Conversion of PIO to OCI card

All Valid PIO-Card Holders may now register to become OCI-Card Holder.

For more details click   http://passport.gov.in/oci/welcome or http://passport.gov.in/oci/

Instructions For PIO Card Holders / Key Points For Registration :

1.     Read Instruction carefully before starting the registration process.

2.     Start registration as OCI-Registration (in lieu of valid PIO card) and fill all details required.

3.     Provide Valid PIO-Card details at the place specified. PIO-Card should be valid as on 9th Jan 2015.

4.     Complete Part-B of the registration process.

5.   The erstwhile PIO cardholder with a valid PIO card as on 09.01.2015 will have to upload only the following documents with his/her application :- a) copy of the valid Passport b) copy of the PIO card.  The applicants can submit their applications online in the concerned Mission within the jurisdiction of their place of residence.

6.   No registration-fee will be charged for such applications.
However, SMS/Fax/Agent charges, as applicable, will be levied on the applicant.

Eligibility criteria for OCI Registration

The Central Government may, subject to such conditions and restrictions as may be prescribed, on an application made in this behalf, register as an overseas citizen of India :-

(a)     any person of full age and capacity :-

  • who is citizen of another country, but was a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after, the commencement of the Constitution; or
  • who is citizen of another country, but was eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of the commencement of the Constitution; or
  • who is citizen of another country, but belonged to a territory that become part of India after the 15th day of August, 1947; or (iv) who is a child or a grand-child of such a citizen; or

 

The territories which became part  of India after 15.08.1947 are: (i) Sikkim 26.04.1975  (ii) Pondicherry 16.08.1962    (iii) Dadra & Nagar Haveli 11.08.1961    (iv) Goa, Daman & Diu 20.12.1961]

(b)     a person, who is a minor child of a person mentioned in clause (a) or

Provided that no person, who is or had been a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh or such other country as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify, shall be eligible for registration as an overseas Citizen of India.
 

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OCI CARD HOLDERS
OCI card holders traveling to India are advised to carry the Passport containing U Visa sticker and OCI Card to avoid problems at Immigration check points in India. In case registered OCI has obtained a new passport, kindly ensure to carry the passport containing U Visa sticker, new passport and OCI document during all visits to India.

ALTERNATIVELY, Miscellaneous Services can be availed for transfer of U Visa sticker to new passport. However, before applying for Misc Services kindly read the instructions posted under OCI Misc Service particularly the processing period. Since applications are processed in the order of their receipt in the Consulate, this service cannot be expedited. New OCI Registration can be done online.

Embassy of India, Harare, Zimbabwe