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PIO Card (Person of Indian Origin)

Legacy card for foreign nationals of Indian origin (now merged with OCI)

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Quick Information

⏱️ Processing Time

N/A (scheme discontinued)

💵 Fees

Free conversion to OCI

✅ Eligibility

Existing PIO cardholders only (scheme merged with OCI in 2015)

Who Needs This Document?

Legacy PIO cardholders (scheme discontinued, convert to OCI)

Required Documents

  • Existing PIO card
  • Current passport

Step-by-Step Application Process

1

Note: PIO Scheme Discontinued

PIO scheme merged with OCI in 2015.

2

Existing PIO Cards Valid

Old PIO cards remain valid until passport expiry.

3

Convert to OCI (Optional)

PIO cardholders can convert to OCI free of charge.

4

Apply for OCI

Follow OCI application process for conversion.

5

Submit PIO Card

Surrender PIO card when receiving OCI.

6

Receive OCI Card

Get OCI card with all benefits.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Thinking PIO is still available (it's not)
  • Not converting to OCI before PIO expiry
  • Confusion between PIO and OCI

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still apply for PIO?

No, PIO scheme was discontinued in 2015 and merged with OCI.

Is my old PIO card still valid?

Yes, until your passport expires, but conversion to OCI is recommended.

What's the difference between PIO and OCI?

PIO was 15-year visa. OCI is lifelong with more benefits. Both are now merged into OCI.

Ready to Apply?

Visit the official government portal to start your application

Go to Official Portal →