Becoming an overseas citizen of India is a route many Indian-born Canadian citizens might pursue, as India doesn’t allow dual citizenship. Upon arriving in Canada, many immigrants wish to obtain citizenship due to the benefits it offers. This includes being able to vote in federal elections, hold a Canadian passport, etc. 

However, when an immigrant becomes a Canadian citizen, some foreign nationals will be required to forfeit their original citizenship because of the laws of their home country. 

This is true for so many nations, including India, the top source country for Canadian immigrants. Moreover, many nationals who become Canadian citizens might want to explore obtaining the status of being an overseas citizen of India. 

What Is An Overseas Citizen Of India? What Are Its Benefits? 

An Overseas Citizen Of Canada (OCI) holds a foreign passport. That person is not a citizen of India but applies for a card that provides them with a ‘multiple-entry, multiple-purpose, life-long visa for visiting India. In addition, such individuals have exemption from registration with a Foreign Registration Officer for any length to stay in India along with having the right to general parity with non-resident Indians.’

Note: Parity as it relates to being an OCI depends upon the matter at hand. For instance, it is understood that a registered OCI will have ‘parity with non-resident Indians to practice specific professions in India’. However, they will not be given the same mobility concerning the acquisition of agricultural land, plantation properties, etc. 

An OCI Is Not…

It is vital to distinguish that an OCI is not entitled to the same rights & freedoms as naturalized Indian citizens. For instance, an OCI cannot apply for & obtain an Indian passport, which is only given to Indian citizens. 

Moreover, the list mentioned below includes further restrictions imposed on OCI cardholders. 

An OCI cannot: 

  • Vote
  • Be a member of the Parliament, Legislative Assembly, or Legislative Council. 
  • Hold positions like President, Vice-President, and Judge of the High Court/ Supreme Court. 
  • Be appointed to public service positions/ roles unless approved & granted by the Central government. 
  • Acquire agricultural land/ farmhouse/ plantation properties in India. 

Who Is Eligible For An OCI Card? 

Canadian citizens of Indian origin can apply to become an Overseas Citizen of India if they: 

  • Were an Indian citizen after the constitution of India took effect on January 26, 1950.
  • Are a minor child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of someone who meets the criteria mentioned above. 
  • Are a minor child with one parent being an Indian citizen. 
  • Are the spouse of an Indian citizen or an OCI cardholder registered under Section 7A of India’s Citizenship Act, 1955.
  • Were eligible to become a citizen of India on the day the constitution took effect. 
  • Are a citizen of another nation but belonged to a territory that became a part of India after August 15, 1947.     

You Aren’t Eligible For An OCI Card…

Following the eligibility criteria mentioned above, no individual who has at least one parent/ grandparent/ great-grandparent been a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or any other nation recognized by the Indian Government is eligible for OCI. 

More Details Regarding Applying To Become An OCI 

The following highlights more key information about OCI applications: 

  • A list of supporting documents required for an OCI application.
  • All OCI applications include a fee depending upon the type of service & where the application is submitted from, i.e., $275 UDS if submitted abroad or Rs. 15,000 if submitted in India.
  • Persons found to have obtained an OCI card fraudulently will have their OCI canceled & be banned from future entry to India.