1. Applications submitted through VFS Global

The Consulate General of India, Atlanta, does not accept applications for new OCI registration or OCI Miscellaneous Services, including OCI Personal Particulars Updation, directly.

Such applications must be submitted through M/s VFS Global, the authorised outsourcing service provider.

Detailed information regarding the application procedure, eligibility categories, document checklists, submission options and applicable fees is available on the VFS Global website: https://services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-oci-services

Applicants are advised to carefully review the applicable document checklist before completing and submitting their applications.

2. Completion and submission of the online application

The OCI application form must first be completed on the Government of India’s OCI Services Portal: https://ociservices.gov.in/onlineOCI/

After completing the online application, applicants must print and sign the application form and submit it, together with all prescribed supporting documents and applicable fees, to VFS Global.

VFS Global undertakes the pre-scrutiny of the application and supporting documents. Applications found complete during pre-scrutiny are forwarded by VFS Global to the Consulate for review and processing.

An OCI application is considered submitted to the Consulate only after it has been received from VFS Global and acknowledged by the Consulate. Submission of an application to VFS Global does not, by itself, constitute acknowledgement by the Consulate.

3. Applications under the Foreign Spouse Category

Applicants applying for OCI registration on the basis of marriage to an Indian citizen or OCI cardholder are required to attend a personal interview along with their spouse.

The applicant will be informed separately regarding the date, time and manner of the interview after the application has been received through VFS Global and examined by the Consulate.

4. Important instructions

Applicants should ensure the following before submitting an OCI application:

• All particulars entered in the online application, including name, surname, passport number, date of birth and place of birth, must match the particulars recorded in the applicant’s current foreign passport. 
• Former Indian nationals must correctly provide the particulars of their previously held Indian passport and Indian nationality. 
• If the applicant’s present name differs from the name recorded in the previously held Indian passport or other supporting documents, the previous name must be disclosed in the application. Appropriate documentary evidence of the name change must also be submitted in accordance with the applicable checklist. 
• The applicant’s photograph, signature and all prescribed supporting documents must be uploaded to the Government of India’s OCI Services Portal before the application is submitted through VFS Global. 
• Copies of all documents uploaded to the OCI Services Portal must also be submitted to VFS Global, together with any additional documents prescribed in the applicable checklist. 
• Applicants must ensure that the application is complete in all respects. Incomplete applications or applications not conforming to the prescribed checklist may be returned by VFS Global or may result in delay in processing. 
• Applicants should regularly monitor the status of their applications and check the email address registered in the application, including the spam or junk folder. Any request for additional information or documents should be complied with promptly.

Important Note: Processing of OCI applications cannot be expedited. Applicants with urgent or imminent travel to India before the grant of OCI may consider applying for an appropriate visa or e-Visa, subject to eligibility and approval by the competent authority. Grant of a visa or e-Visa is not automatic and is governed by the applicable guidelines.