PIO or OCI

abfab · Oct 2nd, 2007, 04:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaktipalooza

Have you ever held an Indian passport? If not and you're over 18 years old I believe you are only eligible for the PIO card.

I don't think this is true, you can certainly be eligible for an OCI based on your parents status without having held an Indian passport of your own.

Spouses are the main group who are not eligible for an OCI and can only obtain a PIO card.

Dilliwala · Oct 2nd, 2007, 04:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nattusbs

OCI is for life, while PIO is for 15 years.
With OCI one needs to register with FRRO office every 6 months. With OCI no registration with FRRO is needed.

I think u mean "With PIO one needs to register with FRRO every 6 months...."
That is not true in all cases, although it's anybody's guess who is exempted as per the text below:

Benefits Available To A PIO Card Holder
....
"2. A PIO card holder only requires registration and that too once ,(if the card is issued by the authority under whose jurisdiction he is staying for the time being.) if stay on any single visit in India exceeds 180 days."

Nick-H · Oct 2nd, 2007, 08:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoanCanuck

Absolutely true. The PIO card is basically only required while entering and leaving India. You can own property in India if you are a person of Indian origin even if you do not have a PIO card.

Although the definition under FEMA is different, being restricted to the father's side --- IIRC.

Quote:

Originally Posted by abfab

I don't think this is true, you can certainly be eligible for an OCI based on your parents status without having held an Indian passport of your own.

Spouses are the main group who are not eligible for an OCI and can only obtain a PIO card.

True and True: I remember wondering, Shaktipalooza, why you were not getting OCI for your son, as he and your wife qualify, whereas you can only get PIO.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dilliwala

I think u mean "With PIO one needs to register with FRRO every 6 months...."
That is not true in all cases, although it's anybody's guess who is exempted as per the text below:

Benefits Available To A PIO Card Holder
....
"2. A PIO card holder only requires registration and that too once ,(if the card is issued by the authority under whose jurisdiction he is staying for the time being.) if stay on any single visit in India exceeds 180 days."

If you are just visiting, and staying less than 180 days: no registration. That is the only exemption. (OCI advantage: no registration at all, ever.)

If you are resident in India, you will be given a Registration Certificate/Resident's Permit valid as long as the FRRO chooses. When I had a one-year visa they gave me one year; when I got PIO they gave me five years. I've heard of PIO-card holders getting full 15-year RC/RP! They are unlikely to give just six-month.

If you move out of the jurisdiction of the FRRO where you are registered, except for short periods to allow travel, you must re-register at the new location, and you must inform change of address even at the same location.

You do not need to re-register after a trip out of India: the certificate states that it should be surrendered on final departure from India

Right. Between us I think we've got the details covered!

Shaktipalooza · Oct 2nd, 2007, 09:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H

Although the definition under FEMA is different, being restricted to the father's side --- IIRC.

True and True: I remember wondering, Shaktipalooza, why you were not getting OCI for your son, as he and your wife qualify, whereas you can only get PIO.

Well, the information on the San Francisco consulate page changes on a weekly basis. I finally noticed the additional info on OCI applications and you're both right, me wrong. We did submit the PIO > OCI conversion application for the little monster today.

Looks like the house negotiations are over. The moment we close next month I'll be purchasing tickets for India.

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