sultanoflondon

Hi all,

I was just wondering whether transfering an OCI from a British to an American Passport is possible? If so, how much does it cost and how do you do it?

And, would my children, if they were born into American passports, would they be able to get it easily, in their American passports?


Thanks.

Rete

Just curious but what is an OCI?

cynthia786

Why would you want to transfer the OCI from your British to an American passport (if and when you become eligible for one)? As far as I know, unlike India, there is no requirement to renounce your British citizenship when you acquire U.S. citizenship. As for future kids, they should be eligible for the OCI based on your eligibility.

ScousePete

India does not allow dual citizenship. The closest they get to it is to allow former citizens some rights, known as Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI).

More info HERE

sir_eccles

I think it's "overseas citizen of India" a recent halfway house for India to recognize people get other citizenships.

JAJ

Since it's unlikely that this forum contains many OCI holders, perhaps the best source of information would be the Indian Embassy.

Your previous posts suggest you want to study in the U.S. as a foreign student. As far as I am aware, only a minority of foreign students qualify for working visas after their studies (the rest go home), and only some of those on working visas get green cards (the rest go home). After getting a green card, it still takes years to become a U.S. citizen.

BritInParis

"OCI card holders traveling to India are advised to carry the Passport containing U Visa sticker and OCI Card to avoid problems at Immigration check points in India. In case registered OCI has obtained a new passport, kindly ensure to carry the passport containing U Visa sticker, new passport and OCI document during all visits to India.

ALTERNATIVELY, Miscellaneous Services can be availed for transfer of U Visa sticker to new passport. However, before applying for Misc Services kindly read the instructions posted under OCI Misc Service particularly the processing period. Since applications are processed in the order of their receipt in the Consulate, this service cannot be expedited. New OCI Registration can be done online."

http://passport.gov.in/oci/welcome

sultanoflondon

Okay. So basically I don't need to transfer.

I want to live in the US when I am older. However, if I wanted to go to India from the US, would I use my British Passport?

md95065

You would use whatever passport you had that would get you into India.

(With the caveat that, if you ever become a US citizen, you would have to use your US passport to enter and leave the US - but you could still use whatever passport you liked to enter another country)

sultanoflondon

Thanks for that.

notshipman

Woah hold your horses sport you are talking about transferring a ?non-existent OCI into a non-existent US passport!!

Maybe get the basics sorted first rather than worrying about this minutiae!

sultanoflondon

Haha, thanks for that. The OCI does exist, but the American passport doesn't.

No matter, I have realised that I don't need to do that now, I can leave and enter on different passports.