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An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is an identity document (available since 2005) for Indian citizens living overseas. If you qualify for an OCI card, you then need to apply to get one. You can apply either online via the website, or you can apply the old-fashioned way via a paper application. Either way, you need to submit a biometric photograph with your application.
The requirements regarding the photographs needed for your OCI card are based upon the specifications of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Standards Organization. Please keep reading this article to learn more about the requirements for your OCI card photograph.
In order to apply for an OCI card, you need to attach two (2) printed photos to the paper application, or simply upload a digital photo if applying online.
The required size of the printed photos for your OCI card is 2 inches x 2 inches, or 5.1 cm x 5.1 cm. Or you can provide a digital picture, with a maximum size of 200KB.
Either way, your head should take up about 80% of the surface of the photo, which is approximately 1 inch to 1-/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm).
Your digital photo should be in JPEG/JPG format, with a minimal dimension of 200 pixels x 200 pixels and a maximum dimension of 900 pixels x 900 pixels.
The picture for your OCI should be recent, taken within the past 6 months. It should also be different from the one taken when applying for your passport. The picture must reflect your appearance, so if you underwent major plastic surgery or a sex change, had an accident, or lost/gained a significant amount of weight, it would be best to take a new photo. Please read on to find out about more all-important do’s and don’ts when having a picture taken for your OCI application.
The picture for your OCI needs to be:
The OCI photo cannot be:
The light has to be balanced, and both sides of the face must be evenly lighted to avoid shadows. Natural light is best when having photos taken, so do it in the daytime. Check the brightness and contrast. Make sure there are no shadows or reflections on your face.
The background for an OCI picture should be plain and in light colors, with no other people or objects visible.
The most important requirement is that the photo for your OCI card has to be taken en face with the applicant looking directly at the camera. Your head should be in the center of the photo and has to be shown in full, from the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin and both ears. Make sure your hair doesn't cover any part of your eyes, that your eyes are open, your mouth is closed (not showing teeth) and that you are maintaining a neutral facial expression (no smiling or frowning).
You can wear your glasses in the OCI card picture, provided they are not sunglasses or tinted glasses. Make sure the frame does not cover any part of your eye. Be careful to also avoid flash reflection in the lenses, which can be avoided by a slight tilt of the head.
Head coverings are allowed for religious reasons only, and cannot cover any part of your face.
Your OCI card photo cannot be a selfie, please, get someone to help you by taking the photo for you. Other common mistakes include:
Remember not to submit a photo older than 6 (six) months, and keep in mind the proper size, which is 2 inches x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). Do not cover your face. Please close your mouth, open your eyes, and maintain a neutral facial expression.
If you fulfill those simple requirements you can make sure your application gets accepted on the first try.
Try doing it at home and get your OCI card photo in the span of a few minutes with PhotoAiD. Remember to:
If you don't get the perfect picture on the first try- no worries, as you can take as many snaps as needed. All you have to do then is upload your photo to the PhotoAiD website and let us take care of the rest.
Once you upload your picture, our powerful AI tool will take 3 seconds to delete the original background and replace it with the correct one, trim your photo to the required size and shape, and make sure all other conditions are met so that your photo will be accepted. We are fast, and we are affordable, and we are 200% guaranteed to be accepted by the authorities.
Last update: 19/01/23
The OCI card photo should be taken against a plain, light-colored background.
The required size of a photo for your OCI card is 2 inches x 2 inches, or 5.1 cm x 5.1 cm. You can also provide a digital picture, with a size of max 200 KB.
To apply for an OCI card, you need 2 paper or digital photos.
If you received your OCI as a child, you will update it with a new picture only once, when you turn 20.
The OCI photo size is 2 inch x 2 inch (51 mm x 51 mm).
Overseas Citizenship of India does not grant Indian citizenship and by consequence the right to vote in elections in India. Instead, it is a proof of the right of permanent residence in India for people of Indian origin. Having an OCI allows the holder and their spouse to work and live in India for an unlimited period of time.
Your OCi card can be made invalid if you obtained it by fraud, were convicted of unpatriotic acts or broke any Indian laws.
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