PIO cards no more exist as Indian government has ordered for the cancellation of this immigration service. But its conversion to OCI card has smoothened the way of PIOs to travel India. It’s a good alternative. This cancellation is not applicable for those who obtained it before January 9, 2015. They can extend its validity to lifetime by getting it stamped from the Indian consulate office. Individuals in foreign security and retired foreign policemen are not applicable for it.
To get it converted to OCI card, the applicant can go to http://passport.gov.in/oci/captchActionPIO. They must through Part A and Part B of registration. In Part A, the applicant must provide details of self, passport and family. Afterwards, he/she can get a web file number. Then, part B will initiate. The registration form will appear. Provide all the requisite details. Submit it with the enclosed documents online. The government does not charge any money for this service. But if one hires any outsourcer, he/ she must pay certain amount as service charge.
