OCI Card for Child Born in Australia: A Complete Guid

If your child is born in Australia and you wish for them to hold Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), the process is fairly straightforward. An OCI card allows the child to enjoy many benefits in India, including visa-free travel and the right to live and work in India. Here’s a detailed guide on how to apply for an OCI card for a child born in Australia.

What is an OCI Card?

The OCI card is essentially a lifelong visa that allows foreign nationals of Indian origin to have the rights of residency and work in India. Although it doesn’t grant full Indian citizenship, it does offer multiple advantages like visa-free entry into India and access to Indian financial and educational institutions.

Eligibility for OCI Card

To apply for an OCI card for a child born in Australia, at least one of the parents must meet the following criteria:

• Be a current or former Indian citizen, or

• Be eligible to become an Indian citizen, or

• Belong to a territory that became part of India after independence (e.g., Sikkim), or

• Be a child or grandchild of an Indian citizen.

Children of foreign diplomats and military personnel are not eligible for an OCI card.

Documents Required for OCI Card Application

Here are the key documents required to apply for an OCI card for a child born in Australia:

1. Child’s Birth Certificate

You will need the birth certificate of your child issued by the Australian government. This must be attested and should clearly state the name of the child, the date of birth, and the names of both parents.

2. Proof of Indian Origin

You must submit proof that at least one parent is of Indian origin. This can include:

• The parent’s Indian passport (current or expired)

• A copy of the parent’s Indian citizenship certificate or Indian birth certificate

If you’re an Australian citizen of Indian origin, your renunciation certificate for Indian citizenship will also be needed.

3. Australian Passport of the Child

A copy of the Australian passport of the child is required. This must be a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity.

4. Proof of Parent’s Citizenship

You’ll need to provide proof of the parents' current citizenship status. If you’ve acquired Australian citizenship, include:

• A copy of the Australian citizenship certificate, and

• The passport used when you last held Indian citizenship.

5. Photographs

You’ll need passport-sized photographs of the child according to the required dimensions for the OCI application. Typically, these should be recent and with a plain white background.

6. Parental Consent

Both parents must give their consent for the child’s OCI application. If one parent is not present during the application, an authorization letter may be required.

7. Application Form

The OCI application form can be filled out online through the Indian government’s OCI portal. After completing the form, print it and include it with your supporting documents.

How to Apply for an OCI Card for a Child

Step 1: Fill Out the Online Application

Go to the OCI Services website, register your child’s application, and complete the online form. Make sure you have all required details handy, such as passport numbers, birth details, and your Indian origin documents.

Step 2: Upload Required Documents

Once the form is filled out, you will need to upload scanned copies of the required documents, including the child’s birth certificate and proof of the parent’s Indian origin.

Step 3: Submit the Application

After uploading the documents, print the completed form and submit it, along with the required photographs and a self-addressed return envelope, to the nearest Indian consulate or visa center in Australia.

Step 4: Pay the Fees

A fee is required to process the OCI application. This can usually be paid online or at the time of document submission.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

OCI applications usually take between 8-10 weeks to process. You can monitor the status of your application through the online tracking system.

Benefits of an OCI Card for Your Child

Some of the key benefits of an OCI card for your child include:

• Visa-free travel to India for life

• The ability to reside and work in India.

• Access to educational opportunities in India

• Equal treatment as Indian citizens regarding property ownership, except for agricultural land

Conclusion

Applying for an OCI card for a child born in Australia is a simple process as long as you have the correct documents ready. This card provides lifelong access to India, making it a great option for families of Indian origin living abroad.