Which is better OCI or Pio?
A PIO card is considered valid only if you hold a valid passport. On the contrary, an OCI card allows lifetime visa-free traveling to and from India. An OCI cardholder can stay in India for any length of time without any concern of intimation to the local police or FRRO.
How is Pio different from OCI?
Person of Indian Origin (PIO) refers to a foreign citizen who held an Indian Passport at any point in time or whose parents/grandparents/great grandparents were citizens of India….Benefits of OCI:
| PIO Card | OCI Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Validity | 15 years from the date of PIO Card issuance | Lifelong from the date of OCI Card issuance |
Is it mandatory to change from PIO to OCI?
Is it mandatory to convert PIO card to OCI card? Yes, it is. All Person of Indian Origin Cardholders are deemed to be OCI Cardholders in India’s Citizenship Amendment Bill 2015. Hence, you need to convert your PIO card to OCI card before or by December 31, 2021.
What if PIO is not converted to OCI?
After the new deadline, PIO cards will be invalid and cardholders who have not applied for their OCI cards may be required to obtain a visa or exit permit to travel across India’s borders.
Is OCI and NRI same?
The NRI status can also be given to citizens who live abroad but have the roots connected to India whether through their parents or guardians. On the other hand, OCI cardholders are foreigners or citizens who want to work or to study within the Indian territory.
What documents are required for Pio to OCI?
Proof of address must match with the present address as per application: (any ONE of the below documents) – State Issued ID OR – Driving license OR – Utility Bill – Water (should be recent, no more than 3 months old) OR – Utility Bill – Gas (should be recent, no more than 3 months old) OR – Utility Bill – Electricity ( …
Can OCI open bank account in India?
OCI cardholders are permitted for opening NRO (Non-Residents Ordinary Accounts), NRE (Non-Residents External accounts), and FCNR (B) (Foreign Currency Non-Resident Bank) bank accounts. They are also permitted for opening domestic accounts in some instances.
What’s the difference between PIO card and OCI card?
A PIO card allows visa-free travel from and to India to the person holding a valid card. A PIO card is considered valid only if you hold a valid passport. On the contrary, an OCI card allows lifetime visa-free traveling to and from India. ii. Next important difference between OCI and PIO is the extension of stay.
Is the PIO card valid at the time of travel?
It may, however, be ensured that the PIO card is valid at the time of travel. All PIO cardholders (handwritten and machine-readable) are meanwhile advised to convert their PIO card to OCI card.
Can a PIO card holder apply for Indian citizenship?
OCI Card Holders can apply for Indian citizenship after 5 years of holding an OCI Card and they must reside in India for a year According to the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2015, all PIO card holders are ‘deemed to be’ OCI card holders with effect from January 9, 2016.
Why did Modi announce merger of OCI and poi cards?
Modi also announced the merger of PIO and Overseas Citizens of India schemes to facilitate hassle-free travel to the Indian Diaspora. The merger of these two cards could make PIO card holders also eligible for the benefits that are enjoyed by OCI card holders.