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Your important documents at your fingertips PIO to OCI Conversion Application in USA
Are you aware that the Indian government has discontinued the PIO scheme? Everyone holding a PIO card must convert it into an OCI card. The conversion is important, as the OCI card offers more benefits and usefulness. However, the process of converting a PIO to an OCI can be considered complex, as it requires specific documents, completing the online application process, and ensuring that you fulfill all the eligibility criteria. If you wish to get your PIO converted to an OCI but don’t know how, then you are in the right place.
Visament has a team of experts with in-depth knowledge of the entire PIO to OCI conversion process. You can get high-quality service, expert guidance, timely updates, and many more perks, all under one hub and at an affordable budget. Our team can make the whole process of converting a PIO to an OCI easy and fast. Get in touch with us today for your PIO to OCI conversion and avail yourself of all the benefits of having an OCI card.
PIO to OCI conversion is the process of changing and updating the status of a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card to an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder. The Indian government abolished and merged the PIO card scheme into the OCI scheme on 9th January 2015. It is required that every PIO cardholder convert to an OCI cardholder if they wish to avail themselves of similar benefits.
PIO cardholders must apply for an OCI card via the appropriate Indian embassy or consulate. The process may seem confusing, but don’t worry—our team at Visament can help you complete the whole process without any trouble. We will ensure that you get to enjoy the benefits of having an OCI card in the USA or anywhere around the globe.
Converting a PIO card (Person of Indian Origin) to an OCI card (Overseas Citizenship of India) can provide you with several benefits. Especially if you are a U.S. citizen of Indian descent. Here are the perks of PIO to OCI conversion:
➜ An OCI card offers a lifelong visa to the cardholder, meaning it is valid for a lifetime, whereas a PIO card had to be renewed every 15 years.
➜ You can travel to India for any duration and purpose without needing to apply for a visa each time if you have an OCI card.
➜ OCI cardholders can purchase and own property in India, making it easier for them to invest in real estate or stay in India. In contrast, PIO cardholders had some restrictions on this.
➜ A person with an OCI card can receive consular assistance, including visa facilitation, legal support, and emergency help while traveling internationally.
➜ If an OCI cardholder stays in India for more than 180 days, they are not required to register with the local Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
Although all PIO cardholders are considered OCI cardholders, if you want to formally apply for PIO to OCI conversion, you must meet the eligibility criteria below:
➜ Be a spouse of an Indian citizen or an OCI cardholder.
➜ Be a foreign citizen holding a valid passport from a country other than India.
➜ Be a current PIO cardholder, as the PIO to OCI conversion is specifically for people who already possess a valid PIO card.
➜ Be the child of an Indian citizen or have Indian ancestry. This includes individuals born in India or those whose parents or grandparents were born in India.
Note: Anyone whose parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were ever citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh is not eligible to apply for PIO to OCI conversion.
You must submit certain documents to verify your eligibility as a PIO cardholder. The main purpose is to prove clear ancestry to India. Here are the documents required for PIO to OCI conversion in the USA—whether in New York, Houston, or any other city:
➜ Fee payment receipt
➜ Proof of your current address.
➜ Original and current PIO Card
➜ Copy of the filled- out online OCI application form
➜ Birth certificate issued by any Indian authority
➜ Passport-sized photographs as per the specification
➜ Copy of valid foreign passport (i.e., the passport of the country where you hold citizenship)
➜ Copy of your parent’s or grandparent’s passport or any other relevant document that proves your Indian ancestry
Now that we know the difference between OCI and PIO Cards let’s understand the process of applying for PIO to OCI conversion. You can easily apply for PIO to OCI conversion at Visament by following these steps:
➜ Choose a Service and Make the Payment: Visit our website and choose the service you wish to get assistance with. Select PIO to OCI conversion and pay the required fee to start the process.
➜ List of Documents and Verification: Once we receive your payment, we will promptly send you a thorough checklist of the documents required for PIO to OCI conversion. You need to send all the documents in the proper format according to the checklist to our team.
➜ Authentication and Submission of Documents: After you send the documents, our team of experts will verify each one of the documents to ensure it’s correct and prepare your file. Once our team confirms that everything is right, they will start your application process.
➜ Scheduling an Appointment: Our team will book an appointment for submitting biometric data, which includes fingerprints and photograph collection. We will book an appointment for a date and time according to your convenience. You need to attend the appointment on the scheduled date and time.
➜ Tracking Status and Courier Documents: You can expect your new OCI card to arrive within the estimated processing time. Till then, you can track the status of your application using our track application portal to stay informed about any updates. You can collect your OCI card in person or get it delivered to you via courier by paying an additional fee.
The processing time for PIO to OCI conversion generally takes around 4–6 weeks from the date of application submission. However, this may vary based on several factors:
➜ Submitting poor-quality photos and fingerprints will delay the processing time.
➜ Additional security checks may be required in some cases, which can affect timelines.
➜ Incorrect or missing documents may cause delays as the embassy may request further information or clarification.
➜ Processing times may be longer during peak seasons due to a higher volume of applications.
The fee to convert a PIO card to an OCI card varies based on the country of application. Here’s the breakdown of the PIO to OCI conversion fee in the USA:
|
Service |
Fee |
|---|---|
|
OCI registration fee |
$275 |
|
PIO to OCI conversion fee |
$100 |
|
VFS Service fee |
$15.90 |
|
Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) |
$3 |
|
Courier service or SMS fee |
Optional |
Tracking your PIO to OCI application status is essential to stay updated on your application’s progress. It helps you manage travel plans and respond to any required actions. Follow these steps:
➜ Step 1: Visit the official OCI services website.
➜ Step 2: Click on the “Status Enquiry” option.
➜ Step 3: Enter your passport number and online file reference number.
➜ Step 4: Enter the security code visible on the screen
➜ Step 5: Click on “Get Status” and check the status of your application.
Our team will keep you informed via notifications about any updates on your PIO to OCI conversion application. However, if you wish to check the status on your own, you can use Visament’s track application status portal to check your application status without any trouble.
It’s time to say goodbye to stressful and complex procedures. Visament has been delivering trusted services for over 5 years. High-quality service and 100% client satisfaction are the key reasons why many individuals turn to our experts. If you lack the knowledge of application steps, documentation, and legal requirements, getting professional help is the best solution. Here are some OCI services we offer:
➜ New OCI Card: Experience a smooth journey to get a new OCI with Visament’s team of experts. We will cover everything from filling out the application to scheduling an appointment. Enjoy the benefits of having an OCI card with Visament’s expertise.
➜ OCI Miscellaneous Services: Our team will help you update your OCI with changes to your details, address, job, or in case of loss/damage. Get hassle-free services with prompt delivery. Complete all the complex processes without any trouble.
➜ OCI card in Lieu of lost/Damaged PIO Card: Tensed about your lost or damaged PIO card? Don’t worry. Visament can help you to get your PIO card replaced with an OCI card. Contact us anytime, anywhere, and reduce the burden from your shoulders.
➜ Renunciation of Indian Citizenship: If you have citizenship of another country, you must renounce it. If you don’t know how to do that, no worries; our team has good knowledge about everything, and they will guide you at every step.
➜ OCI Card Renewal: An OCI card may have to be renewed for several reasons. Our team can handle the complete paperwork for you and let you enjoy a stress-free application process. We will take care of everything so that you can keep availing of the benefits of an OCI card.
We provide several services aiming to remove all the worries faced by you when applying for immigration services. Our team will ensure that your asking for assistance with immigration services will not turn into a disappointment. We understand that trusting someone with immigration services can be risky, but you can trust us. If you want your application to get approved on the first try, choose Visament’s expertise. You can get all these services under one hub when you choose us:
|
OCI Services in the USA |
PAN Card Services |
|
NRI PAN Card Application |
Aadhar Card Services |
|
Police Clearance Certificate |
Indian Passport Renewal |
|
Surrender of Indian Passport |
Lost/Damaged OCI Card |
Filling out an application might seem easy, but the process is complex and requires skill, attention to detail, and up-to-date knowledge. That’s where Visament steps in. We work tirelessly to make your immigration experience smooth and rewarding. Our team stays connected with you from start to finish, addressing all your questions. Still thinking? Here are just a few reasons why our clients love working with us:
➜ Reliable and Experienced Team
➜ Accurate, Flawless Applications
➜ 24/7 Customer Support
➜ Affordable, Transparent Pricing
➜ Updates via WhatsApp or Email
➜ Customized Support for Every Case
Select the service you need.
Complete payment and upload your documents.
Our experts verify and submit your documents.
Receive your receipt and track progress.
The PIO (person of Indian origin) card scheme was merged with an OCI (Overseas citizen of India) card scheme on the 9th of January, 2015. It was merged to streamline the residency norms and to make it easier for foreign nationals of Indian origin to travel to India.
To apply for PIO to OCI conversion, you need to apply online at the official OCI website and upload all the required documents> submit a printout of your application with your signature at an authorized center> wait patiently for a confirmation mail.
Yes, you can travel to India while your OCI application is still under processing until you have a valid visa for the length of your stay. If you want to travel urgently and your OCI application is pending then you can apply for a regular visa to enter India.
Generally, an OCI is considered a better option than a PIO because it provides more rights and privileges. While both cards permit visa-free travel to India, an OCI card offers a lifetime, multiple-entry visa; in contrast, a PIO card is valid only for 15 years. Also, OCIs enjoy more privileges and rights within India, including access to work and financial opportunities. whereas PIOs face more restrictions.
Yes, PIO cards are still valid in India as a travel document untill 31st of December, 2025. This is an extension of the previous deadline, which was 31st December, 2024.
Yes, an OCI card can be used as proof of identity in India. The cardholder can use the OCI card for several reasons. Such as when applying for a PAN card, opening a bank account, making investments in India, owning real estate, etc.
Yes, according to the RBI (Reserve Bank of India), a person of Indian origin (PIO) can have a bank account in India.
A PIO stands for Persons of Indian Origin, which is a travel document issued by the Indian government to people of Indian origin who are citizens of other countries. It can be used to travel visa-free to India for a period of 15 years, offers exemption from registering with local police for stays up to 180 days, and provides several benefits like parity with NRIs in financial, economic, and educational fields.
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