Application Process
OCI
- Apply online, get a registration number and then submit required documentation to the nearest embassy or Indian immigration office.
- Applications processed centrally in New Delhi
- Applicants must submit their original passport (of the adapted country) to be endorsed.
- Can download forms but a fully manual process. Complete the application and submit with relevant documentation to the nearest embassy or Indian immigration office.
- Decentralized processing
- Submission of original passport (of the adapted country) NOT required.
OCI
- Treated on par with Non Resident Indians (NRIs) in all cases except 1) Cannot vote or hold public office 2) Cannot own agriculture property.
- Valid for life
- Can apply for full fledged Indian citizenship after 5 years (should have lived in India for at least year)
- Treated on par with NRIs in all cases except 1) Cannot vote or hold public office 2) Cannot own agriculture property.
- Valid for 15 years (20 in some early cases)
- Cannot apply for Indian citizenship.
Unrelated tidbit
I went to Shastri Bhavan in Chennai to gather juice on this stuff and observed an interesting phenomenon. Most of the staff at the counter looked distinctly South Indian but were all conversing in Hindi.
Related Links
OCI details
OCI Overview
PIO Card
Indian Embassy - PIO Site