can i get US citizenship without losing Indian citizenship

[lotus]

Currently I am an Indian citizen with a US greencard. I was considering getting US citizenship. If i do this do I then need to go through the process of geting a PIO card and THEN becoming a dual citizen or will I be able to retain the Indian citizenship, albeit without full rights, and then definitely become a dual citizen without further process?

[tamtom]

Currently I am an Indian citizen with a US greencard. I was considering getting US citizenship. If i do this do I then need to go through the process of geting a PIO card and THEN becoming a dual citizen or will I be able to retain the Indian citizenship, albeit without full rights, and then definitely become a dual citizen without further process?

When you say "dual citizen" do you mean OCI, which can more accurately be described as a long-term multi-purpose Indian visa for foreigners of Indian origin? If so, you can only apply for it after you have your US passport, and you don't need to get PIO first. During the period after you apply for it and before it is granted, you do not "retain Indian citizenship" but are simply a foreigner in the eyes of Indian law.

However, if you get PIO first, then upgrade to OCI, it is cheaper than getting OCI directly. Also, processing time for PIO is quicker than OCI, so you should consider that if you need to make your trip to India on a short timeframe.

Hope this helps,

Tamtom

[vmjoshi]

As per consulates site PIO card costs 310$ and OCI costs 275$ . Then how come getting PIO and then applying for OCI is cheaper?

[immihelp]

If you want OCI, get that directly. No need to go through PIO-->OCI route. It costs more money and takes more time.

Only people should go through PIO-->OCI are the ones who already have PIO card before OCI scheme was introduced.

[tamtom]

If you want OCI, get that directly. No need to go through PIO-->OCI route. It costs more money and takes more time.

For applicants under 18 years old, PIO->OCI route costs $155 (to get PIO) + $25 (to upgrade PIO to OCI), for a total of $180, whereas OCI directly costs$275. So if under 18, PIO->OCI route costs LESS money. If over 18, PIO->OCI does cost more money.

As for time, OCI generally is slower than PIO, so it seems getting PIO first would allow you to make your trip to India while waiting for the OCI to come. If doing an upgrade, the instructions say you only have to return your PIO after the OCI is granted.

It's not clear whether it is valid to enter India on a PIO while waiting for the OCI upgrade, and then replace it with OCI while in India. Does anyone know the answer to that?

Hope this helps,

Tamtom