10Yr Visa or PIO, which is better ?

test90210

New Member
I am trying to find out whether 10 yr tourist Visa or PIO card is better in long term for my Kid ( US Born) who plans to travel to India in coming Months. My kid already has 5 yr Tourist Visa which is expiring in June 2007. Some of the factors which I am considering, a) my kid may go to India in next 5 years and take some studies in India. May come back to US ( cann;t say ) later on. b) may go back permanently to India in next 10 years..

Some of the factors and quiestions -

1) Cost wise I see PIO is better option as it is for extra 5 dollars and has additional 5 years.

2) For the future option of taking education in India for the kid ( mainly schools pre 12 class), what is difference having PIO card or Tourist Visa ? Am I correct that you can not study in schools in India with tourist Visa.

3) In terms of renewal, as US Passport expires every 5 years , how does it works for PIO card ? I guess you will need at least to update the PIO card with new Passport details. I beileve the reprocessing will not be required for Visa as you continue to carry the old passport.

4) As I see the new application of PIO card does not require the original passport to submit, Can the person travel to India ( on valid tourist Visa) till PIO card gets processed as it takes any where from 30 days to 3-4 months in SFO counsalate ?

5) Are there any other advantages or disadvantages for Visa ?
 
Hi -

You definitely want to consider a PIO card (or even OCI - if applicable to your child). It is far better to have PIO/OCI than a regular visa.

PIO is valid for 15yrs and yes - you can travel to India while you PIO/ OCI application is pending - provided you have a valid visa stamp on your US passport.

You are allowed to study, work, invest etc if you have PIO/OCI status. I dont believe you can study or work on a regular tourist visa - there are separate visa categories for such requirements. Also - technically, on a visa, you cannot stay in India for more than 180 days in one trip.

These should be good enough reasons for you to consider a PIO card.
 
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