Difference Between OCI and PIO Cards

PIO Card stands for Person of Indian Origin. On the other hand, OCI is for Overseas Citizens of India. These two terms are very confusing for many. So, peeps, you are not alone if you don't know the difference between PIO and OCI. There are plenty of people who are wondering about which one can fulfill their needs or suit them.

If you are looking forward to reconnecting with your roots and working in India, then choosing the best document is crucial for you. Here in this blog post, we will discuss the difference between PIO and OCI. Based on their benefits, application process, and more. It will help you to maintain ties with your motherland.

So, without wasting time, let's clarify PIO vs. OCI and start with the term PIO (Person of Indian Origin).

What is PIO?

PIO full form is Person of Indian Origin, which is are handwritten cards that refer to a foreign citizen. People whose roots belong to India or who previously held an Indian passport are PIOs. Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, Iran, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and Nepal are some of the countries apart from the PIO.

Citizens who have connections with an Indian origin, like spouses, parents, etc, are also added to the eligibility criteria. Do you have a PIO card? If yes, then it is essential to pay attention because these cards are going to be discarded by the Indian government till 31st December 2024. If you did not upgrade your PIO to OCI, then apply to get an appropriate visa, and think about applying for PIO to OCI conversion.

Benefits of a PIO Card?

There are several benefits of PIO cardholders, so if you also have this card, then you must check the key advantages of PIO that are mentioned below.

• You can stay in India for 15 years from the date of the card's issuance if you are a PIO cardholder
• PIO cardholders are excluded from FRRO and FRO if they stay up to 180 days in India. After that, they need to register with Foreign Regional Registration Offices and Foreigners Registration Officers within 30 days.
• They will get benefits when it comes to economics, education, and finance.
• Will get all the housing schemes from the state and central government agencies.
• Able to hold, transfer, dispose of, and acquire various forms of immovable properties, except plantation and agricultural properties.

Limitations of PIO Card

• PIO cardholders are not able to use employment rights in the government of India undertakings.
• Not allowed to hold any government of India constitutional office form.
• If you are a PIO cardholder in India, then you can’t buy agricultural land or a farmhouse.
• Don't have voting rights.
• Before participating in activities like mountaineering, visiting restricted areas, and more, they need to obtain permission.

List of Required Documents for a PIO Card

There are several documents required along with filling out the prior application. Here is the list of documents that you need to get a PIO card.

• Original passport, existing or expired
• Photocopy of an expired Indian passport
• Birth certificate of the applicant and their parents
• Nationality certificate of the applicant and their parents/grandparents
• School/college leaving certificates of the applicant
• Original or photocopies of passports of the applicant's parent /grandparent

If you are a spouse of a PIO, then the required document is slightly different; these are as follows:

• PIO Card or the Indian passport of the spouse
• Original marriage certificate
• Four passport-size photographs

When we talk about the PIO application fees, it's INR 15000 for adults and INR 7500 for minors.

What is OCI?

Overseas citizens of India refer to those foreign people who are eligible to get Indian citizenship on or after the 26th of January 1950. Additionally belonged to those regions that became part of India after 15th August 1947. Alongside, there are some limitations set for this. In which the people from Bangladesh and Pakistan are the two countries that will be able to register themselves as OCI at any given point in time.

The children and grandchildren of any individual will be able to enjoy the eligibility for OCI status. Besides this, people who have ever lived in Bangladesh or Pakistan cannot apply for an OCI card.

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Benefits of OCI Status

• No need to register with the FRRO/FRO irrespective of their stay duration if you have an OCI card.
• OCI cardholders can obtain a driving license, or PAN card, open a bank account, and can also apply for loans.
• They do not require an employment visa to work and reside in India.
• They are not restricted to working in any sector except those requiring special protected and restricted area permits.
• Able to take admission in Indian education centers and be able to use healthcare facilities on par with NRIs.
• Own immovable properties, make investments, and participate in business ventures in India.

List of Required Documents for OCI

• Four passport-size photographs
• Previous Indian passport, if available. If not, attach a nativity certificate.
• Birth certificate
• Proof of citizenship in their current country
• If applying based on the parents' Indian citizenship, proof of relationship will be required.

Common Benefits Between PIO and OCI Cards

• Priority at immigration counters.
• No need for a visa to study in India.
• Same as non-resident Indians in terms of buying, owning, and selling property.

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Difference Between PIO and OCI Cards

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Summing It Up

With the help of this blog on PIO vs OCI above we discussed PIO and OCI. Their benefits and documents are required for PIO and OCI. Apart from that, we also mentioned the key difference between OCI and PIO cards. So peeps, if you want PIO, NRI, and OCI services, then we strongly recommend that you hire Visament. They are the finest Immigration Service provider who helps their clients to get all the passports and visa-related services with ease.