How do I get Indian Citizenship back by giving up US Citizenship?

H

hotnaan

New Member
Hello friends!

This is probably not one of the most commonly asked question - wondering if any one has any information/experience on how to go about giving up US citizenship and more importantly GETTING BACK the Indian citizenship. I believe the process of giving up US citizenship is well outlined - you have to go outside of US and then go to a US consulate and take oath to relinquish. The part I don't know is what happens after that.

- Am I eligible for Indian citizenship right away or I become an illegal in the entire world? :-)

After good long 10+ years, it's time for me to go back home. (I guess I watched the movie 'Swadesh' too many times :-)) Took citizenship about 5 years back, but some things changed over period and so the mindset. I know I can get an OCI to live in India for good, but I don't know if I can work in government set up (I am in the field of Medicine) or if I can do further studies like MD or PhD in an Indian institute with OCI. I am also concerned that I would be labeled as an "NRI" and have to pay hefty fees everywhere.

Any experience in this regard or relevant guidance would be highly appreciated!!

-D
 
Before you go about relinquishing USC, the question you should ask is how does/will India know you are also a USC? Or do they have the capability to know or query such information, which I doubt they can from the USCIS or US consulate? Research how all of this is enforced in India, which may be all law and policy but no enforcement and you may well waste your time relinquishing what you worked hard for. Also try to go do what your intents are and see if it is worth relinquishing USC for or if you are met with blockades everywhere.
 
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If you get an OCI and go back to live in India, you can get back Indian citizenship in 5 years. That is the fastest way. You cannot simply relinquish US citizenship since India will not give back your Indian citizenship right away.
 
Before you go about relinquishing USC, the question you should ask is how does/will India know you are also a USC?
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The OP may have visited India with a US pp since naturalizing 5 years ago.

And even there were no visits to India, I don't think the OP is planning to defraud the Indian govermnent, so let's stop these "how will they know" arguments.
 
Jackolantern said:
The OP may have visited India with a US pp since naturalizing 5 years ago.

And even there were no visits to India, I don't think the OP is planning to defraud the Indian govermnent, so let's stop these "how will they know" arguments.
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I won't call it "defrauding", its a matter of isolating each government or in other words, compartmentalizing each government. This already happens anyway with tons of people who claim asylum based on stories that cannot be confirmed by one government in the other country. Bottomline is neither is God, the Indian government will only know what you tell them and the US has no issues with multi-citizenships. Besides, I might have read somewhere that India may be doing away with ths dual-citizenship issues or something of that nature, can't recall.
 
nkm-oct23 said:
If you get an OCI and go back to live in India, you can get back Indian citizenship in 5 years. That is the fastest way. You cannot simply relinquish US citizenship since India will not give back your Indian citizenship right away.
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Thanks! You are absolutely right and that's exactly what I found in Home Ministry Affairs website (mha.nic.in/pdfs/oci-chart.pdf)

It clearly states: "Registered OCI may be granted Indian citizenship after 5 years from date of registration provided he/she stays for one year in India before making application"

I also read that OCI holder can do all activities EXCEPT mountaineering, missionary and research work and existing PAP/RAP which require specific permit. In that case, there is not much of reason to relinquish US citizenship, unless I am looking for government jobs, vote or take part in elections, which I don't intend to.

Thanks to all who responded!
 
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