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OCI or No OCI
- Thread starter rkumarcp
- Start date
Actually the only problem with applying for an OCI is the time taken to get it. If you are planning to go to India the next month or so, don't expect to get OCI in that time period.
In most normal cases it is around 2 months but in my case it had gone to 6 months.
Assuming you are holding a foreign western passport, applying for OCI might be usefull in the long run because once you get it you do not have to apply for a tourist visa everytime you want to go. It gives you the convenience of going to India on the fly.
In most normal cases it is around 2 months but in my case it had gone to 6 months.
Assuming you are holding a foreign western passport, applying for OCI might be usefull in the long run because once you get it you do not have to apply for a tourist visa everytime you want to go. It gives you the convenience of going to India on the fly.
Visitor VISA while OCI in progress
Thanks for the reply canindo.
That being the case can I apply or the VISITOR VISA in case I have to travel in between while my OCI is in Progress
Thanks
canindo said:Actually the only problem with applying for an OCI is the time taken to get it. If you are planning to go to India the next month or so, don't expect to get OCI in that time period.
In most normal cases it is around 2 months but in my case it had gone to 6 months.
Assuming you are holding a foreign western passport, applying for OCI might be usefull in the long run because once you get it you do not have to apply for a tourist visa everytime you want to go. It gives you the convenience of going to India on the fly.
Thanks for the reply canindo.
That being the case can I apply or the VISITOR VISA in case I have to travel in between while my OCI is in Progress
Thanks
I recently heard from someone that if you are an OCI then you are considered an Indian first (than an American) when you are in India. This could mean that you may not get any assistance from US embassy in case you need as the Indian legal system will treat you as an Indian then an American.
Of course, I do not know the legalities here but the person who told me was pretty confident.
Has anyone consulted a lawyer (or any other immigration/legal experts) on this?
Of course, I do not know the legalities here but the person who told me was pretty confident.
Has anyone consulted a lawyer (or any other immigration/legal experts) on this?
It surprises me how many ask this question regarding getting assitance from US embassy.
The rule as posted earlier is that if the US considers OCI as a dual citizenship the us embassy may not cover you in a legal issue while in India. By this we mean criminal issues not parking tickets.
But I believe the US interprets OCI as a visa with a long term. In this case they will assist you in legal matters.
In either case I do not think there has been any case where a passport was not issued or extended by US authorities for an Indian with a US passport and an OCI card.
As for the indian people, an important point, is if you look indian you are still indian. A US passport cannot change ones God given race.
In conclusion while in India try to obey its laws then legal issues will not be there.
The rule as posted earlier is that if the US considers OCI as a dual citizenship the us embassy may not cover you in a legal issue while in India. By this we mean criminal issues not parking tickets.
But I believe the US interprets OCI as a visa with a long term. In this case they will assist you in legal matters.
In either case I do not think there has been any case where a passport was not issued or extended by US authorities for an Indian with a US passport and an OCI card.
As for the indian people, an important point, is if you look indian you are still indian. A US passport cannot change ones God given race.
In conclusion while in India try to obey its laws then legal issues will not be there.
RKUMARCP
Yes you can apply for a tourist visa, as long as your indian passport has been cancelled.
In my opinion though if you need to travel immediately apply for a tourist visa for now and then when you return you can file for your OCI.
The only time both cannot be applied for at the same time, is if for some reason a security check will be needed for whatever reason.
Yes you can apply for a tourist visa, as long as your indian passport has been cancelled.
In my opinion though if you need to travel immediately apply for a tourist visa for now and then when you return you can file for your OCI.
The only time both cannot be applied for at the same time, is if for some reason a security check will be needed for whatever reason.
US Citizen
In India an OCI is a US Citizen. You hold US PP. For all those who remember waiting in long lines at the back enterance for a Visa, you can now enter the US Embassy/Consulate from the front door. US Considers OCI like a Green Card.
The only special problem is you can not own Agricultural Land.
A benefit being US/Foreign Citizen: In Indian Railways if you pay in dollars (Cash), you can get reservation against Foreign Quota (I know from my wife's personal experience). Oh by the way the Indian Railways staff were very professional and charged exactly the same price as in Rs. (except that $1.00 = Rs. 42).
In India an OCI is a US Citizen. You hold US PP. For all those who remember waiting in long lines at the back enterance for a Visa, you can now enter the US Embassy/Consulate from the front door. US Considers OCI like a Green Card.
The only special problem is you can not own Agricultural Land.
A benefit being US/Foreign Citizen: In Indian Railways if you pay in dollars (Cash), you can get reservation against Foreign Quota (I know from my wife's personal experience). Oh by the way the Indian Railways staff were very professional and charged exactly the same price as in Rs. (except that $1.00 = Rs. 42).