I am planning to relocate to India from Canada in August 2023. Starting September 2023, I will be employed in India. Before the relocation, I plan to apply for my Canadian citizenship. If my Canadian citizenship gets approved, can I continue to remain employed in India while I wait for my Canadian passport and OCI? What will be my immigration status in India between the time when I take the oath and I receive my OCI.
Working In India After taking Citizenship Oath
- Thread starter pria.v03
- Start date
Firstly, You WILL need to be in Canada to take oath - the final step to become a citizen after a decision has been made on your Citizenship application. If it is a virtual oath ceremony, you'll need a Canadian address for them to mail your Citizenship certificate if you choose paper certificate. This could take a 2-3 weeks (maybe sooner). I would recommend e-certificate as you get it 3-5 business days after oath. On the other hand, if it is an in-person ceremony you'll get the certificate right at the end of the ceremony. You WILL need the ORIGINAL Citizenship certificate (if paper) or a print out of e-certificate to apply for a passport. You may apply for an urgent passport but it is will cost you a lot more... You will need to show proof of travel and emergency.
Indian Citizenship Act, 1956 provides for automatic loss of citizenship once you voluntarily take up citizenship of another country. So, you'll be unable to travel on your Indian passport. You will need to work to surrender your Indian passport at BLS Canada. Once you get the surrender certificate (check timelines) you may apply for an OCI card (takes 3 months) or Entry Visa (X) or an Employment Visa for India so you are able to work in India. You may be able to apply for an Entry or Employment visa and surrender certificate concurrently (one go) - check with BLS Canada. However, concurrent application for surrender certificate and OCI is not possible, you'll have to wait for surrender certificate to arrive by post before you apply for OCI card.
Do not to book your return ticket until you have your Canadian Passport in hand, Indian Citizenship surrender certificate, and Indian Employment Visa or Entry Visa.
As to which visa Employment or Entry visa to apply: Contact the HCI or Consulate to find out if an Entry Visa (X) gives you authorisation to work in India. OCI will give you authorisation to work with indefinite leave to remain
IMORTANT: If you enter India on a visitor (evisa/tourist class visa) you may not be able to apply for OCI card within India. Make sure you research all of this before you head back to India or you will be unable to get leave to indefinitely remain in India and must leave at the end of your visa terms. Also, on a visitor visa, you will be UNABLE to work in India
Resources:
https://hciottawa.gov.in/pages?id=4&subid=97&nextid=55
https://www.blsindia-canada.com/
https://ociservices.gov.in/
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/new-adult-passport.html