How to Apply for an OCI Card in the U.S.

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: December 23, 2020 References

An Overseas Citizenship of India card, or OCI card, is a form of identification that gives people of Indian origin certain travel and residency rights within India. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can apply for an OCI card through Cox and Kings Global Services, the official OCI partner of the Embassy of India.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing Your Cox and Kings Paperwork

1
Visit the OCI page of Cox and Kings’ official website. Currently, Cox and Kings Global Services handles all U.S.-based OCI applications. Therefore, you’ll need to visit their official website at https://www.in.ckgs.us/oci to fill out your OCI paperwork.^{[1]
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- Cox and Kings changes their application guidelines frequently, so check their “How To Apply” page for the most updated information.
2
Complete the “OCI Application - Get Started” web form. Scroll down to the “OCI Application - Get Started” web form and fill in every section that applies to you, including which state you live in, your marital status, and your citizenship status. When prompted, select whether you’re filing for a new OCI card, replacing a PIO card, or replacing a lost or damaged OCI card. Once you fill in everything, click the “Get Started” button at the bottom of the page.^{[2]
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- Based on your answers, the page may add additional questions or remove irrelevant questions.
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3
Work through the Cox and Kings application. The Cox and Kings online application form will provide a detailed breakdown of everything you need to acquire an OCI card. Simply fill out the requested personal details and upload copies of any required items. Some things you may need to complete the application include:^{[3]
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- An original application photo that adheres to the International Standards Organization’s photo specifications, available at https://www.in.ckgs.us/resources/pdf/photo-specifications.pdf.
- A copy of your U.S. passport.
- A Renunciation of Indian Citizenship form.
4
Compile physical copies of your application documents. Once you’ve completed your application, write down the CKGS Web Reference number listed on the results page. Then, print out the "Document Checklist" and gather up all the forms it asks for. Even if you submitted a form online, you may need to send in a physical copy as well.^{[4]
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- Some documents you may need include a print of your application photo, a signed copy of your online application, and an affidavit stating you have original copies of all your documents.
- Do not send in these documents until after you complete the government application.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Completing Your Government Forms

1
Visit the government of India’s “OCI Online Services” web page. Even though Cox and Kings handles U.S.-based OCI applications, you’ll still need to file some official paperwork with the government of India. To do so, visit their “OCI Online Services” web page at https://ociservices.gov.in/ and select the “New OCI Registration” option.^{[5]
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- In order to receive an OCI Card, you’ll need to complete both the Indian government and Kings and Cross applications, not just 1 or the other.
2
Complete the A and B application forms. The government of India’s OCI application consists of 2 individual forms that you’ll need to fill out thoroughly. The government and Cox and Kings applications contain many of the same elements, so make sure the information you provide remains consistent between each. Requested info may include your:^{[6]
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- Personal contact information
- Citizenship and nationality status
- Family lineage
3
Upload a photo, signature, and any other required items. To complete your government OCI application, you’ll need to upload a photo of yourself and a photo of your signature to the website. In addition, you may need to provide scanned evidence of official documents like your passport.^{[7]
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- If Cox and Kings requested an application photo, make sure you upload the same version here.
- If you or the person you’re applying for cannot provide a signature due to age or disability, a fingerprint will suffice.
4
Update your Cox and Kings forms to show you filed with the government. Once you’ve completed your official government application, return to the Cox and Kings homepage at https://www.in.ckgs.us/home/index and click the “Link Government Web Reference No. with CKGS Web Reference No.” box. Then, type the following information into the Existing Applicant web form:^{[8]
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- Your date of birth
- Your passport number
- Your Cox and Kings reference number
- Your government online OCI form number

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Submitting Your Application

1
Mail your forms if you live far away from an Application Center. While filling out your Cox and Kings application, you’ll have the option to purchase a prepaid application shipping label. You can paste this label to an approved shipping packet and use it to mail your paperwork to a Cox and Kings application center.^{[9]
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- You can fix your shipping label to a UPS Express Envelope, a FedEx Express Envelope, or a FedEx Reusable Envelope.
- To be properly processed, each shipping packet must weigh less than 0.5 lb (230 g) and contain no more than 1 application.
2
Hand deliver your forms if you live close to an application center. While working through your online application, you can make an appointment to hand deliver your paperwork to a Cox and Kings application center. To do so, select “Walk-In” when prompted by the official website and choose an application date and time. When you arrive at your local application center, you’ll have the opportunity to submit your paperwork.^{[10]
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- Cox and Kings has application centers in Washington DC, New York, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, and Atlanta.
3
Pay your application charges using a credit card. For each individual application, you’ll have to pay a $275 new card fee, a $17 Cox and Kings service fee, a $3 Indian Community Welfare Fund fee, and a variable credit card convenience fee. In-person applicants can pay at the Cox and Kings Application Center while mail applicants will have to visit the payment section of Cox and Kings’ official website.^{[11]
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- Cox and Kings does not accept payment via cash, personal check, or any form of financial transaction other than credit card.