Q: What are the requirements for applying a PIO card by a person who is born in India?

A:       He / She should submit the following documents :

(a)      Application form duly filled in (in duplicate) with four passport size photographs

(b)       His/ Her latest expired or not yet expired Indian passport (in original) alongwith a copy  each of first four pages of it

(c)       A copy of the applicant’s current US/Foreign passport

(d)       The prescribed fee by Cashiers check/Money Order drawn in favour of Consulate General of India, Houston.

(e)        Return mailing charges, if applying by mail.

Note : Please  also mention your contact telephone no. in the application .

Q: What are the requirements for applying a PIO card by a person who was not born in India and never had an Indian passport ?

A: He / She should submit the following documents:

(a)                         Application form duly filled in (in duplicate) with four passport size photographs

(b)                          A notarised copy each of his/her  birth certificate , his/her parent’s latest Indian passports (either expired or not yet expired ) and his/her  current US/Foreign passport

(c)                          The prescribed fee by cashiers check/money order drawn in favour of Consulate General of India, Houston.

(d)                         Return mailing charges, if applying by mail .

Note : Please also mention your telephone no. in the application form.

Q:  If the applicant is a minor , who should sign his/ her  PIO card application ?

A : The PIO card application of a minor should be signed by his/her both the parents . However, in the boxes provided for the specimen  signature of the applicant , either the minor should sign himself / herself or his/her thumb impressions should be provided ( in case the minor is too young to sign).

Q : Can a PIO card holder study or take up an employment in India?

A:  Yes, a PIO card hoder does not  require a “Student” visa for undertaking studies in India and similarly no employment visa for taking up employment in India. However, they will be required to fulfill other pre-requisite conditions and other formalities in connection with their studies/employment as prescribed by the concerned authorities from time to time.

Q : What is the approximate time required for processing a PIO card application??

A:  About three weeks excluding mailing time(both ways).

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