Ques : Who is an NRI?
Ans : An NRI is an Indian or a foreign citizen of Indian origin who has gone outside India for the purpose of employment, carrying on business or any other purpose which indicates an uncertain period of stay abroad.
The following people don't fall under the category of NRI's:
People out of India for business purpose.
People out of India for studies.
People went out of India for medical treatment.

Ques : I am interested in buying immovable property in India, but I am a non-resident of Indian origin. Can I do so?
Ans : Yes. NRI's can buy immovable properties in India if, he is not presently a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Srilanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan or Nepal.

Ques : Neither my father nor I have been to India. What is my residential status?
Ans : A non-resident is deemed to be a NRI if :

i) He has held an Indian passport at any time (or)
ii) He / either of his parents / either of his grandparents was / were a citizen of India. (as defined by the Constitution of India or by the Citizenship Act, 1955) (or)
iii) He / she is married to a person of Indian Origin. (this doesn't apply to citizens of Pakistan and Bangladesh).

Ques : Can an NRI open a joint NRI-bank account with his / her spouse who is not an Indian citizen?
Ans : Yes, when a NRI marries a person of a different nationality, his / her spouse also automatically becomes an NRI. The spouse does not not earn NRI status if he/she is a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh.

Ques : I am presently doing my MBA in UK and I had not visited India since two years ago. Am I an NRI?
Ans : No, you are not. Any person who is out of India for educational purposes doesn't earn the status of an NRI.

Ques : I am a person of Indian origin, and presently a citizen of Canada. Can I trade on any Indian Stock Exchange?
Ans : Yes, you can trade in stock and securities at any stock exchange in India. You can not do so if you are presently a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka.

Ques : I am an NRI married to an Indian citizen. I wish to move from Canada to India in order to live with her. What will be my residential status in India?
Ans : For all purposes you will be treated as a resident during your stay in India.

Ques : I have never been to India but my father has held an Indian passport. What is my residential status?
Ans : You are a non-resident Indian.

Ques : I am an NRI and am going to visit India as a tourist and visit Golden Temple, Amritsar and some hill stations in India. What will be my status during my stay in India?
Ans : An NRI who visits India as a tourist does not lose his NRI status during his / her stay in India.