For Indian-born Canadian citizens who desire to maintain a connection to their birth country, becoming an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) may be an appealing choice due to India’s restriction against dual citizenship. Upon coming to Canada, many immigrants have aspirations to obtain Canadian citizenship, which offers numerous benefits, such as voting in federal elections and holding a Canadian passport.
However, it’s important to be aware that acquiring Canadian citizenship may require some foreign nationals to forfeit their original citizenship due to the laws of their home country. For Indian nationals who become Canadian citizens, the prospect of obtaining OCI status becomes noteworthy, given that India is the top source country of Canadian immigrants. With 2022 seeing 118,095 new permanent residents from India, the interest in OCI status is understandable.
An OCI is someone who holds a foreign (non-Indian) passport and is not a citizen of India but applies for a card that provides them with a “multiple entry, multi-purpose, life-long visa for visiting India, exemption from registration with Foreign Regional Registration Officer or Foreign Registration Officer for any length of stay in India, and [the right] to general parity with Non-Resident Indians.” It’s important to note that an OCI, despite the name, is not entitled to the same rights and freedoms as naturalized Indian citizens.
Eligibility for an OCI card is extended to Canadian citizens of Indian origin who meet specific criteria, including being an Indian citizen after the Constitution of India took effect on January 26, 1950, being a citizen of another country but “belonged to a territory that became part of India” after August 15, 1947, and other conditions. However, individuals with at least one parent, grandparent, or great grandparent who is or has been a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or other specified countries are ineligible for an OCI.
When applying for an OCI, applicants will need to provide specific supporting documents and pay a required fee, which varies based on the service type and application submission location. Further details about the OCI application process can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions prepared by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs.
The option to pursue OCI status represents a significant avenue for Indian-born Canadian citizens seeking a meaningful connection to their heritage, allowing them to enjoy certain privileges related to visiting India while maintaining their Canadian citizenship. If you’re intrigued by the prospect of obtaining OCI status or if you are considering Canadian immigration, you can find out more at the official website of Jetsanza.com.
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