I got my OCI in India - full journey step-by-step

OCI application and collecting - full journey Hey friends. Namaste my fellow future happy OCI holders. Let me tell you about the process of getting OCI in India. I made my in Mumbai this year - applied in July 2025 - received in April 2026. All the rules and requirements for 2025! First Very important rule is for OCI application for a foreigner married to Indian citizen - you have to be court married first for two whole years. Only then you can apply. 1. you need to stay in India continuously for 6 months and have a valid visa for at least period of 6 months. So in my case I was on X1 visa valid for 6 months from January 2025 till July so I had to apply for an extension in May and only after getting my extension- I applied for OCI itself. I got a new extension for a year. It’s very important if you don’t want to pay any extra fees or penalty even. So make sure you have a valid visa 2. I would recommend you to hire one agent - we go one and she helped us with forms to fill and online application. Then after receiving all the documents I was requested to visit FRRO in Mumbai with all original documents and copies. You must have your marriage certificate, visa, proof of address, for some countries also need to have apostiled birth certificate (if you’re from Russia - make it before coming to India, you won’t be able to do it from India) 3. I post rest of the documents here : 4. OCI Requirements (Indian Spouse) 5. Foreign Passport copy 6. Valid Indian X visa 7. Birth Certificate duly apostille 8. Marriage Certificate 9. Spouse Indian passport 10. Spouse Birth Certificate 11. 4 Photographs (Light background (Strictly not white / cream), 51 x 51 mm, 80% Face Area) 12. Electricity Bill 13. 3 years bank statement of the spouse 14. Demand Draft for Rs. 15000/- in favour of: PAY & ACCOUNTS OFFICER (SECRETARIAT) MHA Payable at New Delhi. This information is relevant for year 2025, so check on OCI website - or with your agent. in FRRO office you will require to bring all necessary documents and they will also have a questionnaire for you - where did you meet, what is your spouse fav movies etc. so make sure you talk to each other to avoid any confusion. The they also ask you for a short interview and ask some additional questions. It’s not a fast process - so be ready to spend some time in the office- get water and patience haha After that they will start all the checks - Delhi, Mumbai, your State too - I live in Goa so they also did they checks in Panjim and Margao. Sometimes some additional documents needed - they will call you - make sure to pick up the call And then you’ll get the receipt - keep it!!!! VERY IMPORTANT You can check your status in their website and when you’ll see approved - wait a bit longer till you receive an email inviting you for collection. Your status in the website will say - ready for pick up or call them - FRRO Mumbai direct number is 02222621167. I know many people before 2025 got OCI indefinitely but from 2026 the rules have changed and now they’re giving it for 5 years… so not such a great news but at least. When you get to the Office for collecting- make sure you carry your international passport, receipt they give you after applying all the paper documents and visa (better print it - they took my printed one) and they ask couple of questions like which country you’re from, where do you live and in my case cause I came alone they asked where is my husband. And then voila - you’re an Official light blue passport holder. Jai Hind For visas and visa extensions : I hope it was useful to you and I wish you to have hassle free documents making process and good luck mera dost! Please like and leave your comments if you wish to 😘