Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is a multi-entry visa introduced by the Indian Government for foreigners of Indian origin. It entitles one to enter, stay, and work in India without the necessity for a visa. Former Indian citizens, their children and grandchildren, and spouses of Indian citizens or OCI card holders, subject to specified conditions, are eligible applicants. The OCI card is a permanent link back to India for individuals with Indian roots but foreign citizenship.

Historical Milestones of the OCI Card:

2005: The Indian government introduced the OCI scheme to facilitate individuals of Indian origin to be connected with India.

2006: The OCI cards were originally issued, facilitating visa-free immigration and residence in India for lifetime.

2015: PIO card was brought under the OCI scheme to simplify the process.

2021: New laws were brought into force to define the rights of OCI cardholders, such as benefits comparable to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in the fields of education and business.

An OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card lets foreign nationals with Indian origin settle, work, and visit India without a visa. It's a long-duration visa that carries multiple entry and lifelong validity and is helpful to individuals who maintain a connection to India but also possess foreign nationality. It carries numerous advantages equal to those for Indian citizens except that it provides no right to vote or have government employment like a full Indian citizen.

Advantages of an OCI Card

• Land Ownership: OCI card holders are eligible to purchase and own residential and commercial properties in India, as Indian citizens. 
• Hereditary Rights: They are entitled to inherit any property such as farm lands or agricultural land from their relatives.
• Indian Education: OCI card holders and their children can pursue their education in India and can apply to schools and colleges like Indian nationals.
• Medical Entrance Exams: They can appear for national medical entrance exams such as NEET, which are mandatory for admission to Indian medical colleges.
• Employment Opportunities: OCI cardholder children can find employment in India in any private sector job. However, They can not get a government job. 

An OCI card is given to foreign nationals who hold Indian ancestry or meet certain criteria. It allows them to have several-entry, lifetime travel to India without the necessity for a visa. Though it offers numerous privileges like those of Indian citizens, it gives no political rights such as voting or acceptance in government offices.

Who can get an OCI Card?

• Indian-origin people: Indians who had been citizens of India at any point subsequent to 26th January, 1950, or else hailed from areas that subsequently became Indian.
• Grandchildren & Children of Indian Citizens: Those with a parent or grandparent who was an Indian citizen are eligible to apply.
• Foreign Spouses: Foreign spouses of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders are eligible to apply if they have been married for a minimum of two years.
• Minors with Indian Parents: Foreign-born children of Indian parents are also eligible for an OCI card.

An OCI card is beneficial in many ways but has its restrictions as well. Although it issues a permanent visa to visit India and the person can stay, work, and study there, it doesn't give equal rights to that of an Indian citizen. An OCI card holder is not entitled to vote in the elections, secure government positions, or purchase farm land. Besides, there are some limitations on some of the professional opportunities and political rights in India.

Limitations of an OCI Card:

• No Voting Rights: OCI card holders are not allowed to vote in Indian elections or hold political positions.
• No Government Jobs: They are not entitled to work in government or public sector positions in India.
• Restrictions on Purchase of Agricultural Land: OCI holders are permitted to purchase residential and commercial property but are restricted from purchasing agricultural or farmland property.
• No Constitutional Rights: They lack the same basic rights as Indian citizens, including protection under Indian laws for some legal issues.
• Restricted Research & Journalism Access: OCI cardholders require prior permission to conduct research, employment in specific areas such as the defense sector, or journalism within India.
• Probable Cancellation: The government can cancel the OCI card of a holder for breaching Indian laws, including participation in anti-national activities.

An OCI card can be filed online via the government website. The procedure consists of filling up an application form, providing required documents, and going for an in-person meeting for verification purposes. All details should be properly checked by applicants to avoid discrepancies that may delay or result in rejection. Application is then handed over to the Indian Mission, Embassy, or the specified center in the nation of residence of the applicant.

Steps to Apply for an OCI Card:

1. Online Application:

• Go to the official OCI services website.
• Submit the online application form and upload a recent passport photo and signature.
• Remember the application reference number for tracking in the future.

2. Document Submission:

• Upload supporting documents, such as a valid passport, proof of Indian origin (birth certificate or old Indian passport), and address proof.
• Other documents can be asked for depending on the status of the applicant, i.e., marriage certificates in case of spouses of Indian citizens.

3. Fee Payment & Appointment Booking:

• Pay the fee online or at the center specified.
• Schedule an appointment at the nearest Indian Mission, Embassy, or VFS center for biometric authentication.

4. In-Person Verification:

• Come to the center specified with original documents and a printed application form.
• Biometric information (fingerprints and photos) will be collected for security reasons.

5. Processing & Card Issuance:

• The application will be processed by the Indian authorities.
• Upon approval, the OCI card will be mailed to the registered address of the applicant or may be picked up from the center.

To apply for an OCI card (Overseas Citizen of India), the applicants must produce certain documents as identification, Indian origin, and residence. The documents to be produced may vary depending on the category of applicant, i.e., erstwhile Indian citizens, Indian-origin parent's children, or wives/husbands of Indian citizens. The documents should be clear, valid, and uploaded as per instructions provided on the official OCI website. Once you have submitted the application, you will be given an acknowledgment within 15 days. After receiving the acknowledgment, you will be issued your OCI card within 45 working days, but it will take time.

OCI Card Application Documents:

1. Passport:

• Valid foreign passport (should be valid for a period not less than six months from the date of filing of the application).

2. Proof of Indian Origin (Any one of the following)

• Original or a photocopy of previous Indian passport.
• Birth certificate confirming that the parents or grandparents were Indian citizens.
• Domicile certificate from an Indian authority.
• Nativity certificate issued by a competent Indian authority.

3. Address Proof

• Recent bill for electricity, gas, telephone, or water, driver's license, or rental agreement as proof of residence.

4. Photograph & Signature

• Passport-type photograph as per the given specifications.
• Thumb impression or digital signature (for minors).

5. Documents Depending on the Type of Applicant

• For Minors: Birth certificate and parental Indian-origin documents.
• For Indian Citizens' Spouses: Marriage certificate (minimum two years proof of marriage).
• For Grandparents of Indian Origin Applicants: Relationship proof, for instance, birth certificates and marriage certificates.

6. OCI Application Form

• Signed and printed copy of the filled-in online application form.

If the OCI card is lost or stolen, the cardholder must apply for a reissue as soon as possible. Replacement involves reporting loss or theft, submitting documents if necessary, and applying online from the official OCI website. The individual might be restricted from visiting India prior to the issue of a new card. It is advisable to retain a photocopy of the lost card or the documents associated with it for reference. The processing time for a replacement OCI card varies, but an applicant must apply without any delay to avoid travel hassles.

Steps to Apply for a Lost or Stolen OCI Card:

1. File a Police Report

• Report the loss or theft to the local police and obtain a copy of the report.

2. Apply Online

• Go to the OCI services official website and choose the "Lost OCI Card" application option in the Miscellaneous service section.

3. Submit Required Documents

• Copy of lost/stolen OCI card, if any.
• Valid foreign passport.
• Copy of police report.
• Evidence of address and fresh passport photo.

4. Pay the Fee

• Pay the replacement OCI card processing fee.

5. Follow and Get the New OCI Card

• On application, follow up the application status online.
• On processing, collect the new OCI card from the intimated office.

Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is an eternally valid visa and proof of identification of foreign people with Indian descent. In some circumstances, the OCI card has to be reissued to keep its records according to Indian government recommendations.

When Do You Need to Reissue an OCI Card?

• When a fresh passport is issued upon reaching the age of 20 years (provided OCI card has been issued prior to attaining the age of 20 years).
• When a fresh passport is issued to children below 20 years, though reissue in this scenario is not obligatory, passport information must be modified online.
• Change in personal details, such as name, nationality, or passport.
• Loss or damage of the current OCI card.
• Change in appearance, in case the present card does not resemble the current appearance.

OCI cardholders are permitted to purchase and own property in India, subject to some restrictions. They can acquire residential and commercial property but not agricultural land, plantation property, or farmhouses. Nevertheless, they are allowed to inherit such property from relatives according to Indian inheritance law.

Important Rules for OCI Cardholders for Property in India:

1. Purchase of Property

• OCI cardholders are allowed to buy residential and commercial property without any limits.
• They cannot buy farmhouses, agricultural land, or plantation property.

2. Inherited Property

• They can inherit agricultural land of any type from their relatives or parents.

3. Renting Out Property

• OCI holders are allowed to rent out property and receive rental income in India.

Renunciation of OCI card is made in case an OCI cardholder intends to renounce his OCI status. It is usually performed in case the individual acquires Indian citizenship or ceases to hold the intention to hold OCI status. The process involves making an online application, attaching the mandatory documents, and going through the renunciation certificate process. When the OCI card is renounced, the individual will cease to be qualified for receiving OCI privileges, i.e., visa-free entry to India. After renouncing, the person will require a visa for subsequent travel to India. The processing time is different, and it is advisable to refer to the latest guidelines prior to applying.

Steps to Renounce an OCI Card:

1. Apply Online

• Go to the official OCI services portal and choose the option to renounce.

2. Submit Required Documents

• Original OCI card.
• Foreign passport which is valid.
• Renunciation declaration form.
• Indian citizenship proof (if necessary).

3. Pay the Fee

• Pay the processing fee as stipulated by the guidelines.

4. Return the OCI Card

• Take the OCI card with the application to the required office.

5. Application Processing

• Your declaration will be registered and sent to the central government.

6. Receive Renunciation Certificate

Upon processing, a renunciation certificate will be issued, attesting to the cancellation of OCI status.