OCI Card Application in The UK

Securing an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is a pivotal step for individuals of Indian origin in the United Kingdom, providing key advantages such as visa-free travel to India and property ownership rights. In this article, we offer a concise guide to help applicants understand the requirements and procedures on how to apply for an OCI card in the UK.

OCI Card Application in The UK

Table of contents

OCI eligibility for UK citizens

According to the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs, foreign nationals, including UK citizens, who were eligible to become citizens of India on January 26, 1950, or were citizens of India on or after that date, or belonged to a territory that became part of India after August 15, 1947, are eligible for registration as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders. Minor children of such persons are also eligible for OCI.

However, if the applicant had ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, they would not be eligible for OCI. These requirements for OCI apply to practical citizens of any country.

How to apply for an OCI in the UK? Guidelines

To apply for an OCI card in the UK, follow these steps:

OCI application for minors

To apply for an OCI for minors, the applicant or their parent/guardian must complete the online application form and submit it along with the required documents, including the original passport, two recent passport-sized photographs, proof of address in the UK, proof of status as a British citizen, and proof of relationship to an Indian citizen. The application form must be signed by one parent and notarised before submission. A left thumb impression is also required for minors under five.

OCI application photo requirements

The OCI photo requirements are as follows:

Here is an example:

Indian OCI photo example

It's vital to ensure that the photo meets these specifications to avoid any delays in processing the OCI application.

Make an OCI photo online!

Embarking on the journey to secure an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status involves meeting specific photo guidelines, and Visafoto is here to simplify the process. When creating the perfect OCI photo online, Visafoto is a user-friendly solution that takes the stress out of adhering to the necessary specifications.

With just a few clicks, individuals can upload their photos and choose the document they need the photo for. Visafoto ensures they meet all the required dimensions and criteria for a seamless application, whether online or printed. It's a convenient way to ensure your picture is in line with official requirements, making the entire OCI application process smoother and more accessible for everyone.

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport or ID. No registration required. You will see results in seconds.
Additional options
Upload photo & Continue

Source

Source photo example that you need to take in order to make a passport or visa photo at visafoto.com

Result

Result example: a correct visa or passport photo that you will receive

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport, or ID.

Оriginal photo

You will have two types of photos: a digital one for electronic applications and another one suitable for printing.

Example photo for OCI
Photos for OCI for printing

Take an OCI photo with a phone

7ID App: OCI card Photo Maker
7ID App: OCI card Photo App
7ID App: OCI card Photo Example

Capturing an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) photo with your phone is now easier than ever, thanks to the user-friendly solution provided by 7ID. There is no need to worry about complicated camera settings or intricate photo specifications. With 7ID, you can simply use your smartphone to take the required photo for your OCI application.

The intuitive interface guides you through the process, ensuring the photo you’ve taken on your phone meets all the necessary dimensions and criteria. It's a quick and accessible way to handle the photo requirement for your OCI application, putting the power in your hands to make the process convenient and stress-free.

How to make a signature image for the OCI card application?

7ID: Select the source picture of the signature
7ID: Get the result image of the e-signature in seconds
7ID: Keep you e-signatures in one app

Crafting a signature image for your Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card application has never been more straightforward, thanks to the convenient solution offered by 7ID. To ensure a seamless application process and that it satisfies OCI signature requirements, follow these easy steps.

  1. First, grab a plain white sheet of paper and a black pen.
  2. Next, using 7ID's user-friendly platform, take a clear photo of your signature against the white background using your smartphone. Also, pay attention to the available OCI signature image sample to ensure you’re signing correctly.
  3. The 7ID system will guide you through the process, allowing you to adjust the size and positioning for a perfect fit within the OCI signature dimensions.
  4. Once satisfied, 7ID will provide you with a professionally formatted signature image ready for submission.

This streamlined approach simplifies the often intricate task of creating a signature image, making the OCI application process efficient and accessible for all.

How to upload a signature for an OCI for a minor?

To upload a signature for an OCI for a child, the applicant or their parent/guardian must complete the online application form and upload the signature image on the Government portal. The uploaded signature must match the signature on the physical form. The signature/thumb impression should be confined to the prescribed box.

In case of minors, parents should not sign in the box, and the child's left thumb impression may be placed in the signature box. The uploaded signature/thumb impression must be legible on a plain white background. The images must be in JPEG or JPG format, with a maximum size of 200 kb.

OCI photo rejected: what to do

If your OCI photo has been rejected due to poor quality or other issues, here are some tips from us:

First, identify the reason for rejection. Check the rejection message or contact the Indian High Commission or VFS Global to understand the specific reason for the rejection. Here are some of the reasons an OCI application photo can be rejected:

Then, improve the photo quality based on the feedback. Ensure that your photo meets the required specifications, such as size, clarity, and background. If necessary, consider taking a new photo that meets the guidelines. You can also use professional services such as Visafoto or 7ID to quickly make a photo that’s proper for your OCI application.

Once you have addressed the issues, re-upload the photo with your application.

Remember that the quality of your photo and signature can significantly impact the processing of your OCI application. It is essential to ensure that your photo meets the required specifications and avoid any mistakes that may lead to delays or rejection.

OCI fees in the UK

The fee for each Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) fresh application is £200.00, comprising £197 for the application itself and an additional £3 for the VFS Service fee. Applicants are also asked to pay the VFS Service fee of £7.44 per application into their payment arrangements.

Download and install the Visafoto (7ID) app on your phone! Download and install the Visafoto (7ID) app on your phone!

  • Access to complete photo history
  • Support for paid photos through the in-app chat
  • 7ID includes free QR and barcode storage, free PIN code storage, and a free signature maker

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Visit the 7ID website for more information >

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