PIO also known as Person of Indian Origin is an identification status given to whom or whose any of the ancestors was a permanent Indian resident/citizen and who is currently holding valid citizenship and passport of another country.
A person who is not an Indian citizen but he/she or his/her ascendants was an Indian citizen by the virtue of constitution or Citizenship Act 1955.
PIO card was launched in 1999 to make the visits of Person of Indian Origin to India easier, flexible and to provide various other advantages like: –
- A PIO card holder does not need a visa to visit India.
- The holder also does not require a student or employment visa to acquire employment or academic opportunities in India.
- The holder was exempted from registering at the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) during the duration of stay in India.
- The PIO card holder also takes benefit of parity with NRIs in concern to economic, financial & educational matters such as property transfer, disposal, investment, admission of children in educational institutions under general category quota for NRIs.
- Separate immigration counters are provided at all International airports.
What is the Eligibility for Person of Indian Origin?
A person who at any time having an Indian passport or his parents or grandparents were born or permanently lived in India, provided that they had not at any time gained citizenship of these countries like Afghanistan, China, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh & Pakistan.
A Person who is a spouse of an Indian citizen or a person of Indian origin.
Where to Submit Application for PIO Card?
Application for issuing the PIO Card will be made in the stipulated Form to an Indian Mission or Post in the country where the applicant is usually resident.
If an applicant is already in India on a long-term visa (one year or more) then he/she may submit the application to the concerned FRROs (Foreigner Regional Registration Office).
What is the Validity of PIO Card and Fees for Application?
- A PIO card is valid for minors (below 18 years) for 15 years & the issuance fees is INR 7500/-
- A PIO card for all other people is valid for 15 years & the issuance fees is INR 15000/-
What are the Documents Required to Apply of PIO Card?
- Existing/Expired Indian passport; or
- Any two or more of the below mention documents:
- Photocopy of expired Indian passport.
- Original / Photocopies of Indian passport of parents or grandparents of the applicant.
- Birth Certificate of the applicant and of the parents or grandparents of the applicant.
- Nationality certificate of the applicant and of the parents or grandparents of the applicant.
- School or College leaving certificates of the applicant or parents / grandparents of the applicant.
However, if spouse of PIO card holder applies for PIO card, then he needs to provide following documents:
- Indian passport / PIO card in original of the spouse
- The original marriage certificates
- Four passport size photographs of the applicant
A fee of US $ 388 (US $ 180 for children below 18 years) to be paid in cash at the High Commission.