PIO Card (Person of Indian Origin) - Ministry of External Affairs, India

MoEA - Ministry of External Affairs

The PIO Card (Person of Indian Origin) was a document issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, Republic of India, to foreign nationals of Indian origin. Discover the significance and benefits of the PIO Card, its merger with the OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) scheme, and the process to apply for an OCI card. Understand the eligibility criteria, required documents, and step-by-step procedure to obtain an OCI card for foreign nationals of Indian origin. Stay informed and enjoy the privileges associated with OCI status.

The PIO Card (Person of Indian Origin) was a document issued by the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India to foreign nationals of Indian origin or Indian diaspora. It served as proof of their Indian origin and facilitated their entry and stay in India for long durations.

However, please note that as of September 30, 2019, the PIO Card scheme has been merged with the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme. The PIO Card is no longer issued, and existing PIO cardholders are deemed to be OCI cardholders with similar benefits and privileges.

To apply for an OCI card, which is the current scheme in place, the following general process can be followed:

Eligibility: Check if you meet the eligibility criteria for the OCI scheme. This typically includes foreign nationals who were eligible for Indian citizenship on or after January 26, 1950, or who were a citizen of India on or after that date or their descendants.
Online Application: Visit the official website of the Ministry of External Affairs or the respective Indian mission/embassy to access the online OCI application form. Fill in the required details accurately.	Document Submission: Upload the necessary documents as specified in the application form. This may include proof of current nationality, proof of Indian origin, passport-sized photographs, and other supporting documents.
Fee Payment: Pay the prescribed application fee online. The fee amount may vary depending on the country of residence and age of the applicant.	Biometric Enrollment: Schedule an appointment at the designated application center or Indian mission/embassy to submit biometric data (fingerprints and photograph). Attend the appointment in person and provide the required biometric information.
Processing and Approval: After submitting the application and biometric data, the application will undergo processing by the authorities. The processing time may vary, and applicants can check the status of their application online.	Collection of OCI Card: Once the application is approved, the applicant will be notified to collect the OCI card from the designated location. The OCI card functions as a lifelong multiple-entry visa for India and provides various benefits to the cardholder.

It is essential to note that specific procedures and requirements may vary depending on the country and Indian mission/embassy where the application is being processed. It is recommended to consult the respective Indian mission/embassy or the official website of the Ministry of External Affairs for detailed and accurate information regarding the OCI card application process.