Can I apply for OCI for US Citizen Wife?

[Bhavesh]

I recently became US citizen and applying for OCI for my family

My wife was born in USA and has no ties to India.

Can I apply for her OCI because she is married to me?

Thanks

 

[dude4mrestonva]

Yes.Also as long as she is not part or has ever been in the few countires which would make her ineleigble.

 

[dougalted]

Hi,
I have a similar situation, my wife has no connection to India other than marriage to me. From reading the FAQ document at,

http://www.mha.nic.in/oci/faqs.pdf

I gather that she can not apply for OCI. I also assume she can only get a PIO visa.

Here is the exact text from the FAQ.

4. Can the spouse of the eligible person apply for OCI?

Yes, if he/she is eligible in his/her own capacity.

Since my wife has no tie to India on her own I do not see that she is eligible "in her own capacity".

Am I reading it wrong? Any help is appreciated.

Regards,

 

[kagemusha]

OCI is only for people of Indian origin. If your wife was born in the US and her parents/grandparents were never Indian citizens at any point, then she is not eligible for OCI.

-KM

 

[Indian75]

Furthermore, from the Web page http://www.mha.nic.in/oci/faqs.pdf, it also says:

33. Can OCI be granted to foreign nationals who are not eligible for
OCI, but married to persons who are eligible for OCI?
No.

 

[vishu38]

No. She can't apply for OCI if she is not of Indian origin. Relationship by marriage doesn't count.

Complete details at http://www.immihelp.com/nri/overseascitizenshipindia/

She may want to apply for PIO card instead.
Read PIO vs OCI at http://www.immihelp.com/nri/pio-vs-oci.html

And complete information about PIO card at http://www.immihelp.com/nri/piocard/