An applicant should follow the steps given below

1.   Please go through the instructions for filling the form at http://www.mha.nic.in/oci/Instructions.pdf and acceptable standards of photo at http://mha.gov.in/oci/ICAO-Photo.pdf.

2.   Click https://passport.gov.in/oci/OnlineOCIRegistrationG.jsp for filling in Part A of the form.

3.   After Part A is filled out, click save. A print window would appear. Click OK to print out the requisite application form consisting of Part A (which has been completed as online registration). The blank form of Part-B will automatically print itself along with Part A.

4.  The applicant must then fill-in Part B, which should be preferably typed. Alternatively, it may be handwritten in capital letters with Blue or Black Ink only.  Form Part-B  should be signed at appropriate places.

5.  The completed application form (Part A & Part B) must be submitted in duplicate to the Embassy.  Besides affixing photographs on the application forms, the applicant must submit three (3) color photographs (size 3.5 cm X 3.5 cm), taken against a light background (Not white).  Standards of acceptable photographs have been described at http://mha.gov.in/oci/ICAO-Photo.pdf

6.  Fees @ USD 275.00 for each applicant (USD 25.00 for PIO Card holders) should be paid while submitting the forms.  In case of outstation applicants the fees can be paid by Bank Draft in favour of Embassy of India, Panama and payable at HSBC Bank, Panama. (Please add USD 10.00 for each bank draft as Bank clearing charges).  Citizens of countries other than Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua should add USD 15.00 in addition to the above rates.

Do’s & Don’ts:

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING BEFORE FILLING / SENDING THE APPLICATION

Do’s:

In Part-A of the form the column for Surname and Given Name should be exactly as in the  applicant’s foreign passport.  Any difference in Surname and Given Name could result in a wrong OCI Card being printed.

Place signature in the centre of the designated box without touching the sides.  If the applicant (including minor child) cannot sign Left thumb impression may be placed in the box.

Identical photographs should be submitted.  Assorted photos will not be accepted.

Photo should be pasted in the designated box in Form A.

Thumb impression should be in blue ink only.

Two independent sets of application, each containing: (i) application form (Parts - A & B), (ii) photocopy of foreign passport, (iii) photocopy of Indian passport (expired or valid) or proof of having surrendered the Indian Passport in any Indian Embassy, (iv) photocopy of PIO card, if held (v) photocopy of birth certificate (in case of minor born abroad), (vi) photo copy of passport of parents/grand parents, if their origin is being claimed for grant of OCI should be submitted.  All pages are to be self-attested by the applicant.

Don’ts :

Do not send the application without completing the online registration process and obtaining the reference number (PANP………..) which will appear on the printed application form.

Do not sign on behalf of the applicant (including a minor child), in the signature box (near the photograph), in Part A.

Do not place both signature and thumb impression in the box. It should contain either the signature or thumb impression of the applicant.

Do not send photographs (i) with side views and (ii) digital photographs printed at home will not be accepted.

Photograph should not be stapled in form A.

Do not send assorted photographs