If applying as a family group, please ensure that Part A of each application is put together followed by only one Part B. Thereafter, the supporting documents should be arranged in the same order as Part A of each applicant. Prepare two sets of the application in this order.

1. Part A:
   Visit Ministry of Home Affairs' web site and click on 'Online registration' and complete the form (Part A) online.
   
   You are recommended to use 'Microsoft Internet Explorer' as other web browsers may have a problem for saving the dates in the application.
   
   Once Part A is filled out, click 'Save'. A print window would appear. Click OK to print out the requisite application form consisting of Part A (which has been completed as online registration). The blank form of Part-B will automatically print along with Part A.
   
   A barcode and a reference number will be assigned to you by the computer upon completing the online registration. You must retain this reference number as it will be required when you submit your application at the consulate.
   
   Family of 4 (spouses and two minor children) can complete part A in one attempt. If a family consists of more than 2 minor children, the application for the third (and all subsequent) minor child must be completed as an individual by selecting the option for an individual applicant. In the case where your children are not minors, an independent application for each such child needs to be completed.
   
   When applying for a minor, parents should not sign at site indicated for specimen signature of the applicant. Here, the applicant should sign or put a thumb impression (left thumb for male and right thumb for female), if he/she can not sign. The thumb impression should be done using blue ink only; do not use black ink. Do not place both signature and thumb impression in the same box. It should contain either the signature or thumb impression of the applicant. The parent can sign at the bottom of the application.
   
   The information furnished by the applicant in Part A of the application cannot be manipulated either at the time of processing in the consulate or at the time of OCI document and 'U' visa sticker. Consulate General of India will not be responsible for errors in the document/visa sticker due to your furnishing of wrong information in Part A. If you find that you've provided incorrect information on the application, a request for the issue of fresh document/visa sticker will be entertained only on payment of $25 in each case (payable by CC/MO/PO in favor of the consulate). Other mailing charges and processing times will apply in such situations.
   
   Put Part A of the application for each applicant together, up to 4 family members.
   
   Photograph should be pasted (not stapled) in the designated box in Form A.
   Photograph instructions
   
   Copy of the already registered applications can be obtained using REPRINT FORM option in individual registration form by supplying the reference number (web registration number) as well as the date of birth.
   
   
2. Part B:
   The applicant must then complete Part B, which should be typed, preferably. Alternatively, it may be handwritten in capital letters with Blue or Black Ink only.
   
   Irrespective of the number applicants in Part A, Part B will be a single form (representing all applicants). It needs to be signed by all adult applicants and not by minor children.
   
   When submitting the application, please don't include any pages containing instructions after Part B.
   
   You must provide the specimen signature within the box. Those children who can not write or sign, thumb impression (left thumb impression of boys and right thumb impression of girls) should be given in the box. Parents can sign the application on behalf of the children, but must not sign in the box meant for specimen signatures.
   
   
3. Proof of current nationality:
   Copy of first two and last two pages of US or foreign passport.
   
   
4. Copy of birth certificate:
   If the person is a minor or the applicant who was born outside India who did not possess Indian passport, submit the copy of the birth certificate and copy of Indian passport (pages containing personal particularly only, not all pages) of parents or grand parents.
   
   
5. Proof of previous nationality:
   Evidence of self or parents or grandparents,
   1. being eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of commencement of the Constitution; or
   2. belonging to a territory that became part of India after Aug 15, 1947; or
   3. being citizen of India on or after Jan 26, 1950
   
   Copy of first three and last two pages of the most recent Indian passport that you held or any other documentary evidence - like a notarized copy of school certificates or land ownership certificates - by which eligibility may be reasonably ascertained or a duly notarized affidavit to that effect.
   
   OR
   If parents/grandparents origin is being claimed as the basis for granting an OCI, enclose any of the following documents and the evidence of the relationship with the applicant as parent/grandparent:
   • Copy of their Indian passport.
   • Copy of their domicile certificate issued by the competent authority.
   • Any other documentary evidence like a notarized copy of school certificates or land ownership certificates by which eligibility may be reasonably ascertained.
   
   In the case of minor applying with their parents under "Family Group," copies of parents' Indian passports need not be again enclosed with the documents of these children.
   
   
6. Photographs:
   In addition to pasting one photograph on each copy of Part A, three additional photographs should be submitted. A total of 5 photographs are required for EACH applicant.
   
   When applying as a family group, please ensure to put these additional photographs in an envelope and attach with the first copy of respective application(s) and not bunched together with the application of the first applicant.
   
   Photograph instructions
   
   
7. Fees:
   An application fee in the amount of $275 for US citizens ($295 for non-US citizens), or their equivalent in local currency, is required for each applicant. For PIO card holders, the application fee is $25 for US citizens ($45 for non-US citizens), or their equivalent in local currency.
   
   The application fee must be paid by cashier's check, postal order, or money order. Credit card or personal checks are not accepted. The fee should be made payable to the Embassy of India, Washington DC or Consulate General of India New York/Chicago/Houston/San Francisco. The application fee can be paid by an individual or his immediate family members.
   
   An additional amount of US $20 towards return mailing charges and a self addressed envelope should also be sent with the application.
   
   Indian Consulate in Chicago:
   Mailing fee: $20 + $1 for each additional applicant.
   
   Indian Consulate in San Francisco:
   Instead of sending $20, they ask that you send a self-addressed stamped (postage prepaid $16.25) USPS Express Mail envelope for returning documents.
   
   One cashier's check or money order can be sent for both the OCI fees and mailing charges.
   
   For applications to be filed in India, an amount of Rs. 12,650 has to be paid for each applicant by Demand Draft in favor of "Pay and Accounts Officer (Secretariat), Ministry of Home Affairs" payable at New Delhi. In the case of PIO Card holders, an amount of Rs. 1,150 has to be paid. This fee cannot be waived for anyone.
   
   Fee for all applicants should be enclosed with Part A of the first applicant only and not with the Part A forms of respective applicant(s).
   
   
8. Envelope:
   Include only one self-addressed stamped envelope (Size No. 10) with Part A of first/main applicant.
   
   
9. PIO card holders:
   PIO card holder must also submit a notarized or self-attested copy of their PIO card, along with documents submitted as proof of PIO status while obtaining PIO card. The PIO card holder is eligible to apply for OCI just like any other applicant, provided he/she is otherwise eligible.
   
   OR
   
   Any other proof of PIO status i.e. Birth Certificate and Domicile Certificate/Land ownership Certificate issued by the competent authority in India along with copy of any other document as evidence of PIO status and sworn affidavit. Acceptance of application with such documents would depend on the authenticity verification or prior clearance from the authorities concerned as considered necessary.
   
   Note: The PIO Card will have to be surrendered at the time of receipt of the OCI registration certificate.

Applications not arranged in above manner and order will be returned unprocessed to applicant(s). The consulate will not be responsible for any kind for loss of documents during transit by mail.

Specimen application forms for reference only:
OCI Form XIX
Renunciation Form XXII
Acknowledgement of renunciation Form XXII-A