OCI Card Services

New applications, re-issues and updates after a new passport, and OCI for children. Serving clients across all US states from our offices in New Jersey and Atlanta.

What Is an OCI Card?

OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) is a lifelong status granted to foreign nationals of Indian origin. It is not dual citizenship. OCI holders cannot vote in Indian elections or hold government positions, but they receive significant benefits including a lifelong multi-entry visa to India and exemption from reporting to local police authorities.

The OCI card is issued under Section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955. The Government of India introduced the scheme in 2005. Once issued, the card does not expire. A card issued before age 20 is re-issued once, the first time you get a new passport after turning 20. After that, a new passport means updating your details on the OCI portal.

At Akshar Travels, our team has handled a wide range of OCI cases including complex situations, minor children, late applications, and applications from former PIO card holders. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.

Which OCI Service Do You Need?

New OCI Application

Applying for an OCI card for the first time. Required documents vary based on how you claim Indian origin.

  • Current foreign passport
  • Old Indian passport (if applicable)
  • Proof of current nationality
  • Photos meeting OCI specifications

New OCI for Former PIO Holders

PIO to OCI conversion ended on December 31, 2025. If you still hold an old PIO card, you now apply for OCI as a new application, and we guide you through it.

  • Original PIO card
  • Current foreign passport
  • Proof of Indian origin

OCI Renewal After New Passport

A card issued before age 20 is re-issued once, the first time you get a new passport after turning 20. Otherwise a new passport means updating your details on the OCI portal. We handle both.

  • New passport
  • Old passport with existing OCI
  • Photo meeting OCI specs

Family and Child OCI

Children of OCI holders or Indian citizens can apply for OCI. A child's OCI is re-issued once, with the first new passport after turning 20.

  • Child's passport
  • Parent's OCI card or Indian passport
  • Birth certificate
  • Photos meeting OCI specs

How We Handle Your OCI Application

From the first call to your OCI card arriving at your door, here is what the process looks like when you work with us.

Initial Consultation

We assess your case type and confirm eligibility before you gather any documents.

Personalized Checklist

We send you a complete, case-specific document list so you know exactly what is needed.

Document Review

We review every document you submit for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with consulate requirements.

Online Form Completion

We complete the OCI online application form on the Government of India portal on your behalf.

Consulate Submission

We coordinate the submission to the appropriate Indian consulate based on your state of residence.

Tracking and Follow-Up

We track your application and notify you at each milestone until your OCI card is issued.

Standard OCI Document Checklist

This is the general list for a first-time OCI application. Your checklist may vary. We send you the exact list after your consultation.

  • Current foreign passport (US passport or equivalent)
  • Old Indian passport showing Indian citizenship at birth
  • Proof of present nationality (naturalization certificate or US passport)
  • Recent passport-size photographs (50mm x 50mm, white background, specific specs)
  • Completed OCI application form (Part A and Part B via Passport Seva portal)
  • Application fee payment receipt
  • For former PIO card holders: a copy of the old PIO card
  • For minors: birth certificate, both parents' documents

Note: Requirements vary by consulate and application type. Do not gather documents before speaking with us. We will send you the exact list for your specific case.

Get Your Personalized Checklist. Tell us your case type and we will email you the exact documents you need within one business day.

Why Clients Trust Akshar Travels for OCI

Document Review Before Submission

We thoroughly review every document before submission to minimize rejection risk.

Offices in NJ and Atlanta

Walk in to either office or work with us virtually. We handle applications from all 50 states.

We Handle Complex Cases

Rejected applications, late submissions, missing Indian passports. We have handled it before.

OCI Card Services by Location

Expert OCI assistance across major US cities. Click your location for local guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I need for a new OCI card application?

You will typically need your current foreign passport, your old Indian passport, proof of present nationality, and recent photographs meeting OCI-specific size and background requirements. The exact list varies depending on your case. Contact us for a personalized checklist.

Do I need to renew my OCI card when I get a new passport?

Not always. If your OCI card was issued before age 20, you need a new OCI card once, the first time you get a new passport after turning 20. In most other cases, a new passport means updating your passport details on the OCI portal instead. Rules do change, so we check your case first, and we handle both re-issues and updates.

How long does OCI processing take?

Typically 8 to 12 weeks from the date your physical documents reach the Indian consulate, though times vary by consulate and current backlog. We track your case and keep you informed throughout.

I live in California. Which Indian consulate handles my OCI application?

Northern California falls under the Consulate General of India in San Francisco and Southern California under the Consulate General of India in Los Angeles. We coordinate the submission to the right consulate for your county and state. You do not need to travel to the consulate yourself in most cases.

Can I apply for an OCI card if I was born in India but am now a US citizen?

Yes. US citizens who were previously Indian citizens, or who are children or grandchildren of Indian citizens, are generally eligible for OCI. The key exclusion is if any of your parents or grandparents were citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh.

Can I apply for OCI from any US state?

Yes. You do not need to be in New Jersey or Georgia. We work with clients across all 50 states. You share your documents virtually and we handle the rest.

Ready to Start Your OCI Application?

Email us or call. We will get back to you within one business day with your personalized checklist and next steps.

Call 1-888-881-5755 or email [email protected]

New Jersey Office: 1183 Green St, Iselin, NJ 08830

Atlanta Office: 1766 Lawrenceville Hwy, Suite C, Decatur, GA 30033

Akshar Travels is a visa and passport consulting service. OCI card approval is at the sole discretion of the Government of India. We do not guarantee approval outcomes. Processing times are estimates based on current consulate guidelines and are subject to change. Information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.