OCI in Lieu of PIO - now Dual Citizen (Canada / USA)

[JGD108]

Hello !

I was only a Canadian citizen and Green Card holder when I got my PIO card on Jan 5th 2015 (days before the end of the scheme), and I got it because I'm married to an Indian OCI spouse.
I had no plans on converting my PIO to OCI since it is valid Lifelong, but worries that it might be an issue and cost money at some point (free for now minux CKGS fees)
Last year I naturalized and became a US Citizen.
My consulate is in San Francisco.

Questions:
- If I do the OCI in Lieu of PIO process, which passport do I submit? The Canadian one to which the PIO is "linked", the US one or both?
- I have India travels coming up, my understanding is I can start the OCI conversion process and still travel, only later there's a "OCI matchup" where I do need to send my passport (and PIO I assume)?
- Is it worth the "risk" and effort to do it, or I should just be happy with my PIO for the rest of my life?

Thanks!

[JGD108]

After a few emails with CKGS, they clarified it:

Dear Applicant,

Since your PIO Card was issued on the Canadian Passport you can transfer your PIO Card to OCI Card on your Canadian Passport by applying OCI in Lieu of PIO card.

If you wish your OCI Card to be issued on the US Passport then you are required to apply for New OCI Card.

Your reference ID for this email :

For further queries feel free to write us or call us on the details provided below.

Warm Regards,
CKGS Customer Service Associate
Customer Care Numbers: 516-206-1483 & 646-589-0088
Email: https://www.in.ckgs.us/feedback/
Website: www.in.ckgs.us

[ravifremont]

I was told by SF CKGS that it will never be necessary to submit ORIGINAL U.S. Passport during the course of OCI processing. Only copy. There is never a OCI matchup.

Is this correct?

[JGD108]

I was told by SF CKGS that it will never be necessary to submit ORIGINAL U.S. Passport during the course of OCI processing. Only copy. There is never a OCI matchup.

Is this correct?

Excellent point!
I read the FAQ on "Categories of PIO" and section 2 "How can I apply for an OCI in lieu of PIO card?" which shows a very detailed step by step of the process with images.

https://www.in.ckgs.us/faq

And also got more info on How to Apply - PIO and selected California

https://www.in.ckgs.us/oci/how-to-apply

Post Submission sections says:
"CALL FOR ORIGINAL DOCUMENT

The second part of the OCI process commences when the Embassy/Consulate informs CKGS that they have your NEW OCI card in their possession. Then, CKGS will notify the applicant to send their Current PIO card (original)."

No mention of passport matchup or sending the actual passport.

I might have gotten confused when I started the online part saying passport matchup, that must be for regular OCI card.

So it seems low risk other than sending your actual PIO card, no passports are being sent.

It is $20 to apply but it seems you are sending and receiving twice documents on pre-paid envelopes, so that adds probably another $30-40 of shipping..