Need Info on PIO card

[jigarhshah]

I have a few questions on PIO application and status and I tried calling the consultate in SFO but they never call back. Very unhelpful bunch of folks up there.

1. Do you know the best way to reach the SFO office? Any tricks to get somebody on the other line ?
2. My Son was born a month back and we are going to india in a months time. So I thought best thing would be to get a PIO rather than apply for visa? Any recommendations? Also should I apply for PIO or CIO? He has a US passport; got that in three days.
3. If I send the original US passport in the mail in application then do I need a apostilled copy of the 1st page or just a notarized copy?
4. Do I need his thumb impression on the form? He is only a month old.
5. If I send my original Indian passport then do I still need notarized copy of the Indian passports i.e. the parents passports?
6. Lastly if you send originals like birth certificate do I still need notarized copies? or apostilled copies
7. Also if I send all these originals in the mail will they send me back my originals or not ? Any experience in this case would be helpful to know.
8. For proof of local address; I was going to use my Drivers license; do I need my wife's driver license as well? My driver license does not have my current address will it do?

It says for Minors 13 and 14th in the form is not relevant is that true?

Any other info would be helpful.

Thanks

[curtdfw]

1. Do you know the best way to reach the SFO office? Any tricks to get somebody on the other line ?

They very rarely if ever answer the phone. The best way to reach them is to walk in the front door.

2. My Son was born a month back and we are going to india in a months time. So I thought best thing would be to get a PIO rather than apply for visa? Any recommendations? Also should I apply for PIO or CIO? He has a US passport; got that in three days.

Website says 15 working days (3 weeks) for PIO -- looks a little tight. You could get a tourist visa for now and do PIO when there's more time.

3. If I send the original US passport in the mail in application then do I need a apostilled copy of the 1st page or just a notarized copy?

From the SF website: When the original passport is enclosed, there is no need to notarize photocopy

...

5. If I send my original Indian passport then do I still need notarized copy of the Indian passports i.e. the parents passports?

From the SF website: When the original passport is enclosed, there is no need to notarize photocopy

6. Lastly if you send originals like birth certificate do I still need notarized copies? or apostilled copies

From the SF website: If applying by mail, Photocopy of all documents including Photo should be notarized and attached to the application. If original supporting documents are enclosed, there is no need of notarization. When the original passport is enclosed, there is no need to notarize photocopy

7. Also if I send all these originals in the mail will they send me back my originals or not ? Any experience in this case would be helpful to know.

Houston didn't require originals so don't know for certain, but would assume they'd be returned. From the website wording it sounds like you could send notarized copies of most stuff and avoid sending originals except for passport.

8. For proof of local address; I was going to use my Drivers license; do I need my wife's driver license as well? My driver license does not have my current address will it do?

Well, the address stuff is used to confirm jurisdiction, so inconsistent address info could raise a flag with them. I'd include both yours and your wife's. It should be easy enough to get the DL updated...

Lastly, here's what I sent to Houston last year:

http://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51948&highlight=card+spouse+houston+consulate

[jigarhshah]

Thanks a million for the info. I just wanted assurance and you gave me that.