Is your baby eligible for OCI?
A child born in the US is eligible for OCI if: - At least one parent is an Indian citizen (on H1B, L1, Green Card, etc.) at the time of the child's birth, OR - Both parents are Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) — meaning they or their ancestors were Indian citizens
Important: Children born in the US are automatically US citizens by birth (jus soli). They can hold both a US passport and an OCI card — these are not in conflict. The OCI card does not grant Indian citizenship, it is a lifelong multi-purpose visa.
If one parent is an Indian citizen and the other is a Pakistani national, the child is ineligible for OCI under current rules.
Documents required for OCI application
**For the child:** - US birth certificate (original + copy) - US passport (if already obtained) or proof of citizenship - Recent passport-size photos (follow exact specifications: 2x2 inches, white background, specific dimensions)
**For the Indian parent:** - Indian passport (current valid passport) - Copy of visa/status document in US (H1B approval, Green Card, etc.) - If Indian parent was born outside India: their OCI card or PIO card
**If applying through Indian parent's OCI:** - Indian parent's OCI card and the underlying document they used to obtain OCI
**Relationship proof:** - Marriage certificate (if parents are married) — may need apostille - Both parents' passports showing same address or other proof of relationship
All documents must be submitted as clear, color scans. The OCI online portal (ociservices.gov.in) is where you submit the application.
Step-by-step application process
**Step 1: Apply online** Go to ociservices.gov.in → Select "Fresh Application" → "Minor OCI" → Choose your consulate jurisdiction (based on your US state of residence).
**Step 2: Upload documents** Upload scanned copies of all required documents. The photo requirements are strict — use a professional photo service that knows OCI specs, or use the Indian Consulate's photo spec sheet.
**Step 3: Pay fee and print application** OCI fees for minors: approximately $275 (US-based applicants). Pay online → Print the application → Attach physical documents.
**Step 4: Submit to VFS Global (or Consulate)** Most Indian Consulates in the US process OCI applications through VFS Global centers. Book an appointment at vfsglobal.com/india. Bring the printed application + original documents + photocopies.
**Step 5: Wait for processing** OCI processing time in the US: 8–16 weeks currently (2026). You can track the application status on the OCI portal using your application ID.
**Step 6: Receive OCI and get it stamped** You receive an OCI certificate. The child's US passport then needs the OCI sticker affixed — this is usually done by the consulate/VFS when they return the certificate, but confirm in advance.