The Bureau of Immigration will accept PIO cards as valid travel document till 31st December, 2022 , along with valid foreign passport. Indian Immigration Check Post(s) will continue to consider all PIO cards valid for exit/entry from/into India till 31st December, 2022.
Can OCI PIO card holders travel?
All OCI & PIO card holders (in any country) are allowed to travel to India . All existing visas, except electronic visas (e-Visa), Tourist Visa and Medical Visa, which remained suspended shall stand restored w.e.f. 21 October 2020.
Is PIO card still valid for India in 2021?
Indian Immigration will accept all Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cards (including handwritten ones), along with valid foreign passport, as a valid travel document till December 31, 2022 , instead of earlier deadline of December 31, 2021.
Is PIO card discontinued?
Since PIO and OCI Card Schemes have been merged, Government of India has decided to discontinue issuance of any new PIO card with effect from January 9, 2015 . All applicants will now have to apply for OCI card only.
Is Pio same as OCI?
| Parameters OCI PIO | Visa validity Lifelong validity once it is issued Valid for 15 years once it is issued |
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What is difference between OCI and PIO card?
OCI Card holders do not require an employment visa and can stay in India indefinitely. No restrictions to pursue a profession except in areas that require special Protected and Restricted area permits. PIO Card holders do not require employment visa.
Does PIO card need to be changed to OCI?
The government considers all PIO cardholders to be OCI cardholders, but PIO cardholders have been advised to convert their PIO cards to machine-readable OCI cards . The government has extended the deadline for converting PIO cards a number of times and has now given PIO cardholders a deadline of March 31, 2020.
How long does Pio to OCI take?
| Application Center Atlanta New York | Processing Time For New OCI at Embassy/Consultant & New Delhi For OCI Cards 5-6 Weeks 5-6 Weeks | Processing Time For PIO to OCI Conversion 2 Weeks 2 Weeks |
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How can I change my PIO card to OCI?
PIO Card holders can apply online for conversion at http://passport.gov.in/oci/ and submit print of application, passport, specified photos, documentation, fees etc at the VFS Centre (www.vfsglobal.com/India/UK ). The charges for conversion of PIO to OCI are £ 75/- plus VFS service charges.
Can I travel to India from USA right now?
Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter India? Yes. Travel to India for tourism and other short-term purposes resumed fully for individuals holding tourist or e-tourist visas .
Can Pio get Aadhaar?
Under section 3 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, only a resident is entitled to get Aadhaar . Therefore, the provisions of Section 139AA quoted above regarding linking of Aadhaar to PAN or the requirement of quoting the Aadhaar number in the return shall not apply to a non-resident, who is not eligible to get Aadhaar.”
How long can a PIO holder stay in India?
Visa is not required for the PIO card holder to visit India for a period of 15 years . If their stay does not exceed 180 days, they are exempted from registering with Foreign Regional Registration Offices (FRRO)/ Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO).
Does Pio need visa India?
Benefits of a PIO card:- (
i) 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 .
Is PIO and OCI merged?
The government of India has merged the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) programs . The PIO card was first implemented in 2002 as a benefit to foreign nationals who could establish at least a third generation tie to Indian origin.
Who is eligible for PIO card?
The criteria for eligibility for a PIO card are: Any person who at any time has held an Indian passport. He/she or either of his/her parents or grandparents or great-grandparents were born in and permanently resided in India as defined by the Government of India Act, 1935.
