What is the Difference Between an OCI Card and a Visa to India?

PR Posted by: Pooja Reddy
• 05 June, 2025
5 Reply

The difference between an OCI card and a visa to India is that an OCI is a lifetime visa that allows a person to travel and stay in India for an indefinite period, while a regular Indian visa is for a short-term entry permit issued for various purposes, like tourism, business, and education. OCI card offers a lifetime entry and exit, while visas are typically valid for a shorter duration.

Tags : OCI vs Visa, difference between OCI card and visa, lifetime visa

You need to reply

  • Ravi Kumar 12 June, 2025

    If you wish to stay in India for a longer duration, then OCI is generally the better option because it grants permanent residency status and has fewer restrictions. However, if you travel occasionally or for a shorter duration, then a visa might be enough.

  • Priya Desai 12 June, 2025

    The choice between an OCI card (Overseas Citizen of India) and a visa depends on your needs and situation. An OCI card is a form of permanent residency in India, with which the cardholder can live and work for as long as they want. On the other hand, a visa allows you to stay in India for a specific period and may require renewal or extensions.

  • Deepa Iyer 11 June, 2025

    There are significant differences between an OCI card and a visa to India. To clear your confusion, an OCI card is essentially a lifelong visa that permits multiple entry and multi-purpose access to India. On the other hand, a visa is a temporary entry permit issued for a specific purpose and duration.

  • Anil Mehta 10 June, 2025

    Having an OCI card is always the best option because it lasts a lifetime. Long-term visas may have to be renewed when they expire, but OCI remains valid for a lifetime, so there is no stress of applying for extensions or applying for a visa each time you visit India.

  • Vikram Singh 10 June, 2025

    I was born in the US, but my father is of Indian origin, and I was planning a journey to India after a few months. Should I apply for an OCI card or the usual visa, as I was planning to stay in India for more than 6-7 months?

Join The Discussion

Share Your Thoughts and Connect with Others.

Releated Topics
  • How to Apply OCI for the Whole Family?

    To apply for OCI for the whole family, you first need to submit your Indian passport and renounce your Indian citizenship. After that, you can apply for the OCI card...

    • 5 Reply
    • 12 Views
  • How Long Does It Take to Get an OCI Card?

    Hi, is there anybody who recently applied for an OCI Card, specifically in the last 12 months, and received it? Can you please tell me how long it took you...

    • 7 Reply
    • 13 Views
  • How to apply for an OCI card in the USA?

    To apply for an OCI card from the USA, you must first complete an online application form on the official Government of India OCI portal. Once you have filled out...

    • 4 Reply
    • 15 Views
  • How to Apply for OCI Card?

    OCI cards are permitted by the Indian foreign missions abroad, including High Commissions, Embassies, and Consulates. To apply for an OCI card, you need to visit your nearest Indian High...

    • 4 Reply
    • 9 Views
  • Can I Travel While the OCI is in Process?

    Hi, my family and I will be travelling to India this month, and we are planning to stay there for more than six months. We have already booked the tickets,...

    • 6 Reply
    • 13 Views
  • Tips for New Applicants From Those Who’ve Completed Their Conversion?

    Some tips for new applicants from those who have completed their conversion are to collect all the necessary documents, write your information in the application form correctly, have a passport...

    • 1 Reply
    • 19 Views
  • Share Your Experience With the PIO to OCI Conversion Process?

    To convert a PIO to an OCI card you have to apply online application, fill out your application with the correct information, upload all the required documents, make an appointment...

    • 2 Reply
    • 30 Views
  • How to Appeal a Rejected PIO to OCI Conversion Application?

    To appeal a rejected PIO to OCI conversion application you can file a revision petition within 30 days of the order, you can also file a review petition under Section...

    • 0 Reply
    • 30 Views
  • How much time it will take for PIO to OCI card conversion in Sweden?

    The timeline for PIO to OCI card conversion in Sweden takes up to 2-3 weeks for the application process. If the documents are incorrect then it can be delayed for...

    • 1 Reply
    • 18 Views
  • What Is OCI?

    OCI is no longer a citizen of India but has Indian origin and is eligible to apply for an OCI card. He/she is also not an NRI. An OCI card...

    • 12 Reply
    • 57 Views
confused img
Can’t find an answer?

Let Visament guide you to the perfect solution for all your queries.

comunity img

Join Our Facebook Community of
NRIs/OCIs Like You

Join Community