http://immigrationindia.nic.in
PIO
http://immigrationindia.nic.in/FAQ_PIO.htm
Visa extension
http://immigrationindia.nic.in/FAQ_Visa_Extensions.htm
http://immigrationindia.nic.in
PIO (Person Of Indian Origin) Card
PIO card scheme, 1999 has been revised. The new PIO Card Scheme, 2002, is in operation since 15th September, 2002. According to the revised scheme, the PIO Card is valid for 15 years and a fee of Rupees 15,000/- charged for issue of the same. In the case of minor, i.e. below 18 years of age, the fee is Rupees 7,500/- for 15 years validity card.
Authority to which application is to be made: -
(i) An application for issue of a PIO Card shall be made to an Indian Mission in the country where the applicant is ordinarily resident.
(ii) Applicants already in India on Long Term Visa (more than one year) shall make the application for issue of a PIO Card to the following authorities: -
(A) Those residing in: -
(a) Delhi : Foreigners Regional Registration Officer,
Level-II, East Block-VIII,
Sector-I, R.K. Puram,
New Delhi-110066
(b) Mumbai : Foreigners Regional Registration Officer,
3rd Floor, Special Branch Building,
Badruddin Tayabji Lane,
Behind St. Xaviers College,
Mumbai-400001
(c) Kolkata : Foreigners Regional Registration Officer,
237, Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose Road,
Kolkata-700020
(d) Amritsar : Foreigners Regional Registration Officer,
123-D, Ranjeet Avenue,
Amritsar-143001
(e) Chennai : Chief Immigration Officer,
Bureau of Immigration,
Shastri Bhavan, 26, Haddows Road,
Chennai-600006
(B) Those residing in areas other than (A) above: -
Joint Secretary (Foreigners),
Ministry of Home Affairs,
Ist floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan,
Khan Market,
New Delhi - 110003.
Possession of a PIO card, entitles a foreigner to enter or leave India without the requirements of any other VISA. Registration, however, is required with the concerned FRRO/CHIO/FRO office for a PIO card holder also if he stays in India for more than six months continuously like foreigners on any other types of long-term Visa.
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Visa Extension / Conversion
The powers of Visa conversions and visa extensions to foreigners present in India, vests with the Ministry of Home Affairs. For this purpose the foreigners can approach the Foreigners Division, MHA, Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market, New Delhi between 10 AM to 12 AM on all working days (Monday to Friday). The change of visa status from one category to another category is normally not allowed. It can be considered by MHA only in extraordinary circumstances. For this purpose, the foreigner should normally come in person to the office. In exceptional cases and where allowed, a duly authenticated representative may be sent. Foreigners not residing in Delhi may approach the FRRO/CHIO/FRO concerned who would forward their case in MHA for approval. Applications for extensions/conversions should be made well in advance.
For the convenience of the foreigners, however, the FRROs/CHIO/FROs are empowered to make extensions / conversions for certain types of Visas without referring the same to MHA. The details of such powers vested with FRROs etc. are: -
1. In case of foreigners of Indian origin/foreigner married to Indian citizen/foreigner staying in India for more than 20 years, extension can be given on entry Visa by FRROs for a period of 5 years.
2. FRRO can extend the VISA for three months in case of Employment & Business VISAs and forward the case for further extension upto 1 year, to MHA. After obtaining approval from MHA, FRRO can extend that VISA for further four years on year-to-year basis.
3. FRRO can convert visa and grant extension of stay to foreign students studying upto 12th standard, whose parents are of Indian origin or whose parents are Indian nationals- on year to year basis. Same facility is also available for children of foreigners residing in India on long-term basis (studying up 12th Standard) on valid visas such as Employment, Business, Research, Entry Student etc.
4. FRRO can grant 15 days extension of stay on all types of visas on production of confirmed ticket for departure.
5. For student Visa Holders : FRRO can extend the Student Visa for duration of the course or for a maximum period of 5 years, whichever is less, to bonafide students coming to India to join well-known institutions subject to fulfillment of conditions prescribed. The visa fee for a student for the duration of the course or for a maximum period of 5 years, whichever is less, is US$ 75, but it remains a one time fee for duration of the course and all extensions within this duration are given free of cost. An additional fee of US$ 75 has to be charged for change in course/subsequent course. FRRO may allow change in Institution/course (on payment of fee) provided the new institution and course are also fully recognized/approved and are full-time proper courses. In case of PG Courses, fee has to be charged (except ICCR Scholars & students of gratis countries) for extension of visa on the basis of bonafide certificates.
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