OCI eligibility opens wider

India’s Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) program now covers some fifth- and sixth-generation descendants of Indian-origin Tamils in Sri Lanka, expanding access beyond the earlier fourth-generation limit. The Ministry of Home Affairs also scrapped the six-month continuous stay rule for applicants filing in India, so eligible visa holders can apply right after arrival.

The latest changes are part of the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026, which push OCI processing further online and tie the system more closely to biometric immigration checks. Fee changes and passport-update penalties took effect April 1. The residency rule change was clarified April 8.

Who stands to gain

The bigger eligibility window matters most for diaspora families with deeper Indian ancestry, especially Sri Lankan Tamils who were previously outside the cutoff. Existing OCI holders also benefit from a system that's moving toward faster digital verification and e-gate use.

There’s a catch. OCI cardholders now face a $25 penalty if they don't update new passport details on the portal within three months and that requirement is linked to smoother border clearance. The ministry says the update is needed for biometric compatibility at immigration.

What applicants need to do

Eligible applicants can now file in India without waiting six months, but they still need proof of Indian origin and a valid long-term visa. OCI work has shifted to the e-OCI portal, including registration and renunciation steps and the ministry says standard processing can take less than 15 days.

Current costs are $275 for OCI applications worldwide and $25 for renunciation or late passport updates. Holders should log in promptly when they get a new passport, since missed updates can slow immigration checks and trigger the fine. Read our full India guide for the complete picture and see the latest visa updates.