If client has different names generally we will take the Name in the Current Valid US Passport.

The old name should be mentioned in the Application form.

And Name change affidavit should be prepared.

When the Parents become US Citizen, the Child does not automatically become US Citizen.

When the Child gets US Passport, that date is considered as the Date of becoming US Citizen.

If the Client gives Legal status as Visa/i797/Employment Authorization Card, then it should be valid for more than 6 months. If not at least Extension file should be available.

Else application will be rejected

What to do if there are different names available in US Passport, India Passport, Renunciation certificate?

Name in the US Passport is the final use the same for OCI Application.

Even though in the OCI form Previous Nationality is not mandatory,  we have to select it if the application is based on Naturalization.

If not selected the application will be rejected.

1. Types of OCI Applications – Full Summary

   Type	Who Can Apply	When to Apply	What’s Included / Reason	Example
   1. OCI by Naturalization (New Registration)	Foreign citizens of Indian origin (Adult, age 18+)	First-time OCI application	Applying as an adult of Indian origin (self/parents/grandparents were Indian citizens)	Ravi, born in India, now a US citizen at age 30
   2. OCI by Birth (New Registration)	Minor child (under 18) born abroad to Indian parents	First-time OCI application	Child born outside India, parents/grandparents are Indian citizens	Sita, 7 years old, born in Canada to Indian parents
   3. OCI through Spouse (New Registration)	Foreign national married to Indian citizen or OCI holder	After 2 years of marriage	Foreign spouse of Indian origin applies for OCI	John, married to Priya (Indian citizen), for 3+ years
   4. OCI Renewal (Miscellaneous – Age 20)	Existing OCI cardholders	After turning 20 years old	Once after turning 20 due to change in appearance	Anjali got OCI at 17, now she's 21 – needs renewal
   5. OCI Renewal (Miscellaneous – Age 50)	Existing OCI cardholders	After turning 50 years old	Once after turning 50 for photo/signature update	Raj is 50, had OCI from younger years, now due
   6. Minor’s Passport Change (OCI Miscellaneous)	Existing OCI cardholders (under age 20)	Every time minor gets a new passport	Upload new passport copy, latest photo and signature	Priya, age 10, got a new passport — OCI update required
   7. Lost / Damaged OCI Card	Any existing OCI cardholder	As soon as card is lost or damaged	To get a reissued OCI card	Meena lost her OCI card on vacation — needs reissue
   8. Correction in OCI Details	Any existing OCI cardholder	When any printed data is incorrect	For name, DOB, gender, or nationality corrections	Rohan's OCI card has spelling error in his name
   9. Change in Personal Details (Miscellaneous)	Any OCI cardholder	After legal change (marriage/name/nationality/address)	Update in OCI due to personal changes	Sara changed surname after marriage — OCI update nee

   Important OCI Application Notes:

   • OCI card is lifelong, but needs renewal only in some specific conditions.

   • Minors under 20: Every time passport is renewed, OCI must be updated online.

   • At 20 & 50 years: One-time renewal due to change in facial features.

   • Spouse-based OCI: Only after 2 years of marriage and valid marriage proof.

   • If you lose your OCI: Apply for reissue immediately under Miscellaneous.

   Ref Link: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/attend-centre/Houston

Important Note: Select Previous Nationality in OCI Government form even though it is not mandatory

Who it's for?
Adults who were once Indian citizens or whose parents/grandparents were Indian, but they became foreign citizens later (e.g., by naturalization in another country).

 Example:
Ravi moved to the USA, gave up Indian citizenship, and became a US citizen. Now at age 30, he wants an OCI card.
He applies for OCI by Naturalization (New Registration).

Ref Link: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/attend-centre/Houston

Application Link: https://ociservices.gov.in/welcome 

Important Document [Ref: https://services.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/india/united-states-of-america/oci-services/]

• Current (Foreign) Passport -Front and Back
• Indian origin proof: Indian passport(Front and Back), Surrender or Renunciation certificate, birth certificate,
• Indian visa
• Marriage certificate [If Married]
• Proof of Address: License/ EB Bill/
• Legal Status: i797
• Employment Certificate: Given in Company Letter head
• If Applying on Basis of Parents/Grand Parents then Birth Certificate is required
• If Applying on Basis of Spouse then Marriage Certificate is required

Supporting Documents

• Affidavit
• Consent Letter

Photo Specification:

• 192px * 192 px
• White Background
• Face should cover about 70 to 80% of the photo area.
• Frame Subject with Full Face, Front view, Eyes open

When OCI is kept on hold for some documents we can go to the below link and attach the documents and make the additional payment.

URL: https://vfs.mioot.com/forms/In/USA/IHCUSA-DocsNew/

Legal Status should be valid for 4 moths or more if it is expiring in one month Indian Consulate will reject the application/keep on hold.

After payment we need to send the screenshot to the client.