OCI and US Secret Security Clearance

[liberamentem]

Does anyone have any experience in applying for a US government secret clearance after getting an OCI? While OCI is not really citizenship (citizenship can cause issues in obtaining a clearance), and is regarded by the state department as a permanent visa to India, I'm wondering if it might affect the process.

If anyone can share examples, please also mention whether the applicant had any immediate family members who were Indian citizens, and if they had any financial interests such as property or investments in India. From my research these two are also factors that may affect clearance.

[knowledgeable]

Read a previous post @ ImmiHelp

http://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29722

[liberamentem]

True, dual nationality would show intent, especially if one acquires citizenship of another country "explicitly" (i.e. by asking for it, not de-facto citizenship by marriage, ancestry etc.) after acquiring US citizenship.

But that brings me back to my original question - since the state department considers OCI to be a special visa category, it should not be considered dual nationality, should it?

What does India consider it? If I am in India with an OCI, would India deny me the right to seek US consular protection based on my Indian nationality even though I'm not an Indian citizen?

I know these are murky waters, hence hearing from someone with first hand experience would be great.

[knowledgeable]

Actually yes.

If you look through the OCI rules from Indian government, it clearly says you're bound to obey all Indian laws and regulations.

From that context, yes Indian government can and will prevent US government from interfering if you break any laws while in the country.

Nowhere does India mention that OCI is a visa, India clearly says that OCI is what it stands for "O CITIZENSHIP I" except that you can't vote, can't purchase agricultural land etc.

Take care.

[leotheruler]

US Secret Clearance for Indian born US citizen

Does anyone have any experience in applying for a US government secret clearance after getting an OCI? While OCI is not really citizenship (citizenship can cause issues in obtaining a clearance), and is regarded by the state department as a permanent visa to India, I'm wondering if it might affect the process.

If anyone can share examples, please also mention whether the applicant had any immediate family members who were Indian citizens, and if they had any financial interests such as property or investments in India. From my research these two are also factors that may affect clearance.

I have the same question as Liberamentem. I am an Indian born US citizen with relatives in India. I hold Interim clearance but will I be rejected for Secret clearance after the Interim. Does anyone know of someone got rejected after getting Interim Secret Clearance? My current jobs requries security clearance, but now I doubt that is there a possibility for Clearance rejection and a job loss.

Also, normally how long does this clearance process takes?

[mekala_m]

Did you get your clearence? I was granted OCI.Still I didn't get my US passport stamped.I am thinking abt security clearence issues. Thinking to renounce my OCI and go for 10 yrs visa.
suggestions pls...

[cleartruthster]

This is not right, Even OCI Stamp on Passport clearly says that it is a VISA.

[Waiter]

OCI and Security Clearance

Can somebody confirm if they had issues of getting security clearance with OCI. If one has
OCI even before applying for security clearance and then as per US regulations, if the person
gives up OCI, will it be OK. Can someone share their success story please or even rejection
cases

[tampaite]

Does anyone have any experience in applying for a US government secret clearance after getting an OCI? While OCI is not really citizenship (citizenship can cause issues in obtaining a clearance), and is regarded by the state department as a permanent visa to India, I'm wondering if it might affect the process.

If anyone can share examples, please also mention whether the applicant had any immediate family members who were Indian citizens, and if they had any financial interests such as property or investments in India. From my research these two are also factors that may affect clearance.

You will have to give up OCI for getting secret clearance.