OCI Services

How To Apply

1. Create an Account: Register on the Du Digital Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) website.
   Click here to register.

2. Fill Out the Government Application Form: Click here to access the form.

3. Book an Appointment: Schedule your visit to Du Digital ICAC by choosing a suitable date and time.
   Click here to book your appointment
4. Prepare Your Documents: Carry your passport, photographs, and all supporting documents as listed in the Documents Checklist section.
5. Visit Du Digital ICAC: Visit the designated ICAC . The address and location will be mentioned in your appointment letter. Ensure you arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time.
6. Submit Your Application & Pay Fees: Submit your documents and pay the applicable fees at ICAC. Refer to the Fee Details section for exact charges.
7. Enroll for Biometrics (if required): Complete biometric enrollment if applicable.
8. Application Submission Complete: You’ve successfully submitted your application.
9. Track Your Application: Monitor your application’s status online. Click here to track your application

MANDATORY DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED ALONGWITH ALL THE NEW/FRESH OCI APPLICATIONS: -

• Current valid passport, with validity of minimum 6 months at the time of submission of application. (Upload online- Current passport category)- Provide self-attested photocopy-
• Registered Marriage Certificate (If married) or equivalent proof (Indian passport copy on which spouse name is endorsed) and current passport of spouse to endorse name of spouse in OCI card.
• Proof of employment with job description/Proof of own business/Student ID Card/Proof of last employment with job description. (Upload online- Employment Proof Category)- Provide Photocopy also
• Address proof (Utility Bill/ Driving License - NOT BANK STATEMENT)
• Civil ID
• Birth Certificate

IN ADDITION TO ABOVE DOCUMENTS, APPLICANT ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS DEPENDING UPON THE CATEGORY UNDER WHICH APPLYING FOR OCI
Category A – Applying on Indian Origin Basis (Former Indian Passport holder)

• Naturalization/Registration Certificate
• Indian Passport Surrender Certificate
• Renunciation Certificate of Indian Citizenship
• Copy of Indian passport (1st and Last Page)

Note: Upload documents online and provide copy of document at the time of submission of application at Embassy.

Category B- Applying on India Origin Basis (Never Hold Indian Passport but born in India)

• Birth Certificate clearly indicating names of parents. (Upload online- Relationship category)- Provide photocopy also
• Exit permit/stay visa issued after birth in India and Exit stamps on passport when first left India OR Notary affidavit in original from Kuwait stating the fact and how he/she travelled to Kuwait (Upload online- Indian visa category)
• If born in India between 26 January, 1950 to 30 June, 1987: Birth Certificate issued by Indian Government. OR School Educational Certificate (in original) (Matric and higher Board level Classes)

OR
Proof of Indian Origin of Applicant's parents/Grand Parents/Great Grand Parents

• Being a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after the commencement of the Constitution i.e. 26.01.1950; or
• Being eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of commencement of the Constitution i.e. 26.01.1950; or
•  Belonging to a territory that became part of India after 15th August, 1947. These could be: (a) Copy of their Indian Passport or (b) Copy of the Domicile Certificate issued by the Competent Authority or (c) Copy of Nativity Certificate from the competent authority or (d) OCI Card/ PIO card (first and last page) along with the supporting documents upon which the OCI/PIO card was issued.

Note:

• Recently issued birth Certificate (Post-dated birth certificates) should be duly certified by the District Magistrate/District Collector of the area, with name, stamp, seal and contact telephone numbers with area code for verification
• Post-dated School Certificate/School Leaving Certificate from India should be authenticated by Director of Education/District Magistrate/District Collector of the area with name, stamp, seal and contact telephone numbers with area code for verification
• Foreign issued Post-dated birth certificates (old birth certificates re-issued later/duplicate true copies of Birth Certificates) should be duly apostilled by concerned Foreign Office/Embassy

Category C- APPLICANT BORN OUTSIDE INDIA AND NEVER HELD INDIAN PASSPORT - APPLYING ON THE BASIS OF PARENTS/ GRAND PARENTS/GREAT GRAND PARENTS

• Birth Certificate clearly indicating names of parents (Upload online- Relationship Certificate category)- Provide photocopy also

Foreign issued Post-dated birth certificates (old birth certificates re-issued later/duplicate true copies of Birth Certificates) should be duly apostilled by concerned Foreign Office/Embassy

• If applying on the basis of Grand Parents/Great Grand Parents, provide documents (Birth certificates or equivalent) to verify relationship among applicant, his/her Grand Parents/Great Grandparents. (Upload online- Relationship Certificate category)
• Proof of Indian Origin of Applicant's parents/Grand Parents/Great Grand Parents (Upload online)-
• Being a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after the commencement of the Constitution i.e. 26.01.1950; or
• Being eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of commencement of the Constitution i.e. 26.01.1950; or
• Belonging to a territory that became part of India after 15th August, 1947. These could be: (a) Copy of their Indian Passport or (b) Copy of the Domicile Certificate issued by the Competent Authority or (c) Copy of Nativity Certificate from the competent authority or (d) OCI Card/ PIO card (first and last page) along with the supporting documents upon which the OCI/PIO card was issued
  
  

Category D- APPLICATION IN CASE OF MINOR CHILD

• All the Mandatory documents and other documents mentioned in A OR B OR C above
• Current passport copy of BOTH parents
• Registered Marriage Certificate of parents

OR
If parents are divorced: A Court order of dissolution of marriage and Child arrangement order which specifically mentions that the legal custody of the child is with the parent who is applying for the OCI card and that parent can take the child out of Kuwait for any number of days 
                                          OR
If both the parents share joint custody of the child, a duly notarized consent letter from both the parents to apply for OCI for child OR a specific court order giving permission for issue of OCI to the child with one of the parents.
Note: Upload documents online and provide copy of document at the time of submission of application at Embassy. Parent have to visit Embassy.

Category E- APPLICATION FOR OCI UNDER FOREIGN SPOUSE CATEGORY - AFTER AT LEAST 2 YEARS OF MARRIAGE- Turnaround time: 10-12 weeks

• Applicant's own Birth Certificate confirming names of both parents.
• Registered marriage certificate (apostilled if issued by foreign authority)
• Current Passport of the spouse.
• Copy of the Valid Indian Passport/OCI (first and last pages) of Spouse.
• Duly filled/signed/dated Consent form (Available at Embassy ).

Note: Upload documents online and provide copy of document at the time of submission of application at Embassy. Applicant have to visit Embassy along with his/her Spouse in this category
*Additional documents might be required for verification, depending upon the documents submitted

Fees Details

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible to apply for an OCI card?
Individuals who were Indian citizens on or after 26 January 1950, or were eligible to become Indian citizens on that date, including their children and grandchildren, may apply.

Note: Citizens or former citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh are not eligible for OCI.

2. Is a Renunciation Certificate required before applying for OCI?
Yes. If you previously held Indian citizenship, you must obtain a Renunciation or Surrender Certificate before applying for an OCI card.

3. Can foreign spouses of Indian citizens apply for OCI?
Yes. A foreign spouse of an Indian citizen or an OCI cardholder can apply, provided the marriage has been registered and has existed continuously for at least 2 years prior to the date of application.

4. Are minor children eligible for OCI?
Yes. Minor children are eligible if one or both parents are Indian citizens or OCI cardholders. A birth certificate and proof of parental citizenship must be submitted.

5. Are individuals with military background eligible for OCI?
No. Foreign nationals who are currently serving or have previously served in any foreign military force, including civilian roles in defence departments, are not eligible.

6. What are the benefits of holding an OCI card?

• Life-long, multiple-entry visa to India

• Exemption from police registration, regardless of stay duration

• Equal treatment with NRIs in educational, financial, and economic fields (except purchase of agricultural land)

• Accepted ID for PAN card, driver's license, and bank accounts in India

7. What are the restrictions on OCI cardholders?
OCI cardholders cannot:

• Vote in Indian elections

• Hold public office

• Acquire agricultural or plantation property

• Be employed in Indian government services

• Travel to protected/restricted areas without special permits

• Engage in missionary work, mountaineering, or journalism without prior approval

8. What documents are required for a fresh OCI application?
Key documents include:

• Valid foreign passport

• Proof of Indian origin (passport/certificate of parents or grandparents)

• Renunciation Certificate (if applicable)

• Marriage certificate (for spouse-based applications)

• Birth certificate (for minor applicants)

Please refer to the Documents Checklist for the complete list of requirements.

9. Can I apply for OCI from outside India?
Yes. You can apply at the Indian Mission/Post in your country of residence. In Kuwait, applications can be submitted through DU Digital Global ICAC with a prior appointment.

10. What is the processing time for a fresh OCI application?
Processing usually takes 6 to 8 weeks, depending on document verification and clearance. Applicants are notified by email/SMS, and the application status can be tracked through the OCI portal.