PIO card / Help

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ppr259

Registered Users (C)
I am applying for PIO cards for my family at Indian Consulate in NY. I have few questions.

1. Do I need to send them original US passports and original expired Indian passports? Can I send certified photo copies instead of originals? Some how original documents are requested in PIO application, where as OCI application can be done with photo copies.

2. Same question regarding child's original birth certificate? Can certified copy work instead?

3. If I go personally with application and passports, can I submit certified photo copies of documents?

4. What is normally processing times for PIO card application in NY consulate?

I will really appreciate your experience, knowledge, help and input.

Thanks,

ST:
 
1st check the website of the consulate, it is the best source of info.


Also look into whether PIO or OCI is better for you. OCI is more suited for most people, it is like the US greencard in terms of benefits.
 
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1. Do I need to send them original US passports and original expired Indian passports? Can I send certified photo copies instead of originals? Some how original documents are requested in PIO application, where as OCI application can be done with photo copies.

Yes, originals have to be sent. Thats what the PIO application says. OCI and PIO are 2 different animals.

2. Same question regarding child's original birth certificate? Can certified copy work instead?
What you mght have is a copy anyways. In GA, the original birth certificate is always on file with the county office. What you get are certified copies. And yes, you can send them.

3. If I go personally with application and passports, can I submit certified photo copies of documents?

You will still have to submit originals, but chances are they will issue PIO that same day (happened with a friend in NYC)

4. What is normally processing times for PIO card application in NY consulate?
They say 15 working days, but expect 45 calender day turnaround time.
 
1) If applying for a PIO card, you will need to send the following:

a) Completed application form, 2 copies
b) Photographs
c) Notarized copy of US passport(first 3 and last 3 pages only).
d) for children - Notarized copies of parent(s) Indian passport(first 3 and last 3 pages only)
e) for children - Photocopy of birth certificate
f) Fees

Please note that no originals or passports have to be sent for a PIO card. PHOTOCOPIES ONLY. If approved you will receive a PIO card in about 3 to 4 weeks.

2) If applying for a OCI card, you will need to initially send the following:

a) 2 copies of completed Part A and Part B of the application form
b) 3 Photographs(of which 2 are stuck to the application form copies)
c) 2 copies - Self attested photocopies of US Passport(first 3 and last 3 pages only)
d) 2 copies - Self attested photocopies of cancelled Indian Passport(first 3 and last 3 pages only)
e) 2 copies - Self attested proof of citizenship of applicant(Naturalization certificate)
f) Fees

Again, no originals have to be sent at this point. PHOTOCOPIES ONLY.

After a few weeks(maybe a month or so) and if approved, you will receive notification from your local Indian Consulate, after which you will have to send in your original US passport. A OCI sticker/visa will be pasted onto your US passport and mailed back to you.

Also, note that the two lists mentioned above are not complete. Please contact your local Indian consulate for complete details or visit the appropriate website.
 
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