I have recently obtained Canadian citizenship and am presently trying to decide whether I should apply for OCI (Overseas Citizen of India). I would surely have liked to obtain dual citizenship to maintain ties with India as that is where was born and though I love Canada, I also love India. However for one, the fees are pretty steep - for my wife, my daughter and myself. Secondly, the OCI may be beneficial if you visit India often or ultimately decide to settle in India. But for visits, wouldnt taking a visa be more economical?
Also, I think the Indian Government should not have required current Indian citizens who subsequently obtains citizenship of a foreign country to apply for OCI. It would have saved a lot of paperwork ; of course that would mean lost fees for Indian Govt. I am not sure how dual citizenship works for other countries that have the scheme. I know that people of Irish or British origin have two passports; Canadian as well as Ireland or UK. In our case, what we get is not even a Passport.
What are your opinions?
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JM
Apply for a PIO card
It is simple , fast and good for 15 years. There is no practical difference between OCI and PIO . You can always renew a PIO after 15 years.
Also you get it in 2 weeks and not 6 months like OCI
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We will find a way or we will make one
If I am not mistaken, there is a provision in OCI where if you stay in India for 1-3 yrs (cant confirm this) u can get a Indian passport. I am sure some of the CDs can confirm this.
I am told by one of our Pakistani friend that it allows dual passports.
DIO
Quote:
Originally posted by Smiley
Apply for a PIO card
It is simple , fast and good for 15 years. There is no practical difference between OCI and PIO . You can always renew a PIO after 15 years.
Also you get it in 2 weeks and not 6 months like OCI
But a PIO card cost $480 which is more than OCI so what is the big advantage?
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I have only 2 cents to contribute, not a cent more, not a cent less ;-)
2 weeks to get it and then no visas for 15 years . Thats pretty convenient rather than waiting for OCI for 6 months
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We will find a way or we will make one
Quote:
Originally posted by desi in ottawa
If I am not mistaken, there is a provision in OCI where if you stay in India for 1-3 yrs (cant confirm this) u can get a Indian passport. I am sure some of the CDs can confirm this.
I am told by one of our Pakistani friend that it allows dual passports.
DIO
If you'r talking of Pakistan allowing dual citizenship - that's true they do allow it, unlike our OCI which is not a true dual citizenship.
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SS
Reiki Grand Master
Location: God's own country
Posted on: 28-04-06 17:37:41
Hi,
I would prefer the PIO card since it comes in 2 weeks time. If i apply for the OCI and then while it is being processed , i have a need to go to India, then i will have to get a Visa and pay a hefty sum to get that.
The process is get the PIO card and after 10-12 years, when all people have got the OCI, Upgarde the PIO card to the OCI by paying the upgrade fees.
TK
Sidenote : When you apply for the OCI, do they retain your Canadian Passport? I hope not.
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I am a Gents and not a Ladies.
