Persons of Indian Origin (PIO Card)

A person or any of his/her ancestors were Indian National and who presently holds another country's Citizenship/ Nationality i.e. he/she is holding foreign passport.

Click on the link below for more General Information on PIO & PIO Card holders and a comparison between OCI and PIO.
You must complete One PIO Form, One Checklist and an additional Form U for each person applying.

Please ensure you have read this information before proceeding to the next step.

1. OCI/PIO a comparison Click on link to download.
2. Persons of Indian Origin card

Documentation

Click the link below for documentation applicable for your PIO application.

Prior to this step you should have read and understood information provided under General Information.

If you have not already done so please complete the same, prior to reviewing this step.

Download the checklist to prepare your application

Completing Your PIO Application

1. Download the PIO Application Form O
   
2. Each applicant is required to complete One form and a Form U or related forms as required below.
   
3. Sign the form where specified.
   
4. Attach the checklist with all supporting documents and sign the checklist.
   
5. Go to the next step- Photo Specifications
   

Persons of Indian Origin (PIO): Forms

Please ensure you have gone through the checklists prior to downloading your application forms. The checklist for the application category that you apply will provide details on which specific forms you may need to download. In some instances there may be more than one form.
You must complete a separate checklist and application form/s for each person applying. Please ensure the documents are completed accurately and signed where needed.

Form O
Application for Grant/Renewal of a PIO Card

Form P
Declaration to be given by a Parent to apply for a PIO card for a child below 18 yrs of age

Form Q
Application for Interim Withdrawal of Passport

Form R
Complete Application Withdrawal Letter.

Form S
Undertaking: to be attached in case of foreign national applying for a PIO card as a spouse of Indian National or PIO holder or OCI card holder.
This Form must be filled up by a Person of Indian Origin on whose basis the PIO card has been applied .
E.g.: Mr. ( Indian National or Person or Indian origin) & Mrs. X (Foreign National), Mrs. X would be applying for a PIO Card & Form S must be filled in and signed by Mr. X.
Form U
Each applicant must complete one Form U along with each application form.

Please provide recent photographs (not more than 6 months old)

The photographs should be in color and strictly as per the specifications below.

• Taken against a light colored (NOT WHITE) background so that features are distinguishable and in contrast against the background. Printed on photographic paper.
  
• Frame Subject with Full Face, Front view, Eyes open.
  
• Should show full face (without sunglasses and normally without a hat or cap). Head coverings are not permitted except for Religious reasons, but the facial features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of the face must be clearly shown.
  
• The face should be in the middle of the frame.
  
• Ensure no distracting shadows on the face or background.
  Un-mounted - 2 inch x 2 inch in size. - VISA applications only. (One copy for each application in most visa cases. Exceptions apply-please see details for same under your selected visa type)
  Un-mounted - 2 inch x 2 inch in size - OCI applications only. (Two Copies for each application)
  Un-mounted - 2 inch x 2 inch in size - PIO applications only. (Three Copies for each application)
  Un-mounted - 2 inch x 2 inch in size. - Passport applications. (Three Copies for each application)

Please ensure you have gone through the Feelist carefully prior to selecting your mode of payment.

Note that you must add up fees as indicated as per your choice of selection as well as applicable service fees and return delivery fees.

Download Fee List here

1. Who is eligible to apply for OCI?
   A foreign national, who was eligible to become a citizen of India on 26.01.1950 or was a citizen of India on or at anytime after 26.01.1950 or belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15.08.1947 and his/her children and grand children, provided his/her country of citizenship allows dual citizenship in some form or other under the local laws, is eligible for registration as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). Minor children of such person are also eligible for OCI. However, if the applicant had ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, he/she will not be eligible for OCI.
   
   
2. Who is an NRI?
   "Non Resident Indian" (NRI) means a person resident outside India who is a citizen of India or is a person of Indian origin.
   
   
3. Who is PIO or Person of Indian origin?
   "Person of Indian Origin " means a citizen of any country (not being a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh ) if:
   
   
   1. he/she at any time held an Indian passport; or
      
   2. he/she or either of his/her parents or grand parents or great grand parents was born in and permanently resident in India as defined in the 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 specified countries; or
      
   3. he/she is a spouse of a citizen of India or a person of Indian origin covered under (1.) and (2.) above.
      
      
4. Who was eligible to become Citizen of India on 26.01.1950?
   Any person who or either of whose parents or any of whose grand-parents Was born in India as defined in the Government of India Act, 1935 (as originally Enacted), and who was ordinarily residing in any country outside India was Eligible to become citizen of India on 26.01.1950.
   
   
5. Which territories became part of India after 15.08.1947 and from what Date?
   The territories which became part of India after 15.08.1947 are:
   
   
   1. Sikkim from 26.04.1975
      
   2. Pondicherry from 16.08.1962
      
   3. Dadra & Nagar Haveli from 11.08.1961
      
   4. Goa, Daman and Diu from 20.12.1961
      
      
6. Can the spouse of the eligible person apply for OCI?
   Yes, if he/she is eligible in his/her own capacity.
   
   
7. Can children of parents, wherein one of the parents is eligible for OCI, Can apply for OCI?
   Yes.
   
   
8. What documents would qualify for "Any other proof" for evidence of self or parents or grand parents being eligible for grant of OCI?
   Any documentary evidence by which the officer equivalent to under Secretary to the Government of India in the Indian Mission/Post can diligently Arrive at the decision.
   
   
9. Whether applicant(s) have to go in person to submit the application(s)?
   Application can be submitted in person/Travel agent/Representative or by Post.
   
   
10. Whether the applicant (s) have to take oath before the Counsel of the Indian Mission/Post?
    No. Earlier provision in this regard has been done away with.
    
    
11. Can a person apply in the country where he is ordinarily residing?
    Yes.
    
    
12. What are the consequences of furnishing wrong information or Suppressing material information?
    All the applications will be subject to pre or post enquiry depending on Whether any adverse information is available or not. If the Government comes to the knowledge that any false information was furnished or material information Was suppressed, the registration as OCI already granted shall be cancelled by an Order under section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955. The persons will also be Blacklisted banning his/her entry into India.
    
    
13. What is the time taken for registration as OCI?
    Within 30 days of the application, if there is no adverse information Available against the applicant. If any adverse information is available against the Applicant, the decision to grant or otherwise is taken within 120 days.
    
    
14. Can a PIO cardholder apply?
    Provided he/she is otherwise eligible for grant of OCI like any other Applicant.
    
    
15. Will the PIO card be honored till the time they are valid even after Acquisition of OCI?
    No. PIO card will have to be surrendered to Indian Mission/Post/MHA for grant of OCI registration certificate and OCI 'U' visa sticker.
    
    
16. What will be issued after registration as OCI?
    A registration certificate in the form of a booklet will be issued and a multiple entry, multi-purpose OCI 'U' visa sticker will be pasted on the foreign passport of the applicant. For this purpose, the applicant has to send the original passport to the India Passport & Visa Services Centre after receipt of the acceptance letter/ verifying the status of the application online.
    
    
17. Will a separate OCI passport be issued?
    No.
    
    
18. Will a duplicate certificate of registration as OCI will be issued?
    Yes. For this purpose, an application has to be made to the Indian High Commission or Consulate General concerned with evidence for loss of certificate. In case of mutilated/damaged Certificate an application has to be made enclosing the same. The applications in both the cases have to be made to directly to the HCI/ CGI concerned.
    
    
19. Will a new OCI visa sticker be issued on the new foreign passport after the expiry of the old passport?
    Yes. On payment of requisite fee, a new OCI 'U' visa sticker will be issued. However, the applicant can continue to carry the old passport wherein OCI 'U' visa sticker was pasted along with new passport for visiting India without seeking a new visa, as the visa is for lifelong.
    
    
20. Will the applicant lose his citizenship after registering as OCI?
    No. As only citizen of the country which allows dual citizenship under the local laws in some form or the other are eligible for applying for registration as OCI, losing foreign citizenship does not arise.
    
    
21. Can a person holding OCI travel to protected area/restricted area Without permission?
    No. He/she will be required to seek PAP/RAP for such visits.
    
    
22. Would the Indian civil/criminal laws be applicable to persons Registered as OCI?
    Yes, for the period OCI is living in India.
    
    
23. Can a person registered as OCI be granted Indian citizenship?
    As per the provisions of section 5(1) (g) of the Citizenship Act, 1955, a Person who is registered as OCI for 5 years and is residing in India for 1 year out of the above 5 years, is eligible to apply for Indian Citizenship.
    
    
24. Will OCI be granted gratis to certain categories of people?
    No.
    
    
25. Can OCI be granted to foreign nationals who are not eligible for OCI, but married to persons who are eligible for OCI?
    No.
    
    
26. Will foreign-born children of PIOs be eligible to become OCI?
    Yes, provided one of the parents is eligible to become OCI.
    
    
27. What are the benefits of OCI?
    Following benefits will be allowed to OCI: (a) Multi-purpose, multiple entry, lifelong visa for visiting India. (b) Exemption from registration with local police authority for any length of stay in India. (c) Parity with NRIs in respect of economic, financial and education fields except in matters relating to the acquisition of agricultural/plantation properties.
    
    
28. Will any other benefit be granted to OCI?
    Any other benefits to OCI will be notified by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) under Section 7B(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
    
    
29. Whether the OCI is entitled to voting rights?
    No.
    
    
30. Whether the OCI is entitled to hold constitutional post in India?
    No.
    
    
31. Whether the OCI is entitled to hold Government posts in India?
    No, except for the posts specified by an order by the Central Government.
    
    
32. If a person is already holding more than one nationality, can he/she apply for OCI?
    Yes, as long as the local laws of at least one of the countries allow dual Citizenship in some form or other.
    
    
33. What are the advantages of OCI when compared to PIO cardholders?
    1. OCI is entitled to life long visa free travel to India whereas for PIO Cardholder, it is for 15 years.
    2. PIO cardholder is required to register with local Police authority for Stay exceeding 180 days in India on any single visit whereas OCI is exempted from registration with Police authority for any length of Stay in India.
    
    
34. Whether an OCI be entitled to apply for and obtain a normal Indian passport which is given to a citizen of India?
    Yes. As per the provisions of section 5(1) (g) of the Citizenship Act, 1955, a person who is registered as OCI for 5 years and is residing in India for 1 year out of the above 5 years, is eligible to apply for Indian Citizenship.
    
    
35. Whether nationals of Commonwealth countries are eligible for OCI?
    Yes, if they fulfill the eligibility criteria.
    
    
36. Should PIO holders give a copy of PIO card and also proof of Indian origin?
    Copy of PIO card is to be submitted for availing less fee for OCI. However, proof of Indian origin should also be submitted to get OCI.
    
    
37. Can a person renounce OCI?
    Yes. He/she has to declare intention of renunciation in Form XXII to the Indian Mission/Post where OCI registration was granted. After receipt of the declaration, the Indian Mission/Post shall issue an acknowledgement in Form XXII A.
    
    
38. Do the applicants who have applied on the earlier prescribed application form have to apply again in the new form?
    No. All such applications will be considered for registration as OCI without seeking fresh application and fee.
    
    
39. Who can avail the OCI Miscellaneous services?
    Only a registered Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) can avail the OCI Miscellaneous Services.
    
    
40. Under what circumstances can the services be availed?
    OCI Miscellaneous services can be availed for re-issuance/issuance of duplicate OCI Registration Certificate and Visa in the following category of cases:
    (i) In case of issuance of new passport.
    (ii) In case of change of personal particulars viz. nationality etc.,
    (iii) In case of loss/damage of OCI registration certificate/visa.
    (iv) In case of filling of wrong personal particulars while submitting online applications viz. name, father's name, date of birth etc.,
    (v) In case of manually filled in applications (discontinued now) mistakes have been committed by the Indian Mission/Post/Office while entering the personal particulars.
    (vi) In case of change of address/occupation
    
    
41. How to avail the services?
    The services can be availed by applying Online (please visit weblink http://www.mha.nic.in/oci/oci-main.htm for registration) and submitting two hard copy of the application along with the requisite fee and two photographs, VFS service fees and enclosures as mentioned in the application to the India Passport and Visa Services Centre according to your jurisdiction. However, in case of change of address/occupation, hard copy of the application need not be submitted.
    
    
42. Whether hard copy of the application is required to be submitted for the change of address/occupation?
    No.
    
    
43. Whether a family can apply in the same form?
    No. Each person has to individually apply online for availing the services.
    
    
44. How many copies of the application have to be submitted?
    Two copies should be submitted.
    
    
45. Where the applicant has to go in person to submit the application for OCI Misc. services?
    The application for OCI Miscellaneous services need to be submitted the High Commission/Consulate General of India according to your jurisdiction. Application can also be sent by post. Payment must be in Bank Cheque/ MO/ DD made in favor of the Mission concerned, depending on wherever you are submitting your application. No personal cheques will be accepted.
    
    ACT, Perth, Brisbane : High Commission of India, Canberra
    
    Sydney and South Australia : Consulate General of India, Sydney
    
    Victoria and Tasmania : Consulate General of India, Melbourne.
    
    
46. How to verify the status of the application?
    The status of the application can be verified from the Online Status Enquiry with the file number given after lodgment of your application in the High Commission/Consulate.
    
    
47. What will be issued after availing the services?
    A new OCI Registration Certificate and Visa would be issued after surrender of the old OCI documents.
    
    
48. Whether both OCI Registration Certificate and Visa would be issued afresh?
    Yes. Both OCI Registration Certificate and Visa shall be issued in respect of any/ all service(s).
    
    
49. Whether the applicant has to go in person to the India Passport and Visa Services Centre for obtaining the new OCI documents?
    Applicants must arrange to collect the new OCI document from the High Commission/Consulate directly after checking the online status.
    
    
50. Whether OCI documents have to be re-issued each time a new passport is taken?
    OCI registration certificate and visa have got to be re-issued each time a new passport is issued up to the completion of
    20 years of age and once after completion of 50 years of age.
    Re-issuance of OCI registration certificate and visa is not mandatory, each time a new passport is issued between 21-50 years of age. However, if the applicant wishes to obtain new set of OCI documents, he/she can apply for the same.
    
    
51. What should be done for issuance of duplicate OCI documents in case of loss of OCI registration certificate and/or U-visa?
    In case of loss of OCI documents, file a complaint with the Police authorities and enclose a copy of the complaint with the hard copy of the application.
    
    
52. In case of loss/damage of OCI documents, what is the procedure for grant of duplicate OCI documents?
    The duplicate OCI documents shall be granted only after personal interview. The date and time of personal interview shall be intimated by the concerned Indian Mission.
    
    
53. What is the time period for grant of the requisite service(s)?
    The grant or otherwise of the service(s) sought shall be ordinarily decided in one month from the receipt.