India is now offering OCI cards to minors as well. This is a lifelong visa that allows minor children to enter and stay in India for as long as they want. Although it is a lifelong visa, it still expires on some special occasions.
Generally speaking, the validity period of an OCI card for minors is the same as for adults. Minors need to have grandparents and parents of Indian origin. However, they should be from Bangladesh or Pakistan to apply for an OCI card. Keep on reading to learn all about OCI card requirements and the validity period for minors!
Indian OCI Card for Minors
An overseas citizen of India (OCI) is a lifelong visa allowing a holder to stay in the country for as long as they want. It is a multiple-entry, multi-purpose document, meaning an OCI cardholder can travel to India for tourism, business, and medical purposes. You can even live and work in the country.
OCI cardholders have all the rights of a permanent Indian citizenship holder. You will be able to enter the country without applying for a visa and buy agricultural land as well. You don’t even have to report to police authorities about your stay in the country.
India offers OCI cards to minors as long as they have an Indian origin. This is the same for all foreign passport holders, except for Pakistani and Bangladeshi citizens. To get an OCI card for a minor, the parents of the child must be citizens of India or OCI card holders.
Required Documents for An OCI Card
To apply for an OCI card for a minor, you'll need to provide some mandatory documents, including:
Government Online Application Form
You are required to submit the OCI application form. For minors, parents have to sign the form and notarize it. For minors below 5 years, a thumb impression is necessary. If a minor is more than 5 years old, the applicant must have his/her signature.
Photograph & Signature
You are required to submit the 2 most recent photos of the minor. Provided photos should be 2x2, depicting the front pose and in color. You'll also need to upload the signature of the minor, which must match the signature of the application form.
Proof of Address
To register as an OCI card holder, you are required to provide proof of address as well. Parents can submit a utility bill, state-issued ID, income tax return, or valid lease agreement. Make sure the document matches the present address as per the application.
Photocopy of Passport
You'll need to submit the information page that contains the personal details, passport number, and picture of the passport holder and amendment/endorsement pages. Make sure your passport has at least 6 months of remaining validity before you submit the documents.
Proof of India Origin
Applicants need to provide proof of their Indian origin. They can submit an Indian passport, nativity certificate, domicile certificate, or certificate of residence. You'll need to submit the naturalization certificate to get an OCI card.
you can partner up with an online website that offers OCI miscellaneous services to submit all these documents.
OCI Card Validity for a Minor
The OCI card validity period for minors is the same as that for adults. They are required to get an OCI card re-issued only once they reach 20 years of age. After reaching 20 years of age, you'll need to get your OCI card re-issued after getting a new passport. This approach will provide the government of India with all of your necessary data, including facial features. You might have to get an OCI card re-issued after attaining the age of 50 as well.
Best Alternative to An OCI Card for Minors
An OCI card is an excellent pick for those who have an Indian origin. It is a lifelong visa that allows you to live like a citizen of India. However, the processing time of an OCI card can fall anywhere between 7-11 weeks. So, it is completely reasonable to find a faster and more convenient option.
Well, if you don’t want to wait for up to 12 weeks or will be staying in the country for a shorter period of time, getting an Indian e-visa is an excellent pick for you. You don’t need to wait for months; you can get an e-visa within 3-5 working days.
India offers e-visa for different purposes, including:
Tourism
Business
Medical treatment
Transit
Anyone can apply for an e-visa as long as they have a valid foreign passport. The process is completely streamlined and simple. All you need to do is fill out the visa application form, pay the visa processing fee, and submit your application. You'll get your visa via email!