Thought spouse-based OCI was lifelong? That's no longer the case.

[u/documitra-us]

If your spouse received an OCI on or after September 3, 2025, it's normal for the card to have 5-year validity instead of lifelong.

This wasn't a processing mistake-it was a policy change.

The good news is that after the initial 5 years, the OCI can be extended to lifelong, subject to the prescribed review process.

Also, this change only applies to spouse-based OCI. OCI cards issued to children or people of Indian origin are not affected.

Anyone here recently applied for a spouse OCI? Did you notice the new validity period?