PIO to OCI Conversion
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Processing Weeks
$100
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Visament: Your Trusted Partner for Seamless PIO to OCI Conversion Servicein the USA
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Are you aware that the Indian government has discontinued the PIO scheme? Everyone having a PIO card has to convert it into an OCI card. The conversion is important as the OCI card offers more benefits and usefulness. However, the process of converting a PIO to OCI can be considered complex as it needs specific documents, completing the online application process, and making sure that you fulfill all the eligibility criteria. If you wish to get your PIO converted to an OCI but don’t know how then you are in the right place.
Visament has a team of experts with good knowledge about the whole PIO to OCI conversion process. You can get high-quality service, expert guidance, timely updates, and many more perks, all under one hub and on an affordable budget. Our team can make the whole process of converting a PIO to OCI easy and fast. Get in touch with us today for your PIO to OCI conversion and avail yourself of all the benefits of having an OCI card.
PIO to OCI conversion is the process of changing and updating the status of a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card to an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder. The Indian government abolished and merged the PIO card scheme into the OCI scheme on 9th January 2015. They required that every PIO cardholder must convert to an OCI cardholder if they wish to avail of similar benefits.
PIO cardholders must apply for an OCI card via an appropriate Indian embassy or consulate. The process may seem confusing but don’t worry, our team of Visament can help you complete the whole process without any trouble. We will ensure that you get to enjoy the benefits of having an OCI card in the USA or anywhere around the globe.
Converting a PIO card (Person of Indian Origin) to an OCI card (Overseas Citizenship of India) can provide you with several benefits. Especially if you are a citizen of the US of Indian descent. Here are the perks that you get with PIO to OCI conversion:
➜ An OCI card offers a lifelong visa to the cardholder which means it is valid for a lifetime. Wherein, a PIO card had to be renewed every 15 years
➜ You can travel to Indian for any duration and purpose of stay without the need to apply for a visa each time if you have an OCI card.
➜ OCI cardholders can purchase and own a property in India. It makes it easier for them to invest in real estate or stay in India. In contrast, PIO cardholders had some restrictions on this.
➜ A person with an OCI card can get consular assistance. They can get services like visa facilitation, legal assistance, and help in emergencies when traveling internationally.
➜ If the OCI cardholder stays in India for more than 180 days, they do not have to register with the local Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
Although all the PIO cardholders are considered OCI cardholders but if you want to apply for Indian PIO to OCI conversion then you must meet the below-mentioned eligibility criteria:
➜ Be a spouse of an Indian citizen or an OCI cardholder.
➜ Must be a foreign citizen who has a valid passport from any other country than India.
➜ You must be a current PIO cardholder as the PIO to OCI conversion is particularly for people who already have a valid PIO card.
➜ Must be a child of an Indian citizen or have Indian origin. It includes people who were born in indian or whose parents or grandparents were born in India.
Any person whose parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were ever a citizen of either Pakistan or Bangladesh is not eligible to apply for conversion of PIO to OCI.
You need to submit some required documents to verify your eligibility as a PIO cardholder. The main reason is to prove a clear ancestry to India. These are the documents required for PIO to OCI conversion USA New York, Houston, or anywhere else:
➜ Fee payment receipt
➜ Proof of your current address.
➜ Original and current PIO Card
➜ Copy of filled out online OCI application form
➜ Birth certificate issued by any Indian authority
➜ Passport-sized photographs as per the specification
➜ Copy of valid foreign passport (passport of the country where you hold citizenship)
➜ Copy of your parent's/grandparents' passport or any other relevant document that proves your Indian ancestry.
Now that we know the difference between OCI and PIO Cards let’s understand the process of applying for PIO to OCI conversion. You can easily apply for PIO to OCI conversion at Visament by following these steps:
➜ Choose a Service and Make the Payment: Visit our website and choose the service you wish to get assistance with. Select PIO to OCI conversion and pay the required fee to start the process.
➜ List of Documents and Verification: Once we receive your payment, we will promptly send you a thorough checklist of the documents required for PIO to OCI conversion. You need to send all the documents in the proper format according to the checklist to our team.
➜ Authentication and Submission of Documents: After you send the documents, our team of experts will verify each one of the documents to ensure it’s correct and prepare your file. Once our team confirms that everything is right, they will start your application process.
➜ Scheduling an Appointment: Our team will book an appointment for submitting biometric data, which includes fingerprints and photograph collection. We will book an appointment for a date and time according to your convenience. You need to attend the appointment on the scheduled date and time.
➜ Tracking Status and Courier Documents: You can expect your new OCI card to arrive within the estimated processing time. Till then, you can track the status of your application using our track application portal to stay informed about any updates. You can collect your OCI card in person or get it delivered to you via courier by paying an additional fee.
The processing time for the Indian PIO to OCI conversion process takes around 4-6 weeks from the date you submit your application. However, the PIO to OCI conversion processing time may vary depending on several factors such as:
➜ Submitting poor-quality photos and fingerprints will delay the processing time.
➜ In some situations, extra security checks may be needed, which may affect the processing time.
➜ If any document is incorrect or missing then it may lead to a delay as the embassy may ask for extra information and verification.
➜ The processing time may be longer during peak periods as the embassy receives a lot of applications at this time.
The fee to convert a PIO card to an OCI card will vary depending on the country from where you are applying. The PIO to OCI conversion fee USA is mentioned in the list below:
|
Service |
Fee |
|---|---|
|
OCI registration fee |
$275 |
|
PIO to OCI conversion fee |
$100 |
|
VFS Service fee |
$15.90 |
|
Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) |
$3 |
|
Courier service or SMS fee |
Optional |
Tracking the status of your PIO to OCI process is vital as it allows you to track the progress of your application. It can help you be aware of any possible delays or issues and can plan your travel to India accordingly. You can track the status of your PIO to OCI conversion by following the below-mentioned steps:
➜ Step 1: Visit the official website of OCI services.
➜ Step 2: Click on the “Status Enquiry” option.
➜ Step 3: Provide your passport number along with the online file reference number.
➜ Step 4: Enter the security code visible on the screen
➜ Step 5: Click on “Get Status” and check the status of your application.
Our team will keep you informed via notifications about any updates on your PIO to OCI conversion application. However, if you wish to check the status on your own, you can use Visament’s track application status portal to check your application status without any trouble.
The time has come to say goodbye to stress and complex procedures. We have been delivering trust for more than 5 years. 100% satisfaction and high-quality service are the main reasons why many individuals contact our experts. Availing assistance with immigration services is the best solution for those who lack knowledge of the application process, documents, legal requirements, etc. Here are a few OCI services that you can get assistance with from Visament:
➜ New OCI Card: Experience a smooth journey to get a new OCI with Visament’s team of experts. We will cover everything from filling out the application to scheduling an appointment. Enjoy the benefits of having an OCI card with Visament’s expertise.
➜ OCI Miscellaneous Services: Our team will help you update your OCI with changes to your details, address, job, or in case of loss/damage. Get hassle-free services with prompt delivery. Complete all the complex processes without any trouble.
➜ OCI card in lieu of lost/damaged PIO card: Tensed about your lost or damaged PIO card? Don’t worry. Visament can help you to get your PIO card replaced with an OCI card. Contact us anytime, anywhere, and reduce the burden from your shoulders.
➜ Renunciation of Indian Citizenship: If you have citizenship of another country, you must renounce it. If you don’t know how to do that, no worries; our team has good knowledge about everything, and they will guide you at every step.
➜ OCI Card Renewal: An OCI card may have to be renewed for several reasons. Our team can handle the complete paperwork for you and let you enjoy a stress-free application process. We will take care of everything so that you can keep availing of the benefits of an OCI card.
We provide several services aiming to remove all the worries faced by you when applying for immigration services. Our team will ensure that your asking for assistance with immigration services will not turn into a disappointment. We understand that trusting someone with immigration services can be risky, but you can trust us. If you want your application to get approved on the first try, choose Visament’s expertise. You can get all these services under one hub when you choose us:
|
OCI Services in the USA |
PAN Card Services |
|
NRI PAN Card Application |
Aadhar Card Services |
|
Police Clearance Certificate |
Indian Passport Renewal |
|
Surrender of Indian Passport |
Lost/Damaged OCI Card |
Though it feels easy to fill out an application form and complete the immigration process, it is quite difficult. Not every person will have the required skills to complete the process effectively, and that is when Visament comes to the rescue. Our team works day and night to make your immigration journey an experience that not only relieves your stress but also helps you get the utmost satisfaction for every penny you spend. Our experts will stay connected with you throughout the process to resolve any doubts or queries. Still not convinced, these are the perks that you get after choosing Visament:
The PIO (person of Indian origin) card scheme was merged with an OCI (Overseas citizen of India) card scheme on the 9th of January, 2015. It was merged to streamline the residency norms and to make it easier for foreign nationals of Indian origin to travel to India.
To apply for PIO to OCI conversion, you need to apply online at the official OCI website and upload all the required documents> submit a printout of your application with your signature at an authorized center> wait patiently for a confirmation mail.
Yes, you can travel to India while your OCI application is still under processing until you have a valid visa for the length of your stay. If you want to travel urgently and your OCI application is pending then you can apply for a regular visa to enter India.
Yes, an OCI cardholder entry can be denied into India if they have obtained an OCI through fraud, wrong information, or hiding material facts. The immigration authorities can also deny your entry for security concerns or any other reason even when your OCI card is valid.
Yes, an OCI cardholder is eligible to get an Aadhar card if they fulfill some criteria. Such as, if they have stayed in India for at least 182 days in the past year and if the revenue officials verify the applicant’s 182-day stay requirement.
Yes, an OCI card can be used as proof of identity in India. The cardholder can use the OCI card for several reasons. Such as when applying for a PAN card, opening a bank account, making investments in India, owning real estate, etc.
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