Fresh OCI Help Centre

Applying for an OCI Card for the First Time?

Complete guide to fresh OCI applications from the UK — eligibility, documents, fees, processing time and the step-by-step process. Updated for 2026.

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Govt + VFS Fee
~£218
+ VFS service fee
Processing
~6–8 Weeks
Varies by case
Validity
Lifelong
Some re-issues apply
Eligibility
3 Routes
Origin / spouse / descent
Who Can Apply

Eligibility for a Fresh OCI Card

There are three main routes to qualify for an OCI card. Your route determines which documents you need to prove Indian origin.

1

Former Indian Citizen

You held an Indian passport and later acquired a foreign nationality (e.g., British). You'll generally need a Surrender Certificate plus your cancelled Indian passport.

2

By Indian Descent

Your parent, grandparent or great-grandparent was an Indian citizen. You'll generally need their Indian passport plus linking birth certificates.

3

Spouse of Indian/OCI

Married to an Indian citizen or OCI cardholder. You'll generally need your marriage certificate, your spouse's Indian passport or OCI, and supporting evidence.

Note: Under current rules, applications are generally not accepted for applicants of Pakistan or Bangladesh origin. Confirm your eligibility before paying the application fee.
Document Checklist

Required documents for a fresh OCI

Common documents needed for most fresh OCI applications. The exact list depends on your eligibility route.

  • Current foreign passport (and visa/status proof if applicable)
  • Proof of Indian origin (varies by route — see eligibility)
  • Birth certificate showing parents' names
  • Photograph in OCI specification (51×51mm)
  • Signature on white paper (digital format)
  • UK address proof (utility bill, bank statement)
  • Completed online OCI form (printed, signed)
  • Marriage certificate (for spouse-based applications)
Important: Document requirements can vary based on your case. Matrix Solutions provides a personalised checklist before submission so nothing is missed.
How It Works

Standard Fresh OCI application process

1

Online Form

Fill OCI form on ociservices.gov.in

2

Upload Photo

Photo (51×51mm) & signature in correct format

3

Pay Fees

Government fee online + VFS fee at centre

4

VFS Submission

Book appointment, submit documents & give biometrics (ages 12–70) in person

5

Receive OCI

Typically a few weeks, by post or courier

Update · From 18 May 2026

Biometrics now required for OCI appointments

From 18 May 2026, biometric enrolment is required for OCI applicants aged 12 to 70 at their VFS appointment. If you already hold an appointment and fall in this age group, you may need to reschedule, and you should be prepared to give your biometrics — photograph and fingerprints — in person at your visit.

This applies to the appointment-based OCI routes, including fresh OCI. If you're instead eligible for the online OCI link route, that's completed online with no VFS appointment or in-person biometrics. Always confirm current details on the official VFS page.

2026 Fee Guide

OCI Government & VFS Fees (UK)

A guide to VFS Global UK fees. The Matrix Solutions service charge is separate (£125 for fresh OCI preparation). Fees are set by VFS/HCI and can change — confirm current amounts at submission.

Fee Guide UK · VFS GLOBAL
Service Guide Fee
VFS service fee (per application) ~£7.44
OCI (Fresh) application ~£218 (£215 + £3)
Change of details / link new passport with OCI ~£23 (£20 + £3)
Lost / damaged OCI card ~£82 (£79 + £3)
Mode of payment: Cash, Credit/Debit Card, Postal Order, or Bank Draft payable to VF Services UK Ltd.
Fees are indicative and can change. Always confirm the latest amounts on the official VFS page at the time of submission.
Common Questions

Fresh OCI — Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions UK applicants ask most often. If yours isn't here, WhatsApp us and we'll help.

Who is eligible to apply for an OCI card?
You may be eligible if you are:
  • A former Indian citizen who acquired foreign nationality, or
  • A child, grandchild or great-grandchild of a person of Indian origin, or
  • The spouse of an Indian citizen or OCI cardholder (subject to eligibility rules and supporting documents).
Note: Under current rules, applications are generally not accepted for applicants of Pakistan or Bangladesh origin.
What documents are required for a first-time OCI?
Common documents include:
  • Current foreign passport (and status/visa proof if applicable)
  • Proof of Indian origin (see below)
  • Birth certificate showing parents' names
  • Photograph (51×51mm) and signature in OCI specification
  • UK address proof (utility bill or bank statement)
  • Completed online OCI form, printed and signed
Important: Requirements can vary based on your case. We confirm your exact checklist before submission.
How do I prove my Indian origin?
Examples by case:
  • Former Indian citizen: Surrender Certificate + cancelled Indian passport (and/or naturalisation certificate)
  • By descent: Parent or grandparent's Indian passport + linking birth certificates
  • Spouse: Marriage certificate + spouse's Indian passport/OCI + relationship evidence
Do I need to give biometrics for my OCI application?
From 18 May 2026, biometric enrolment is required for OCI applicants aged 12 to 70 at their VFS appointment. Plan to give your biometrics — photograph and fingerprints — in person at your visit, and if you already hold an appointment in this age group, check whether you need to reschedule. The online OCI link route does not involve a VFS appointment or in-person biometrics. Always confirm current details on the official VFS page.
How do I apply for an OCI card?
Standard process:
  • Fill the OCI form online and upload photo and signature
  • Print the form and prepare your document checklist
  • Book a VFS Global UK appointment
  • Submit your application and give biometrics in person at the centre
Matrix Solutions can guide you end-to-end: correct route, correct documents, correct uploads, and smooth submission.
Can I submit my OCI application fully online?
The form is completed online, but final submission involves printed documents, biometrics and an in-person visit to VFS Global UK. We confirm the latest submission requirement for your location and guide you accordingly.
How can I track my OCI application status?
You can track your OCI status online at ociservices.gov.in using the reference number provided after submission. We also share status updates with you throughout.
What if I don't have a Surrender Certificate for my Indian passport?
If you are a former Indian citizen and have not yet surrendered your Indian passport, you generally need to complete the surrender process and obtain a Surrender Certificate before applying for OCI. We can handle this for you as a separate service.
How long does it take to receive an OCI card?
Processing times vary by case and centre workload. A common estimate is around 6 to 8 weeks after submission, though timelines can change based on backlog at the Indian Mission. We give you a realistic, current expectation when you start.
Does the OCI card expire?
OCI is generally lifelong. A re-issue is needed only in specific cases. For example, if your OCI was issued before age 20, a one-time re-issue is generally required when you get your first new passport after turning 20. Under the current relaxed rules, there is no automatic re-issue required after age 50. A re-issue may also apply when your passport or personal details change in certain cases — we confirm what applies to you.
What if my country of citizenship doesn't allow dual citizenship?
OCI is not Indian citizenship — it is a lifelong visa/entry facility for people of Indian origin. The UK allows dual nationality, so OCI is fully compatible. If you are unsure for another country, we can review your case.
I changed nationality after getting OCI — what now?
If you acquire a new nationality after getting OCI, a re-issue (OCI Miscellaneous) is generally needed so your OCI reflects your current passport and nationality. Your Indian-origin proof is not required again. Confirm the current MEA/VFS guidance for your situation — we can help.

Ready to start your Fresh OCI application?

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