PIO cards status after December 31, 2016 if not converted to OCI

Will PIO cards be canceled if not converted to OCI by December 31, 2016 deadline?

The Government of India has in the past changed the deadline set for those holding valid PIO cards to get OCI in lieu of PIO for free. While many PIO card holders have taken advantage of this offer, there may be some PIO card holders who have not yet converted their PIO to OCI. There have been no announcements yet as to what will happen to PIO cards once the deadline passes.

Some points to consider if PIO still not converted to OCI

While no one can guess what the Government of India will do once the deadline passes for getting OCI in lieu of PIO, here are some scenarios: The deadline may yet be extended again The deadline may be extended but a fee imposed to convert PIO to OCI if people fail to convert for free by the December 3, 2016 deadline The chances are that PIO card holders would still be able to travel to India as all PIO cards were deemed to be OCI card and hence valid for lifetime [Gazette Notification No.26011/01/2014IC.I dated 09.01.2015] PIO card holders who have not yet converted to OCI should keep in mind that while initially the submission of the application for OCI card in lieu of PIO card was voluntary, it was later made mandatory. Those who have not yet converted their PIO card to OCI are advised to do so as soon as possible. Those who have not yet converted their PIO card’s to OCI should ensure that they get their PIO cards stamped at immigration points of entry to India stating validity for life. PIO card holder’s can travel to India on the basis of their valid PIO card with endorsement of “lifelong visa stamp” and valid foreign passport. Currently PIO card holders can continue to travel to India on the basis of their PIO card and valid passport. PIO card holders who have applied for OCI in lieu of PIO and have not received their OCI card yet can travel to India with their PIO card and Acknowledgement Slip of their OCI card in lieu of PIO card application Although it is doubtful that all PIO cards will stand canceled after December 31, 2016 without any prior notice by the authorities. It is better to take advantage of the free conversion offer at the earliest. More information on this topic will be posted on this page once the December 31, 2016 deadline passes and information becomes available.
Disclaimer: Information provided is for general knowledge only and should not be deemed to be professional advice. For professional advice kindly consult a professional accountant, immigration advisor or the Indian consulate. Rules and regulations do change from time to time. Please note that in case of any variation between what has been stated on this website and the relevant Act, Rules, Regulations, Policy Statements etc. the latter shall prevail. © Copyright 2006 Nriinformation.com
NRI
next
previous
N RI Information

NRI - OCI - PIO Guide & Information

Disclaimer: Information provided is for general knowledge only and should not be deemed to be professional advice. For professional advice kindly consult a professional accountant, immigration advisor or the Indian consulate. Rules and regulations do change from time to time. Please note that in case of any variation between what has been stated on this website and the relevant Act, Rules, Regulations, Policy Statements etc. the latter shall prevail. © Copyright 2006 Nriinformation.com
next next previous previous

PIO cards status after

December 31, 2016 if not

converted to OCI

Will PIO cards be canceled if not

converted to OCI by December 31,

2016 deadline?

The Government of India has in the past changed the deadline set for those holding valid PIO cards to get OCI in lieu of PIO for free. While many PIO card holders have taken advantage of this offer, there may be some PIO card holders who have not yet converted their PIO to OCI. There have been no announcements yet as to what will happen to PIO cards once the deadline passes.

Some points to consider if PIO still

not converted to OCI

While no one can guess what the Government of India will do once the deadline passes for getting OCI in lieu of PIO, here are some scenarios: The deadline may yet be extended again The deadline may be extended but a fee imposed to convert PIO to OCI if people fail to convert for free by the December 3, 2016 deadline The chances are that PIO card holders would still be able to travel to India as all PIO cards were deemed to be OCI card and hence valid for lifetime [Gazette Notification No.26011/01/2014IC.I dated 09.01.2015] PIO card holders who have not yet converted to OCI should keep in mind that while initially the submission of the application for OCI card in lieu of PIO card was voluntary, it was later made mandatory. Those who have not yet converted their PIO card to OCI are advised to do so as soon as possible. Those who have not yet converted their PIO card’s to OCI should ensure that they get their PIO cards stamped at immigration points of entry to India stating validity for life. PIO card holder’s can travel to India on the basis of their valid PIO card with endorsement of “lifelong visa stamp” and valid foreign passport. Currently PIO card holders can continue to travel to India on the basis of their PIO card and valid passport. PIO card holders who have applied for OCI in lieu of PIO and have not received their OCI card yet can travel to India with their PIO card and Acknowledgement Slip of their OCI card in lieu of PIO card application Although it is doubtful that all PIO cards will stand canceled after December 31, 2016 without any prior notice by the authorities. It is better to take advantage of the free conversion offer at the earliest. More information on this topic will be posted on this page once the December 31, 2016 deadline passes and information becomes available.