duration, including one-month, one-year, and five-year e-Tourist visas. For long-term visas, such as one-year or five-year visas, the continuous stay in India should not exceed 180 days per visit.

Q: Is the OCI Card a lifetime visa?
A: Yes, the OCI Card is considered a lifelong visa. However, the card remains valid only when held along with a valid foreign passport, which must be renewed as required.

Q: Which option is better for frequent travel to India?
A: The OCI Card is the better option for frequent or long-term visits to India, while an Indian visa or eVisa is more suitable for short, occasional trips.

Q: Are there any restrictions for OCI cardholders in India?
A: Yes, OCI cardholders do not have voting rights, cannot hold constitutional positions, cannot become members of Parliament or state legislatures, and are not eligible for government employment.

Q: Can I convert an Indian visa into an OCI Card later?
A: No, an Indian tourist, missionary, or mountaineering visa cannot be converted into an OCI Card while in India. OCI applications must be submitted from outside India, and eligibility must be met before applying.

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