OCI or Visa for kids

[suriviyer]

Hi,

As i understand OCI needs to be reapplied everytime your Passport is renewed(I checked with CKGS and got confirmation). Given this situation, I was thinking if it would be wise to apply for Indian Visa for my kids as kids are given passports for only 5 years and that would mean that every 5 years i have to renew OCI too.

Visa they might give for 5 years for kids unlike adults whom they give for 10 years but the hassle of paper work etc in OCI is much more than Visa.

Let me know your views. Appreciate it.

Thanks & Regards,
Suresh

[sunrag1]

Hi,

As i understand OCI needs to be reapplied everytime your Passport is renewed(I checked with CKGS and got confirmation). Given this situation, I was thinking if it would be wise to apply for Indian Visa for my kids as kids are given passports for only 5 years and that would mean that every 5 years i have to renew OCI too.

Visa they might give for 5 years for kids unlike adults whom they give for 10 years but the hassle of paper work etc in OCI is much more than Visa.

Let me know your views. Appreciate it.

Thanks & Regards,
Suresh

Due to earlier UVISA requirement, renew of OCI was mandatory for every 5 years. Not anymore. You can carry OCI and new & old passports.. Not sure why CKGS insists for renewal..

[proonindiandoc]

Hi,

As i understand OCI needs to be reapplied everytime your Passport is renewed(I checked with CKGS and got confirmation). Given this situation, I was thinking if it would be wise to apply for Indian Visa for my kids as kids are given passports for only 5 years and that would mean that every 5 years i have to renew OCI too.

Visa they might give for 5 years for kids unlike adults whom they give for 10 years but the hassle of paper work etc in OCI is much more than Visa.

Let me know your views. Appreciate it.

Thanks & Regards,
Suresh

to reissue of the OCI card is not mandatory and remain the same. however, face of the monir may changed in many different, so is recommend, as well as Visa! but the cost is very cheap, only $25 plus the service charge of the outsourcing company. OCI is recommended if the minor is planning to study or stay longer then 3 month continually. otherwise, Just apply for tourist visa for visiting only

[hoolahoous]

to reissue of the OCI card is not mandatory and remain the same.

i am not able to find this info anywhere on any govt site. they all seem to insist that it needs to renewed with passport. it will be helpful if you can link to this source of info.

thanks.

[Nick757]

Its better to apply for a Visa unless you have relocation plans. The OCI is very complicated at this time. Hopefully, they streamline the process in the near future.

[proonindiandoc]

i am not able to find this info anywhere on any govt site. they all seem to insist that it needs to renewed with passport. it will be helpful if you can link to this source of info.

thanks.

up to you. my advice have been given wisely here in the forum

[austinpop]

I am facing this situation too. My kid is 17 and she just got a new US passport for 10 years. If I apply for a new OCI booklet for her now, as the rules require, she will then need to AGAIN apply for a new OCI booklet when she renews her US passport at age 27.

Since we do not travel to India too often, she is going to wait for now. She will get an eTV (e-Tourist Visa) as needed until she turns 21, and then apply for a new OCI booklet.

Assuming I have interpreted the rules correctly, then she will be able to use that OCI booklet until age 50. Or until the rules change. 🙄

[Harman Batra]

Hi,

As i understand OCI needs to be reapplied everytime your Passport is renewed(I checked with CKGS and got confirmation). Given this situation, I was thinking if it would be wise to apply for Indian Visa for my kids as kids are given passports for only 5 years and that would mean that every 5 years i have to renew OCI too.

Visa they might give for 5 years for kids unlike adults whom they give for 10 years but the hassle of paper work etc in OCI is much more than Visa.

Let me know your views. Appreciate it.

Thanks & Regards,
Suresh

Hi suresh and others,
Very valid question and i have the same one in my mind.Ii was in a similar situation 2 years back for my elder kid who was 1 year old then. I applied for PIO and the CKGS as usual screwed up and I was left with no time as India visit was coming up. I managed to get visa for my kid and i got 10 year multiple entry visa.
I am planning to do the same for my younger kid who is 6 months old now and not going for a OCI given the paperwork complexity and re-applying on every passport renewal.

So I am seeking an opinion from others before I make final decision b/w OCI and visa for my younger kid. Is there any benefit of OCI over visa given that we travel once in 2 years and for 2-4 weeks? I am inclined to go for VISA at this point.

Please share your thoughts.

Thanks,
Harman

[hoolahoous]

i gave on OCI and applied for visa.. got it back in 1 week.