Regaining Indian Citizenship After Dual Citizenship Acquisition
As of my last update, India does not allow dual citizenship. If you are an Indian citizen who has subsequently acquired Canadian citizenship through your OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card, you have effectively lost your Indian citizenship. However, under certain circumstances, you may apply to regain your Indian citizenship. This article outlines the eligibility criteria, application process, and required documents for regaining Indian citizenship.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for Indian citizenship, you must meet certain criteria. These criteria typically include:
Residence in India: You may have to demonstrate that you have resided in India for a specific period. Intention: You must intend to reside in India after naturalization.Application Process
The process of regaining Indian citizenship involves the following steps:
Submit an Application: Apply for Indian citizenship through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in India. You can do this either in person or through the Indian embassy or consulate in Canada. Prepare Required Documents: Gather the necessary documents to support your application. These may include proof of your Indian origin, such as a birth certificate or old Indian passport, a Canadian passport, your OCI card, and any other identification documents. Citizenship by Registration: If you were born in India and later lost your citizenship, you can apply for citizenship by registration under Section 5 of the Citizenship Act 1955. Citizenship by Naturalization: If you do not qualify for registration, you may still apply for citizenship by naturalization under Section 6 of the Citizenship Act 1955. This typically involves a longer residency period in India.The entire process can be lengthy, and it may take several months for the application to be processed.
Processing Time and Legal Advice
After submitting your application, it is advisable to prepare for a potentially lengthy processing time. Legal experts suggest consulting with an immigration lawyer or an expert in Indian citizenship law for personalized guidance and to ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements.
Two Options for Canadian Citizens
If you are a Canadian citizen with an OCI card, you have two main options:
Renounce Canadian Citizenship: You can renounce your Canadian citizenship and apply for Indian citizenship. To learn about the eligibility and process, visit the Indian Home Affairs website. Continue as a Canadian Citizen: You can choose to continue as a Canadian citizen and apply for OCI status. Once you have an OCI card, you can enjoy various rights and freedoms in India, except for the right to vote and certain government sector jobs.For the latest updates and changes in immigration policies, it is essential to check the official government websites and consult with legal experts.