A Person of Indian Origin (PIO) means a foreign citizen (except a national of Pakistan, Afghanistan Bangladesh, China, Iran, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nepal)
Who at any time held an Indian passport
Or
who or either of their parents/ grand parents/ great grandparents was born and permanently resident in India as defined in Government of India Act, 1935 and other territories that became part of India thereafter provided neither was at any time a citizen of any of the aforesaid countries ( as referred above);
Or
Who is a spouse of a citizen of India or a PIO
NOTE: The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) scheme was introduced by the Indian government in 2005. When OCI cards were issued, the Indian government began phasing out the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card scheme, introduced in 2002. PIO cardholders were given the option to convert their PIO cards to OCI cards. This transition process started around 2015.
Benefits of a PIO Card:-
- PIO card is a smart card;
- Possession of an PIO card will facilitate quicker immigration clearance at the Immigration Check Posts;
- It will help in obtaining various Consular Services from the Indian Missions;
- PIO card holders do not require a visa to visit India for a period of 15 years from the date of issue of the PIO card.
- They are exempted from registration at FRRO/FRO if their stay does not exceed 180 days, Incase if the stay exceeds 180 days, they shall have to register with FRRO/ FRO within the next 30 days.
- They enjoy parity with NRIs in economic, financial and educational benefits like:-
- Acquisition, holding, transfer and disposal of immovable properties in India, except agricultural/ plantation properties
- Admission of children to educational institutions in India under general category quota for NRIs, including medical and engineering college, IITs, IIMs etc
- Availing Various housing schemes of LIC of India, State Government and Central Government agencies
- All future benefits that would be exempted to NRIs would also be available to the PIO card holders.
Limitations of a PIO Card:
- Employment Rights: PIOs do not have employment rights in Government of India services.
- Constitutional Office: PIOs cannot hold any constitutional office in the Government of India.
- Permission is required for these activities:
- Mountaineering: PIOs need prior permission for undertaking mountaineering activities.
- Missionary Activities: Prior permission is required for engaging in missionary activities.
- Research Work: Permission is necessary for undertaking research work.
- Visiting Restricted Areas: PIOs need prior permission to visit restricted areas in India.
What is an OCI Card?
An OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card is a form of identification and travel document that allows foreign nationals of Indian origin to stay and work in India indefinitely. The OCI card is not equivalent to Indian citizenship but provides certain benefits to foreign nationals of Indian origin.
What are the benefits of having an OCI card?
1. Identification and Travel Document:
The OCI card serves as both an identification and travel document for foreign nationals of Indian origin.
2. Permanent Residency:
Holders of OCI cards are allowed to stay in India for an indefinite period. It is not equivalent to Indian citizenship but offers certain benefits to those of Indian origin.
3. Visa-Free Travel:
OCI cardholders enjoy visa-free travel to India. And even during their stay in India, they can stay for more than 180 days in India without notifying FRRO or FRO Office.
Benefits for Indian-Origin Foreign Nationals:
OCI status is primarily designed for foreign nationals who are of Indian origin or descendants of Indian citizens. It allows them to reconnect with their roots and contribute to the Indian community.
Carry out financial Transactions
a. Buying and selling a property in India (other than agricultural land)
b. Doing investments in India
c. Opening a bank account in India
d. To claim a family property in India
How do I apply?
- If you are a PIO Card Holder, kindly register through OCI Registration (In Lieu Of Valid PIO-Card).
- If you are a PIO Card Holder and the card is in lost state, kindly register through OCI Registration (In Lieu Of Lost PIO-Card).
- Fill the application form
- After submission of online application, a copy of the application form will be printed with an Online Registration Number.
- Application form, complete in all respects, along with all relevant enclosures and requisite fee should be sent to the VFS India Consular Application Centre as per the Consular Jurisdiction in whose jurisdiction the applicant is ordinarily residing irrespective of the fact whether the same Indian Mission/Post/Office has issued the original PIO documents or not.
SUBMISSIONS
IN INDIA:
In India to the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO), Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Amritsar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Lucknow, Kochi, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Ahmedabad and Goa.
OUTSIDE INDIA:
Outside India, to the Indian Mission/Post having jurisdiction over the country of which the applicant is a citizen or if he/she is not living the country of his/her citizenship, to the Indian Mission/Post having jurisdiction over the country of which the applicant is ordinarily resident.
WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED?
ADULTS:
- Duly signed OCI Application Form in original.
- Photograph & Signature
- Copy of current valid passport with validity of minimum 6 months at the time of submission of application
- PIO card – Original and Copies of all the pages
MINORS:
- Parental Authorization Form (Notarized and Original)
- Copy of birth certificate/last held Indian passport, if applicable.
Spouse of foreign origin:
An applicant who is a spouse of a PIO should submit:-
(i) Indian passport / PIO card in original of the spouse
(ii) The original marriage certificate
(iii) Four passport size photographs of the applicant
What is the Fee?
Conversion of PIO card to OCI card: OCI in-lieu of Lost / Damaged OCI / PIO to OCI
USA: $100
Canada: CAD $ 128/-
India: Rs. 5500/-
WHERE TO COLLECT THE OCI CARD?
For collection of OCI document, the applicant is required to be present at the concerned Indian Mission / FRRO Office in person or he/she can send a duly authorized person, along with his/her passport & PIO card (if any) and the original documents for which self-attested copies were attached at the time of submitting application, for verification purpose
In the USA, in-person collection is not available. OCI will be returned exclusively by mail.
What is the last date for conversion of PIO to OCI card?
The Bureau of Immigration (BOI) will continue to accept PIO cards as valid travel document till 31.12.2024 alongwith valid foreign passport and the Indian Immigration Check Post(s) will continue to consider all PIO cards valid for exit/entry into India till December 31, 2024. Missing the deadline can cause loss of PIO card status and attract consular problems for travel and hence All the PIO cardholders with valid PIO cards as on 09.01.2015 are advised to apply for conversion of PIO card to OCI card
In conclusion, the application process doesn’t have to be a puzzle. With our interactive guide, we’ve tried to simplify steps to ensure a seamless process for you. You can follow it for a complete Do-It-Yourself experience.
But if you want to have a hassle-free experience of application, Choose Documitra! We will take care of your application needs and our expert team will guide you through it, ensuring a higher chance of success.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
1. How do I apply for OCI if I am a PIO cardholder?
If you are a PIO cardholder, you can apply for OCI through the OCI Registration (In Lieu Of Valid PIO-Card) process. The application form can be filled online, and the necessary documents should be submitted to the designated authorities.
2. What are the benefits of holding an OCI card?
The OCI card provides identification and travel benefits, permanent residency status, and visa-free travel to India. It allows foreign nationals of Indian origin to carry out financial transactions, invest, buy/sell property, and claim family property in India.
3. Can a PIO cardholder engage in employment in the Government of India?
No, PIO cardholders do not have employment rights in Government of India services.
4. Is prior permission required for all activities mentioned for PIO cardholders?
Yes, prior permission is required for specific activities such as mountaineering, missionary activities, research work, and visiting restricted areas in India.
5. What is the validity period of a PIO card?
PIO cardholders do not require a visa to visit India for a period of 15 years from the date of issue of the PIO card.
6. How can I convert a lost PIO card to an OCI card?
If your PIO card is lost, you can apply for OCI In Lieu Of Lost PIO-Card. Follow the OCI application process and submit the required documents, including a copy of the lost PIO card.
7. Can minors apply for an OCI card?
Yes, minors can apply for an OCI card. Additional documents such as a parental authorization form and a copy of the birth certificate or the last held Indian passport may be required.
8. What is the fee for converting a PIO card to an OCI card in the USA?
The conversion fee for PIO to OCI in the USA is $100.
9. Where can I collect my OCI card?
OCI cards can be collected from the concerned Indian Mission/FRRO Office in person, or a duly authorized person can collect it on your behalf.
10. Why choose Documitra for the application process?
Documitra offers a hassle-free application experience, guiding applicants through the process and increasing the chances of success. Our expert team takes care of application needs, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
11. How do I contact Documitra to start my PIO to OCI conversion application?
You can reach us at https://linktr.ee/documitra.
12. What is the visa approval rate of Documitra?
Documitra has maintained 98% approval rate from India and USA till date for all of our clients.
