UPDATE: Conversion of PIO card to OCI card: Last date extended to December 31
Atlanta, GA, June 15, 2016: The merger of Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) schemes, as announced by the Indian government, is turning out to be a confusing exercise as the deadline for the conversion of cards nears on June 30. The Consulate General of India in Atlanta issued a press release in this regard on Tuesday.
“This is to inform that for the purpose of conversion of PIO cards to OCI cards, there is no need to produce all documents as required while applying for a fresh OCI card. The only documents required are a copy of valid PIO card (both pages) and a copy of the current valid passport,” said the release.
If applications are sent by mail, the documents may be notarized and submitted.
Until applicants are in receipt of an OCI card issued in lieu of PIO card, they can travel toIndiawith their valid foreign passport and valid PIO card. Those who have already traveled to India on their PIOs and are still in India, are advised to contact their respective FRROs (foreigner regional registration offices ) for latest instructions regarding traveling on their PIO card after June 30, 2016, said the release.
