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PIO Card
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PIO card minor San Francisco
I wanted to share my experience to help others, and as everybody knows CKGS website is not too descriptive, and people applying for PIO card do not get clarity with that website.
1 - I applied for PIO card for Minor for my son in San Francisco office.
2 - I submitted 2 copies of all supporting documents(birth certificate of my son, address in US, Indian passport for myself and wife, with 1st page, last page, and visa copies, payment copy of the fee, along with photocopies of my son’s passport with 1st page, and endorsement pages) with duly signed by me and my wife.
3 - Other than that I submitted 4 photos of baby, and original passport and application form duly filled for my son. only 1 copy of the forms.
4 – Forms submitted are - Additional Particulars Form, CKGS Order Form, Parental Authorization Form for Minors, and PIO application form.
5 - Get Parental Authorization Form for Minors and 3rd page of Additional Particulars Form notarized. Both the forms should be notarized with signature of both the parents. I got it from a mail place, but some people have specified it at Bank of America it is available for free, I checked with them, but it was not available in my bank facility.
6 - I shipped the documents with Fedex along with prepaid return shipping envelop in the envelope that I sent to SFO office.
7 - Don't pay the fee online, there system sucks, and you would have to do follow up to get the acknowledgement receipt. What are the other ways to pay it, I am not sure.
8 - While filling the form, give 1 India address, and if your passport has that address, then you do not have to give any other document for India address proof.
9 - In the form specify 1 passport details wherever it is asking for parents details (like father's details or mother's), but attach copy of both of the passports.
10 - They take some day to respond back with the tracking number once your documents are delivered, for that too I had to do the follow up.
11 – I sent the documents on 8/28, but got a tracking number on 9/9 and the same date I got the status as application submitted to Indian embassy.
12 – Then no update until 9/18, got an update on 9/18 that application received back by CKGS, and they will send it back to me, as I had already sent the Fedex return shipping level.
13 – I am on H1 and my wife H4, both from India.
14 – Overall not bad experience from CKGS San Francisco.
15 – Once again, application form were 1 copy, and supporting documents were 2 copies signed by me and my wife.
1 - I applied for PIO card for Minor for my son in San Francisco office.
2 - I submitted 2 copies of all supporting documents(birth certificate of my son, address in US, Indian passport for myself and wife, with 1st page, last page, and visa copies, payment copy of the fee, along with photocopies of my son’s passport with 1st page, and endorsement pages) with duly signed by me and my wife.
3 - Other than that I submitted 4 photos of baby, and original passport and application form duly filled for my son. only 1 copy of the forms.
4 – Forms submitted are - Additional Particulars Form, CKGS Order Form, Parental Authorization Form for Minors, and PIO application form.
5 - Get Parental Authorization Form for Minors and 3rd page of Additional Particulars Form notarized. Both the forms should be notarized with signature of both the parents. I got it from a mail place, but some people have specified it at Bank of America it is available for free, I checked with them, but it was not available in my bank facility.
6 - I shipped the documents with Fedex along with prepaid return shipping envelop in the envelope that I sent to SFO office.
7 - Don't pay the fee online, there system sucks, and you would have to do follow up to get the acknowledgement receipt. What are the other ways to pay it, I am not sure.
8 - While filling the form, give 1 India address, and if your passport has that address, then you do not have to give any other document for India address proof.
9 - In the form specify 1 passport details wherever it is asking for parents details (like father's details or mother's), but attach copy of both of the passports.
10 - They take some day to respond back with the tracking number once your documents are delivered, for that too I had to do the follow up.
11 – I sent the documents on 8/28, but got a tracking number on 9/9 and the same date I got the status as application submitted to Indian embassy.
12 – Then no update until 9/18, got an update on 9/18 that application received back by CKGS, and they will send it back to me, as I had already sent the Fedex return shipping level.
13 – I am on H1 and my wife H4, both from India.
14 – Overall not bad experience from CKGS San Francisco.
15 – Once again, application form were 1 copy, and supporting documents were 2 copies signed by me and my wife.
All Replies (19)
New PIO - Minor experience
Like others below I as well had the best experience with CKGS in with new PIO card for my 4 month old child. Thanks to this forum for good reference and experiences(especially Kanika for detailed checklist and description).
I have posted the application through Fedex on Aug27.
Reached CKGS SFO on Aug 28.
Received tracking number on Sep 6 saying my application has been submitted to the embassy.
Received approval email from CKGS on 12th.
Received PIO card with an overnight priority delivery(pre-paid) thru Fedex on 15th(i guess due to weekend)!!
Key things just mentioning(which I did)
Notarized 3rd page of the application. (I did in First Tech bank for free(if you have an account with them))
Sent Cashiers Check for 220$ (including the 15$ Fedex pre paid delivery)
Send 2 sets of all docs.
Strange thing is CKGS application tracking page is still saying my application is with embassy for processing!!
All the best.
I have posted the application through Fedex on Aug27.
Reached CKGS SFO on Aug 28.
Received tracking number on Sep 6 saying my application has been submitted to the embassy.
Received approval email from CKGS on 12th.
Received PIO card with an overnight priority delivery(pre-paid) thru Fedex on 15th(i guess due to weekend)!!
Key things just mentioning(which I did)
Notarized 3rd page of the application. (I did in First Tech bank for free(if you have an account with them))
Sent Cashiers Check for 220$ (including the 15$ Fedex pre paid delivery)
Send 2 sets of all docs.
Strange thing is CKGS application tracking page is still saying my application is with embassy for processing!!
All the best.
All Replies (5)
PIO Card Experience - Minor
Best Experience ever dealing with Indian Consulate. Although I have never faced any problem with my immigration issues or visa with India consulate but this one was breeze through.
Some facts:
• My wife and I are Indian Citizens.
• Our daughter is 6 month old US Citizen.
• Wanted to apply for PIO-MINOR.
• US passport : 5 year valid
Procedure:
• Filled up two - San Francisco Application form in original (as needed)
o Both needs 2 pictures (total 4) just clipped not pasted.
o Both application needs both parents sign in original
o Both application needs thumb prints of your kid in original
o Both application needs notary of both signatures (Total USD 40. $10 per notary per signature)
• Filled up two – OCI – Additional Particular form in original (as needed)
• Filled up two – CKGS application Center in original (as needed)
• Filled up two – Parent Authorization form in original (as needed)
• $220 Draft. (Includes $15 FedEx return fees). PS: They overnight you the return delivery.
• Original Utility bill (1 copy)
• Our – Passport and visa copy
• Our daughter’s original passport.
• Copy of our daughter birth certificate
• Leave blank space on form if not applicable.
Sent the application on 9/3. Reached Cox and Kings (CK) on 9/4. No updated on website or tracking id provided till 9/8. They submitted to consulate on 9/8. On 9/12 received an email from CK that my application is processed and they returned me passport on 9/12. Received on 9/15 today as it was a weekend.
PIO card is a kind of booklet attached with a rubber band to your original USA passport. Even though my kids USA passport is valid for 5 years, PIO card is valid for 15 years.
It has been super easy dealing with Cox and Kings and Indian consulate in San Francisco.
Hope this helps everyone.
PS : We both have expired H1-B visas with current H1 -approval.
Some facts:
• My wife and I are Indian Citizens.
• Our daughter is 6 month old US Citizen.
• Wanted to apply for PIO-MINOR.
• US passport : 5 year valid
Procedure:
• Filled up two - San Francisco Application form in original (as needed)
o Both needs 2 pictures (total 4) just clipped not pasted.
o Both application needs both parents sign in original
o Both application needs thumb prints of your kid in original
o Both application needs notary of both signatures (Total USD 40. $10 per notary per signature)
• Filled up two – OCI – Additional Particular form in original (as needed)
• Filled up two – CKGS application Center in original (as needed)
• Filled up two – Parent Authorization form in original (as needed)
• $220 Draft. (Includes $15 FedEx return fees). PS: They overnight you the return delivery.
• Original Utility bill (1 copy)
• Our – Passport and visa copy
• Our daughter’s original passport.
• Copy of our daughter birth certificate
• Leave blank space on form if not applicable.
Sent the application on 9/3. Reached Cox and Kings (CK) on 9/4. No updated on website or tracking id provided till 9/8. They submitted to consulate on 9/8. On 9/12 received an email from CK that my application is processed and they returned me passport on 9/12. Received on 9/15 today as it was a weekend.
PIO card is a kind of booklet attached with a rubber band to your original USA passport. Even though my kids USA passport is valid for 5 years, PIO card is valid for 15 years.
It has been super easy dealing with Cox and Kings and Indian consulate in San Francisco.
Hope this helps everyone.
PS : We both have expired H1-B visas with current H1 -approval.
All Replies (8)
PIO CARD AT WASHINGTON DC CKGS CENTER
Did anyone applied for PIO CARD AT DC CkGS location , How many days it usually take??
MY Case status:
PIO CARD Minor :
Application Couriered : 09/03
CKGS received on :09/04
As of date 09/09 status shows , Application received and in progress. Haven't received any further update yet nor money order cashed. I have to email to ckgs for Tracking id.
PIO CARD endorsement of new passport:
Application Couriered : 09/03
CKGS received on :09/04
Got a call from CKGS for additional document: 09/06
Additional document couriered: 09/08
CKGS receievd on 09/09
got an email that payment cashed on 09/09 with tracking number
Current status: Application received In progress
MY Case status:
PIO CARD Minor :
Application Couriered : 09/03
CKGS received on :09/04
As of date 09/09 status shows , Application received and in progress. Haven't received any further update yet nor money order cashed. I have to email to ckgs for Tracking id.
PIO CARD endorsement of new passport:
Application Couriered : 09/03
CKGS received on :09/04
Got a call from CKGS for additional document: 09/06
Additional document couriered: 09/08
CKGS receievd on 09/09
got an email that payment cashed on 09/09 with tracking number
Current status: Application received In progress
All Replies (3)
PIO Card application submission without an appointment/walkin at CKGS SFO
Hi,
Has any one submitted a PIO card aplication for a minor at CKGS San francisco with out having an appointment ? Do they accept
applications by walkins?
I just received my daughters US passport today and she is travelling in another 4 weeks and I am getting the earliest appointment by sep 30 st CKGS SFO.
Please let me know if any one have submitted an application by walkin. any issues for walkin? will there be delay in processing times of
PIO cards if submitted by walkins.
Thanks
Diwakar
Has any one submitted a PIO card aplication for a minor at CKGS San francisco with out having an appointment ? Do they accept
applications by walkins?
I just received my daughters US passport today and she is travelling in another 4 weeks and I am getting the earliest appointment by sep 30 st CKGS SFO.
Please let me know if any one have submitted an application by walkin. any issues for walkin? will there be delay in processing times of
PIO cards if submitted by walkins.
Thanks
Diwakar
All Replies (2)
How to submit Online Payment Transfer copy(PIO application) to CKGS
Hi,
I never thought i would go through this forum several times in the process of applying PIO card for my daughter. Few days back, we posted all required documents through Fedex courier service. Mistake we made was online payment (but not money order), today we got 'Incomplete application' mail from CKGS .Asking for the online payment transfer copy, about which they never mentioned anywhere to post it with all the documents.
Here is my question- in response to their query how to submit this online payment transfer copy - Courier or email them? tried to call them, but no answer.I'll keep trying.Meanwhile, I appreciate your help regarding this.
TIA
I never thought i would go through this forum several times in the process of applying PIO card for my daughter. Few days back, we posted all required documents through Fedex courier service. Mistake we made was online payment (but not money order), today we got 'Incomplete application' mail from CKGS .Asking for the online payment transfer copy, about which they never mentioned anywhere to post it with all the documents.
Here is my question- in response to their query how to submit this online payment transfer copy - Courier or email them? tried to call them, but no answer.I'll keep trying.Meanwhile, I appreciate your help regarding this.
TIA
All Replies (2)
My Excellent experience with CKGS Atlanta for Renunciation and PIO card.
Hello guys, I usually do not post anything but I was so confused during the application process that I had vowed to post information after my application was processed to help others.
Fortunately I have had a very positive and hassle free experience. My PIO and renunciation application were processed in about 1 week and I had mine and my wife’s passports and PIO card in our hand in 10 days… kudos to CKGS Atlanta and Indian Consulate in Atlanta !! Thank you guys.
Now to my tips-
• The CKGS website can be a bit confusing especially at first look.
• Please send in 2 sets of documents and also make copies of first 3 pages of your Indian passport (even if the 3rd page is blank- atleast mine was) also copy the endorsement pages of your U.S. passport (and that might be blank too!) . I sent black and white copies, no problems there.
• PIO form- In section 14 a/b please use a permanent address in India which can be of any friend or relative (I used my dad’s) ..Keep in my mind that this is the address that will be listed on your PIO card. As a proof of address in Q-25 I attached my father ‘s residential telephone bill.
• If the permanent address listed on passport is different than in the PIO application write a letter (make a word doc) mentioning that when you visit India you stay with that particular relative (whose address you will be mentioning in your PIO form)
• Just attach the photos to the application with a paper clip do not glue.
• In terms of FEDEX shipping, this was also one of the most confusing parts. My experience tells me that you need to send prepaid return envelopes (1 per person is enough even if renunciation and PIO card) and no need to pay $15 in CKGS order form (I did both and they just used my return envelopes so $15 extra gone waste! But I don’t care..). If you have 2 applications you can send them in one big envelope.
• Shipping labels- I had not done this before and this was confusing as well. Go to Fedex website and go to create shipment, it will ask you to create an account. After you create an account you will see a Fedex Ship Manager page. Under this Fedex ship manager sign is a tab that’s says “Ship “ if you click on the drop down menu you will get the option to create a Return shipping label. Create a label, go to Fedex location, get an envelope and put the label on it and send it with the application.
• Good luck with the application and hope everybody has a pleasant experience like me! Remember if you have any questions no matter how dumb email to [email protected], these guys are pretty good at responding quickly.
Fortunately I have had a very positive and hassle free experience. My PIO and renunciation application were processed in about 1 week and I had mine and my wife’s passports and PIO card in our hand in 10 days… kudos to CKGS Atlanta and Indian Consulate in Atlanta !! Thank you guys.
Now to my tips-
• The CKGS website can be a bit confusing especially at first look.
• Please send in 2 sets of documents and also make copies of first 3 pages of your Indian passport (even if the 3rd page is blank- atleast mine was) also copy the endorsement pages of your U.S. passport (and that might be blank too!) . I sent black and white copies, no problems there.
• PIO form- In section 14 a/b please use a permanent address in India which can be of any friend or relative (I used my dad’s) ..Keep in my mind that this is the address that will be listed on your PIO card. As a proof of address in Q-25 I attached my father ‘s residential telephone bill.
• If the permanent address listed on passport is different than in the PIO application write a letter (make a word doc) mentioning that when you visit India you stay with that particular relative (whose address you will be mentioning in your PIO form)
• Just attach the photos to the application with a paper clip do not glue.
• In terms of FEDEX shipping, this was also one of the most confusing parts. My experience tells me that you need to send prepaid return envelopes (1 per person is enough even if renunciation and PIO card) and no need to pay $15 in CKGS order form (I did both and they just used my return envelopes so $15 extra gone waste! But I don’t care..). If you have 2 applications you can send them in one big envelope.
• Shipping labels- I had not done this before and this was confusing as well. Go to Fedex website and go to create shipment, it will ask you to create an account. After you create an account you will see a Fedex Ship Manager page. Under this Fedex ship manager sign is a tab that’s says “Ship “ if you click on the drop down menu you will get the option to create a Return shipping label. Create a label, go to Fedex location, get an envelope and put the label on it and send it with the application.
• Good luck with the application and hope everybody has a pleasant experience like me! Remember if you have any questions no matter how dumb email to [email protected], these guys are pretty good at responding quickly.
All Replies (3)
PIO card with step by step details
Dear all,
i'm writing this coz of my frustration i experience at CKGS , anyone with a toddler of 21 months. Hope this helps someone going to SF
We decided to submit the application in person.
Documents needed,
1. 2 copies of application with last page being notarized( you can get this done at ups for 10$ per document)
2. additional forms listed on the website- 1 copy.
3. Thumbprint of the minor where required.
4. 1st and last page of toddler/minor's passport- photocopies
5. 1st & last page of mom's passport with the visa page- photocopies
6. 1st and last page of dad's passport with visa page-photocopies
7. govt identification photocopies for both parents
8. legal status documents photocopies of both parents.
9. return label with shipment and the envelope
10. fee of 211 $- paid by credit card. Cash not accepted at the consulate. + return label shipment of 15$ ( which you do or lesser if you are using some other form of carrier). We used fedex, so came to 20$ total.
11. Passport photos- you can get at walgreens or anywhere. Has to be U.S. Passport measurements with a white background.
Few tips for moms.
1. if your appointment is say 10 am- be early and it can take more than 3-4 hours coz some document is not there or photo not proper-any reason. she/ he makes you wait till all the appointments are over. So you can expect the next call once you are done with the documents at 2.30 or even 3pm. So be prepared with sufficient food, water and all necessities for the child.
2. Make sure to call the consulate twice to check upon all the necessary documents required.
We were told by the representative over the phone that notary was not necessary if you are submitting in person. But when we submitted she /he told us to get the last page of application notarized which costed us extra 40$ getting it done at the UPS store opposite the CKGS.
So if you are getting PIO card first time, notary is necessary!. Again, since thr is no clear cut rule on website( the lady at the consulate gave us a different story again, so) or over the phone, if i was you, i would hound those people ten times if necessary to avoid delay to make it clear , considering a toddler in the picture.
3. Also there is a parking right next to the building, so that is not an issue. Usually paid public parking are anywhere with 3 $ for 15 min to 35/45 $ max per day. Hey its SF!. so you know its expensive!
These are my two cents,
happy to answer anyone with questions if i know them about SF.
i'm writing this coz of my frustration i experience at CKGS , anyone with a toddler of 21 months. Hope this helps someone going to SF
We decided to submit the application in person.
Documents needed,
1. 2 copies of application with last page being notarized( you can get this done at ups for 10$ per document)
2. additional forms listed on the website- 1 copy.
3. Thumbprint of the minor where required.
4. 1st and last page of toddler/minor's passport- photocopies
5. 1st & last page of mom's passport with the visa page- photocopies
6. 1st and last page of dad's passport with visa page-photocopies
7. govt identification photocopies for both parents
8. legal status documents photocopies of both parents.
9. return label with shipment and the envelope
10. fee of 211 $- paid by credit card. Cash not accepted at the consulate. + return label shipment of 15$ ( which you do or lesser if you are using some other form of carrier). We used fedex, so came to 20$ total.
11. Passport photos- you can get at walgreens or anywhere. Has to be U.S. Passport measurements with a white background.
Few tips for moms.
1. if your appointment is say 10 am- be early and it can take more than 3-4 hours coz some document is not there or photo not proper-any reason. she/ he makes you wait till all the appointments are over. So you can expect the next call once you are done with the documents at 2.30 or even 3pm. So be prepared with sufficient food, water and all necessities for the child.
2. Make sure to call the consulate twice to check upon all the necessary documents required.
We were told by the representative over the phone that notary was not necessary if you are submitting in person. But when we submitted she /he told us to get the last page of application notarized which costed us extra 40$ getting it done at the UPS store opposite the CKGS.
So if you are getting PIO card first time, notary is necessary!. Again, since thr is no clear cut rule on website( the lady at the consulate gave us a different story again, so) or over the phone, if i was you, i would hound those people ten times if necessary to avoid delay to make it clear , considering a toddler in the picture.
3. Also there is a parking right next to the building, so that is not an issue. Usually paid public parking are anywhere with 3 $ for 15 min to 35/45 $ max per day. Hey its SF!. so you know its expensive!
These are my two cents,
happy to answer anyone with questions if i know them about SF.
All Replies (3)
Help in Filling PIO Application
I am trying to get PIO for my son who is a month old. I was trying to fill the PIO application form and i read in instructions that no field should left unfilled and they won't accept "N/A".
Since my son is minor lot of fields in application like business, business address etc needs to be left empty. Like to know how to fill those fields for minor
TIA
Since my son is minor lot of fields in application like business, business address etc needs to be left empty. Like to know how to fill those fields for minor
TIA
All Replies (3)
PIO Card - Excellent service provided CKGS.
We applied for our daughter`s PIO card at San Francisco on 31st July 2014(the day we sent our courier) and got her PIO card on 13th August 2014. I was surprised that the service was so fast after hearing not so good experiences with other folks here. The PIO card has a validity of 18 yrs (atleast that is what we got) from the applicant`s date of birth. Like in my case : My daughter was born in 2011 so she got her PIO card till 2029.
We had taken CKGS FedEx return service and had also a sent a self addressed envelope, but looks like the self addressed envelope was not required.
Just wanted to share our experience and also wanted to thank an immihelp user "kanikagupta" for answering my all doubts promptly.
We had taken CKGS FedEx return service and had also a sent a self addressed envelope, but looks like the self addressed envelope was not required.
Just wanted to share our experience and also wanted to thank an immihelp user "kanikagupta" for answering my all doubts promptly.
All Replies (5)
Disclaimer: Please note that the experiences presented are submitted by visitors to our website. Individuals’ experiences may vary, and you should interpret each individual’s experience at your own risk. Do not make a decision solely based on an experience posted here. We do not endorse any individuals’ experiences, and we are not liable or responsible for consequences stemming from your use of the information presented within any individual’s experience.
