Q.1098 Former PIO card holder

now OCI eligibility for Indian

citizenship

Question: Hello, I have 2 case scenarios I would like to get more information on. 1. My dad was born in india currently a Yemeni passport holder, he had PIO cardfor over 10 years and in 2014 changed it to OCI, is he eligible to apply for the indian citizenship via OCI on grounds of being an OCI holder sine 2014 (since now PIO merged with OCI). My mother is an indian citizen and they both residing in India since 5 years. 2. My sister's husband is an Indian citizen and she has been staying india since 9 years. She is currently an OCI holder, can she apply for the indian citizenship on grounds of being married to an indian citizen? Please clarify thanks Answer: Those who have OCI status may be granted Indian Citizenship after 5 years from date of registration provided they stay in India for one year before submitting the application for Indian citizenship. PIO scheme has been canceled and all valid PIO card holders were deemed to be OCI holders as of January 9, 2015. For former PIO Card holders, the five year time-line would start from the day they were deemed to be OCI. Regarding your question: 1. Check with the authorities if they will allow credit for the time you had PIO card. I am not aware of any announcement in this regard. If you cannot get credit then you will have to wait until the five year period is complete 2. I believe your sister may be able to apply based on being married to an Indian citizen. As per rules, A Person who is married to a citizen of India and is ordinarily resident in India for seven years can apply. Here let me caution you that the status of the applicant during stay in India should have been legal.