The OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) is offered to individuals of Indian origin.
You don't have to be born in India to be eligible. If your parents or grandparents were born in India then you are eligible, unless you are a Pakistani National. Go to the website of your local Indian embassy or consulate and it will have the details.
You will first fill out an online application and will have to fill out a few forms along with passport size photos and a copy of proof showing Indian heritage (passport, birth documents etc). Also you will need to send about USD $275 plus a return FEDEX/Overnight envelope (prepaid). It takes about 30-40 business days. Then you get notification of approval. You are then asked to send your foreign passport. They send you the passport via the envelope you provided previously. Your foreign passport will now have a "U" visa in it. "U" stands for unlimited/lifelong entry/reentry. Also you will receive your OCI document which is a mini-passport.
Please remember that OCI is not an Indian passport. You do not have all the rights and privileges of an Indian citizen. A lot of folks call it a dual citizenship.
In reality, it really is not. For those of you who live in the USA, I would compare it to the "Green Card." You can't vote or be part of any political process, but you are able to work etc.
Hope this helps
Last edited by Nevrekar; 28th Apr 2006 at 01:03.