PIO TO OCI Conversion Services | Fast & Reliable

Step-by-Step Guide to Convert Your PIO Card to an OCI Card

Follow these steps to make the conversion process for PIO to OCI prompt and easy

➜ Step 1: Start the Application Process

The first step is to find the OCI application start link and click it.

Make sure to remember all the details before filling out the OCI in place of the PIO application form.

• Keep in mind that your current foreign passport must have at least two blank pages and is valid for at least six months from the date you apply. Consider the following things:
• Expiry Date
• Date of issue
• Passport Number
• Details of your identity certificate/any other valid passport
• Country of issue
• Passport/certificate number
• Place of issue
• Nationality
• Current citizenship details
• Existing PIO card

➜ Step 2: Select the Appropriate Category

You will see a widget on the CKGS website that contains multiple categories; click OCI instead of PIO to proceed further.

After you click, it will display miscellaneous services, from which you have to choose the ones that apply to your case.

➜ Step 3: Wait for the Result Screen

The following information will be displayed on the result screen:

• Processing Time
• Fee for OCI instead of PIO
• CKGS web reference number
• Checklist of the documents: Read this section carefully to know what documents, forms, and letters are required to be submitted.

➜ Step 4: Fill Out the Required Forms

Take a printout of the documents listed on the document checklist and complete the application forms.

Recheck and review the letters and forms, then go to the & My Accounts’ section and print the forms. Put your signature on the forms and letters.

➜ Step 5: Choose Submission Mode

You can either choose shipping or walk-in as a mode of submission

For shipping, you must send your fully completed application form, along with the documents and payments, to the CKGS application center in your jurisdiction.

For Walk-ins, you can continue online to proceed further to the appointment process and follow these steps:

• Select the date for an appointment
• Choose any convenient time slot
• Confirm the date and time for the appointment from CKGS
• Appear at the CKGS application center on the selected appointment date and time to submit your application.

➜ Step 6: Pay the Conversion Fee

You can pay online using a credit card at the CKGS application center.

The fees include OCI in place of PIO fees, Indian Community Welfare Fund, CKGS Service Fee, and any other additional fees.

Make sure you have your credit card with you, as the centers do not accept cash or personal checks.

➝ Visit the Government Online OCI Website

To resume, you will have to leave the CKGS website and go to the government online OCI website. After visiting the website, select OCI Registration (In place of PIO Card), and fill out the A and B forms. Ensure your jurisdiction matches the one mentioned earlier in the process. Attach your photograph and put your signature on the form.

➝ There are some specifications for a photograph that need to be followed:

• Its size must be 2*2.
• Must not be stapled or taped.
• The background must be white.
• The photograph should be colored.
• Your attire must be regular and colored.
• Must be printed on glossy photo paper.
• It must be taken within the past six months of applying.
• The photo for your OCI cannot be the same as the one on your passport.
• If you usually wear prescription glasses, a hearing device, or a wig, the photograph should show that.
• Anything that may obscure your hairline or hair, like a hat, should not be worn except for personal reasons.

➝ Before uploading the photograph, ensure that it meets the following conditions:

• Size must not exceed 200 KB.
• The picture must be in JPEG/JPG format.
• Its minimum dimensions should be 200*200 pixels.
• Its maximum dimensions should be 900*900 pixels.
• The height and width of the photograph must be equal.

➝ Here are the requirements for the signature:

• The maximum size is 200 KB.
• It must be uploaded in JPEG/JPG format.
• Its height and width should have an aspect ratio of 1:3.
• Its minimum dimensions must be 200×67 pixels, and its maximum dimensions must be 900×300 pixels.

➜ Step 7: Upload Supporting Documents and Signature

Make sure to upload all the required documents on the Government of India website after filling out the form. 

If you don’t have your documents prepared yet, you can come to the site later to submit them, but ensure you return and upload them to the website.

➝ New Web Reference Number

You will now get a new web reference number from the government of Indian website. You can use this number on the CKGS website to track your application and receive status updates.

➜ Step 8: Use the CKGS Website for Further Steps

After completing and printing all the government OCI forms, return to the CKGS website and click on the already filled-in government form.

Add the new web reference number, CKGS web reference number, date of birth, and current passport number in the specified fields if you are an existing applicant.

➜ Step 9: Submit at a CKGS Application Center

Once you have completed the online process, the final step is to submit your physical application by mail or in person.

You can select the option that is convenient for you, depending on your jurisdiction.

If you select the shipping option, CKGS will drop you an email acknowledgment stating "Received but not verified" shortly after receiving your application package.

Do not forget that your application will not be processed until you submit the physical application package to the CKGS Application Center, so make sure to visit the center with all your documents.

Before submitting, keep these things in mind:

• Tick off the boxes on both checklists.
• Set all the documents in the same order as specified in the checklist.
• Place all the documents in an envelope along with one copy of the document checklist.
• Verify if the number of your forms, letters, and documents is right according to the checklist.

Documents Required for PIO to OCI Conversion

To get your OCI card converted into a PIO, you need to submit the following documents.

Some additional documents, like address proof or personal details, may be required to be submitted depending on your consulate or embassy.

It is advised to confirm with your local consulate for any additional documents or to get assistance from a visa service provider like Visament to clarify any remaining doubts.

Fees for PIO to OCI Conversion Services

Visament is known for its affordability; we believe in providing high-quality service to our customers without them having to empty their pockets.

The total fee you have to pay at Visament is 8,880. Let us break down the amount according to the expenses involved:

Processing Time for PIO to OCI Conversion

Processing of an OCI card involves two steps. Once the consulate in Delhi approves the OCI card and sticker, the applicant must send the passport along with the fee receipt to CKGS.

The card processing time is typically several months. However, converting a PIO card involves a single step and takes 4 to 6 weeks to process.

Conversion of a PIO to an OCI card can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The time depends on the location and current demand.

Processing time is faster for those who submit complete details and relevant documents. You are advised to use this as your top priority if you have any urgency to avoid delays.