Conversion of PIO to OCI

Information
How To Apply
Document Checklist
Fees Details
FAQ’s

As per Government of India directives, the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card scheme has been merged with the OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) card scheme. All PIO cards are now considered invalid for travel, and holders are required to convert them to OCI cards to continue availing immigration and residency benefits in India.

This conversion is mandatory for all PIO cardholders intending to travel to India, as airlines and immigration authorities no longer accept PIO cards as valid travel documents.

How To Apply

Create an Account: Register on the Du Digital Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) website.
Click here to register.
Fill Out the Government Application Form: Click here to access the form.
Book an Appointment: Schedule your visit to Du Digital ICAC by choosing a suitable date and time.
Click here to book your appointment
Prepare Your Documents: Carry your passport, photographs, and all supporting documents as listed in the Documents Checklist section.
Visit Du Digital ICAC: Visit the designated ICAC (as per your jurisdiction). The address and location will be mentioned in your appointment letter. Ensure you arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time.
Submit Your Application & Pay Fees: Submit your documents and pay the applicable fees at ICAC. Refer to the Fee Details section for exact charges.
Enroll for Biometrics (if required): Complete biometric enrollment if applicable.
Application Submission Complete: You’ve successfully submitted your application.
Track Your Application: Monitor your application’s status online.
Click here to track your application

Document Checklist

Proof of Present Citizenship
1. Copy of present valid passport (applicable in all cases), with validity of minimum 6 months at the time of submission of application.
2. Copy of the certificate of registration of citizenship/naturalization (as the case may be), for the present nationality of the applicant (applicable in all cases).
3. Cancelled/Surrendered Indian passport with Surrender Certificate (for those who have surrendered Indian passport in or after 2010).
Evidence of Address of the Place of Application
1. Copy of the Electricity Bill/ Telephone Bill in own/parents/grandparents/spouse’s name.
2. If the above is in any other relative’s name, an undertaking from the relative stating that the foreigner is residing with him/her.
3. Lease License in case of tenants.
In Case Application is Submitted in India
Copy of any long duration Visa (other than Tourist Visa, Missionary Visa and Mountaineering Visa) with 3 months validity as on the date of application, along with Residential Permit/ Registration Certificate issued by the jurisdictional FRRO/ FRO, as the case may be (applicable in all cases where application is submitted in India).
Note: Foreign nationals holding Tourist Visa, Missionary visa and Mountaineering visa cannot apply for registration as an OCI cardholder in India.
Evidence of Self or Parents/Grandparents/Great Grandparents
1. Being a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after the commencement of the Constitution i.e., 26.01.1950.
2. Being eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of commencement of the Constitution i.e., 26.01.1950.
3. Belonging to a territory that became part of India after 15th August, 1947.
Supporting documents (any of the following):
1. Copy of the Indian Passport.
2. Copy of the Domicile Certificate issued by the Competent Authority.
3. Copy of Nativity Certificate from the competent authority.
4. PIO/OCI card of parents/spouse along with documents to prove Indian Origin.
5. Any other proof substantiating the request, such as certificate of residence or place of birth of self/parents/grandparents from First Class Magistrate/District Magistrate (DM).
Evidence of Relationship as Parent/Grandparent/Great Grandparent
1. Birth Certificate issued by competent authority mentioning both parents’ names.
  If issued by a country signatory to the Hague Convention, 1961 and apostilled, no further attestation is needed.
  If not signatory, it must be attested by authorities in that country and re-attested by Indian/Foreign Mission in India.
  Note: If parents are divorced, provide court order giving custody to applying parent. Translate order into English or Hindi if necessary.
2. Birth Certificate supported by (i) Education documents, if any, and (ii) Documents of inherited landed property, if any.
3. Marriage Certificate of parents. If unavailable, reasons must be provided.
In Case of Minor Child (if one/both parents are Indian citizens)
1. Copy of child’s Birth Certificate.
2. Marriage Certificate of parents (or reasons for its unavailability).
3. Copy of Indian passport, Domicile Certificate, or Nativity Certificate of one/both parents, or other proof of Indian citizenship.
4. If parents are divorced, court order showing legal custody with applying parent (translated if necessary).
Evidence as Spouse of Foreign Origin of an Indian Citizen or OCI Cardholder
1. Registered Marriage Certificate.
2. If solemnized in a Hague Convention country and apostilled, no further attestation needed. If not, it must be attested and re-attested by relevant authorities.
3. For spouse of OCI cardholder: Copy of valid passport, OCI card, and documents used to obtain the OCI card.
4. Declaration from Indian/OCI spouse confirming responsibility to surrender OCI card upon divorce/separation/death of foreign spouse.
Marriage Certificate Guidelines:
1. If marriage is in India: certificate issued by Marriage Registrar.
2. If abroad: certificate should be apostilled/certified by Indian Mission/Post.
3. If not in English: provide official English translation by authorized translator.
Note: Only one living spouse fulfilling Section 7A(1)(d) of The Citizenship Act, 1955 can be registered as an OCI Cardholder.

Fees Details

Service Type	CONSULAR FEE	ICWF FEE	SERVICE FEE	TOTAL FEES
Conversion of PIO to OCI card	₩ 144,800	₩ 4,400	₩ 51,000	₩ 200,200

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it mandatory to convert a PIO card to an OCI card?
Yes. As per Government of India notification, all PIO cards have been merged into the OCI scheme, and PIO cardholders must convert to OCI. PIO cards are no longer considered valid for travel.

2. What is the deadline for PIO to OCI conversion?
Although multiple deadlines were issued earlier, PIO cards are now deemed invalid for international travel. Conversion to OCI is required before traveling to India.

3. What documents are required for PIO to OCI conversion?
You must submit the original and copy of the valid PIO card, current foreign passport, recent passport-size photograph, and proof of current residence. Refer to the “Documents Checklist” on the OCI portal for a detailed list.

4. Is there a fee for converting a PIO card to an OCI card?
There is no government fee if the application was submitted within the previously announced timelines. However, a service fee may apply through the outsourcing agency such as Du Digital ICAC.

5. How do I apply for PIO to OCI conversion?
You need to apply online through the OCI Services portal by selecting the “PIO to OCI” conversion option. After completing the online form, visit Du Digital ICAC or the local Indian Mission/Post for document verification and submission.

6. Will I receive a new OCI card number after conversion?
Yes. A new OCI card and a unique OCI number will be issued upon successful conversion. Your PIO card will be collected and cancelled.

7. Can I travel to India using my old PIO card?
No. PIO cards are no longer accepted as valid travel documents. You must carry your current passport along with a valid OCI card to enter India.

8. What is the processing time for PIO to OCI conversion?
Processing typically takes four to six weeks, depending on the accuracy of the documents and the verification process. Applicants will receive email or SMS notifications and can track their status online.

9. Will my visa privileges remain the same after conversion?
Yes. After conversion, the OCI card provides the same privileges including lifelong visa-free entry to India, exemption from police registration, and parity with NRIs in economic and educational fields, excluding agricultural land acquisition.

10. What happens if I delay the conversion?
Delaying the conversion may result in denial of entry into India and could cause difficulties in accessing consular services or benefits. It is advised to complete the conversion before your next travel to India.

Conversion of PIO to OCI

How To Apply

Document Checklist

Fees Details

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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