The Indian government has introduced a major overhaul of its Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme, directly affecting thousands of British nationals of Indian origin.
Under the revised framework, the standard fee for new OCI applications has been fixed at $275 (approximately £215–£225) for applicants submitting through Indian missions in the UK. The reforms are aimed at streamlining procedures for the Indian diaspora while standardising costs globally.
In addition, the Home Ministry has scrapped the earlier requirement for applicants over the age of 12 to complete six months of continuous residence in India before applying, removing a long-standing barrier for UK-based families and professionals.
Other revised charges include $25 (around £20) for reissuance due to changes in personal details or age milestones, and $100 (about £80) for replacement of lost OCI cards. Applicants in the UK must ensure their British passports are valid for at least six months at the time of submission, while spousal applicants must have been married for a minimum of two years.
Existing OCI holders in Britain must also update passport details online within three months of renewal or face a $25 (£20) penalty.
The changes follow the formal closure of the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) scheme in late 2025, with all former holders now transitioned into OCI status, consolidating India’s diaspora framework under a single category.
