OCI Card

THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO COORDINATION BETWEEN Indian CONSULATES AND EMBASSY AND MINISTRY OF EXTRENAL AFFAIRS...ALL CONSULATES HAVE DIFFERENT VIEWS AND DIRECTIVES...
BELOW IS THE NEW ORDER FOR CURRENT PIO CARD HOLDERS.
 
"Updated information on requirement of registration for OCI in lieu of PIO cards
It is hereby informed that the date of submission of online applications by the erstwhile PIO cardholders with valid PIO cards as on 09 January 2015 for registration as OCI cardholder in lieu of PIO card has been extended till 30 September 2015.

     The applicants may submit the applications for OCI card in lieu of PIO card to the Embassy/Consulates/FFRO concerned within the Consular jurisdiction of his/her place of residence. This is in modification of the earlier instruction that they should apply only at the location where the PIO card was issued.

     OCI card is a smart card which will facilitate quicker immigration clearance at the Immigration counters in India. Therefore, PIO cardholders are advised to apply for OCI card in lieu of PIO card before 30 September 2015 at https://passport.gov.in/oci. Procedure for applying OCI in lieu of PIO card is available at http://in.ckgs.us/oci/oci-categories/oci-in-lieu-of-pio-us-adult.shtml.

     While the grant of OCI card in lieu of PIO card will be on gratis basis, the applicants would bear only the postage charges and service fee wherever applicable.

     For the time being, a PIO cardholder can travel to India on the basis of their valid PIO card and valid foreign passport. Separately in cases of erstwhile PIO cardholders, the new foreign passport number (when they get a new passport) will be endorsed on the existing PIO card till the person concerned is issued an OCI card in lieu of PIO card.

     Nevertheless, as provided above, all PIO card holders are advised to apply for OCI card in lieu of PIO cards before 30 September 2015."