Oci

[nayagam]

Hi,
I am a US citizen. A year ago, I applied for OCI and did receive it. My American passport was stamped with a life-time visa sticker and sent back to me from Indian Embassy at Washington DC. After that I made a trip to India. While returning back, I was stopped at the airport by Indian officials. Thye asked me for a OCI card. I did not have one and finally they let me go but warned that I can not travle back again to India next time without it. What is it and how do I obtain it?

[knowledgeable]

OCI Card ...

... is what Indian Embassy had sent you when they stamped your US passport with the lifetime visa.

They also send you the OCI card with the lifetime expiration (or no expiration) date.

This is the card you need to carry with your US passport when you travel to India.

If you have lost it, you need to contact CGI to get another one.

Good luck.

[nayagam]

I don't remember receiving anything else in mail other than my passport. What is CGI anyway?

[waitin_toolong]

consulate general of india,

you need to apply for a replacement card

[nayagam]

Thank you. Right after I posted the question, it clicked my mind. Anyway, I will call CGI and try to find out. Would they even answer the phone?

[knowledgeable]

As posted on CGI New York's web site

23. Will a duplicate certificate of registration as OCI be issued?

Yes. For this purpose, an application has to be made to the OCI Cell, CGI, New York with evidence for loss of certificate. In case of mutilated/damaged certificate, an application has to be made enclosing the same. The applications in both the cases have to be made to the same Indian Mission/ Post which issued the certificate along with payment of fee of US$ 25/- or equivalent in local currency.