A Person of Indian Origin (PIO) means a foreign citizen (except a national of Pakistan, Afghanistan Bangladesh, China, Iran, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nepal)

  • Who at any time held an Indian passport
  • Who Or Either Of Their Parents/ Grand Parents/ Great Grand Parents Was Born And Permanently Resident In India As Defined In Government Of India Act, 1935 ( As Referred Above)
  • Who Is A Spouse Of A Citizen Of India Or A Pio
  • 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.
  • They are exempted from registration at FRRO/FRO if their stay does not exceeds 180 days, Incase if the stay exceeds 180 days, they shall have to register with FRRO/ FRO within the next 30 days.

However, PIOs do not enjoy employment rights in Government of India services nor can they hold any constitutional office in the Government of India

The following documents are to be submitted along with a filled-in PIO application form.

  • (i) Photocopy of expired Indian passport
  • (ii) Original / Photocopies of Indian passport of parents or grand parents of the applicant.
  • (iii) Birth Certificate of the applicant and of the parents / grand parents of the applicant.
  • (i) Indian passport / PIO card in original of the spouse
  • (ii) The original marriage certificate
  • (iii) Four passport size photographs of the applicant
  • (iv) A fee of US $ 388 (US $ 180 for children below 18 years) to be paid in cash at the High Commission.

A foreign national, who was eligible to become 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 is eligible for registration as 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.

OCIs are entitled to a multipurpose, multiple entry, lifelong visa allowing them to visit India at any time, for any length of time and for any purpose. They are exempted from police reporting for any length of stay in the country. They have also been granted all rights in the economic, financial and education fields in parity with NRIs except, the right to acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.

Subject PIO Card OCI Card
Validity of Visa 15 yrs from the date of Issue. Life long after date of issue
Registration at FFRO After 180 days, within Not required
FRO next 30 days.
Obtaining of Indian Citizenship One can apply after regularly residing in India for a minimum of seven years. After 5 yrs of issue of OCI, one can apply after residing in India for a minimum of one year.
Visit to restricted Area Prior permission required Permission not required
  • 1. Separate lines at immigration counters.
  • 2. No visa required for studies.
  • 3. At-par treatment with NRIs in matters regarding to property acquisition, holding & disposal, except agricultural and plantation properties.

Completed application and relevant documents can be submitted in-person at the High Commission between 0930 hrs and 1200 hrs on any working day.