Updated information on requirement of registration for OCI in lieu of PIO cards

It is hereby informed that the date of submission of the application for registration as OCI cardholders by the erstwhile PIO cardholders  has been extended till 30 June 2016.

     The applicants may submit the applications for OCI card in lieu of PIO card to the Embassy/Consulates/FFRO concerned within the Consular jurisdiction of his/her place of residence. This is in modification of the earlier instruction that they should apply only at the location where the PIO card was issued.

     OCI card will facilitate quicker immigration clearance at the Immigration counters in India. Therefore, PIO cardholders are advised to apply for OCI card in lieu of PIO card before 30 June 2016 at https://passport.gov.in/oci/welcome. Procedure for applying OCI in lieu of PIO card is available at https://www.in.ckgs.us/pio/index.shtml.

     While the grant of OCI card in lieu of PIO card will be on gratis basis, the applicants would bear only the postage charges and service fee wherever applicable.

     For the time being, a PIO cardholder can travel to India on the basis of their valid PIO card and valid foreign passport. Separately in cases of erstwhile PIO cardholders, the new foreign passport number (when they get a new passport) will be endorsed on the existing PIO card till the person concerned is issued an OCI card in lieu of PIO card.

     Nevertheless, as provided above, all PIO card holders are advised to apply for OCI card in lieu of PIO cards before 30 June 2016.