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Difference Between PIO and OCI Card & Why Are They Merged?

PIO and OCI Card

Citizens living outside India initially had the choice to apply for an Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card or a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card. These cards act as long-term identifying and travelling documents in place of a visa.

Eventually, the Government of India merged them and asked everyone to apply for OCI instead. As a result, effective from 30th September 2019, all PIO cards are deemed invalid, and only OCI cards are accepted as valid travelling documents.

Now, let’s dive in to better understand OCI vs PIO and how you can apply for OCI in India.

Table of Contents

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What is an OCI Card?

OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) card is an immigration status that allows foreign citizens of Indian origin to live, study, or work in India. OCI card holders can visit and stay in India at any time.

What is a PIO Card?

PIO (Person of Indian Origin) card refers to a foreign citizen who held an Indian Passport at any time or whose parents/grandparents/great-grandparents were citizens of India.

What is the Difference Between PIO vs OCI?

Here is a complete overview of the primary difference between PIO and OCI based on a variety of parameters –

Parameters PIO OCI
Citizenship PIO doesn't hold Indian citizens. OCI status extends to individuals of Indian origin as well as their spouses and minor children.
Visa Valid for 15 years once it is issued Lifelong validity once it is issued
Inheritance Rights PIOs may face limitations in inheriting certain types of properties. OCI cardholders have greater flexibility in property inheritance.
Voting Rights PIO does not have voting rights in Indian elections. OCI cardholders receive a lifelong multiple-entry visa to India.
Property Ownership PIOs face certain restrictions on acquiring or disposing of agricultural or plantation properties in India. OCI cardholders do not have any such limitations regarding property ownership in India
Dual citizenship PIOs retain their non-Indian citizenship unless they acquire Indian citizenship through naturalisation. OCI status does not confer Indian citizenship.
Socio-cultural engagements PIO cardholders can engage in sociocultural activities and participate in community events. OCI cardholders can also engage in socio-cultural activities but will have more comprehensive rights and benefits.
Economic Opportunities PIOs have certain economic benefits but may not enjoy the same level of parity. OCI cardholders have parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in financial, economic, and educational fields.
Historical significance The Person of Indian Origin (PIO) was introduced in 1999 to recognise and provide certain benefits to people of Indian origin who live outside of India.

The PIO card is a way for India to acknowledge its non-resident population and connect with its diaspora.

It gives PIOs a sense of belonging and identity and allows them to own property in India, except for agricultural land.		 The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Scheme was introduced in August 2005 to address the demands of the Indian diaspora for dual citizenship.

The scheme was created by amending the Citizenship Act of 1955, which prevents Indian citizens from having dual citizenship.

The OCI card was launched during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in Hyderabad on January 9, 2006.
Who can be an applicant? Any individual who has an Indian lineage and foreign citizenship with a foreign passport. Any individual who has an Indian lineage and foreign citizenship with a foreign passport.
Where can an individual apply? CKGS Application Center in the jurisdiction of the applicant. CKGS Application Center in the jurisdiction of the applicant.
Registration in FRO/FRRO Need to be updated after 180 days, for which an additional 30 days are provided Not required, irrespective of the period of stay

Important Note: Since the PIO and OCI Card Schemes have merged, the Government of India has decided to discontinue the issuance of new PIO cards, effective January 9, 2015. All applicants will now only have to apply for OCI cards. Hence, we will discuss the eligibility criteria, required documents, processing time and application process for OCI card in this article.

Differences Between OCI and PIO Cards Concerning General Living in India

Here is a brief overview of the differences OCI card and PIO card make in a cardholder’s daily activities in India.

Parameters OCI PIO
Financial and Economic Rights Besides investing in plantations and agricultural properties, individuals can obtain a driver's license and PAN card, open bank accounts, and earn and invest like regular Indian citizens. In addition to investing in plantations and agricultural properties, individuals can obtain a driver's license and PAN card, open bank accounts, and earn and invest like regular Indian citizens.
Employment Options in India OCI cardholders do not need an employment visa and can permanently settle in India. Their employment is not restricted, except in sectors that require special Protected and Restricted area permits. PIO Card holders do not need an employment visa. However, if they stay in India for more than 180 days, they must register with their nearest FRO office. They will not have any employment restrictions apart from sectors that need special Protected and Restricted area permits.
Education Rights OCI cardholders do not need an Education Visa and their children can enrol in academic institutes under the NRI quota. PIO cardholders do not need an Education Visa, and their children can enrol in academic institutes under the NRI quota.
Tax Liabilities If you earn in India, your income will be liable to taxation. Here, taxation also depends on your RNOR (not ordinarily resident) or ROR (Ordinary Resident) status. There will be no taxation if you possess an immovable property (house, land, etc.). However, if you sell that immovable property and incur a profit, it will be taxed. If you earn in India, your income will be liable to taxation. Here, taxation also depends on your RNOR (not ordinarily resident) or ROR (Ordinary Resident) status. If you possess an immovable property (house, land etc.), there will be no taxation on it. However, if you sell that immovable property and incur a profit, it will be taxed.
Acquisition of Indian Citizenship Since India does not permit dual citizenship, an OCI cardholder must surrender his current citizenship to obtain Indian citizenship. OCI cardholders are eligible to apply for Indian citizenship after five years from registration. However, they must stay in India for a year before applying for it. Since India does not permit dual citizenship, an OCI cardholder must surrender his current citizenship to obtain Indian citizenship, according to Sections 5(1) (a) and 5 (1) (c) of the Citizenship Act, a PIO card holder has to stay in India for a minimum of seven years to obtain Indian citizenship.

What are the Restrictions of OCI and PIO Status?

Both OCI and PIO have similar restrictions as follows –

  • Individuals cannot vote, own any agricultural property, exercise any constitutional rights like holding positions in the Rajya Sabha, the Lok Sabha, running for the Presidency, and becoming a judge in the Supreme Court or High Court in India.

  • They need Special Permits for research and missionary work, mountaineering, and entering protected and restricted Areas.

Eligibility Criteria to Apply for OCI Card

Now that you are aware of the basic differences between OCI card and PIO card, refer to the following to understand the eligibility requirements for OCI. 

Foreign Nationals with Indian Roots

A foreign national is eligible for an OCI card if they:

  • Were citizens of India at any time on or after January 26, 1950.
  • Were eligible to become citizens of India on January 26, 1950.
  • Belonged to a territory that became part of India after August 15, 1947.
  • Are a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of such a person.

Minor Children

A minor child of any of the categories mentioned above and/or with at least one parent who is a citizen of India.

Spouses

A foreign-origin spouse of an Indian citizen or an OCI cardholder provided their marriage is registered and has lasted for at least two continuous years before the application.

Additional Conditions for Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals cannot apply for OCI while on a Tourist Visa, Missionary Visa, or Mountaineering Visa. Also, applicants must be "ordinarily resident" in India for at least six continuous months to apply within India. The term "ordinarily resident" refers to staying in one location or in India for a continuous six-month period.

Individuals, or their parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents, who are or were citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or other countries specified by the Indian government are not eligible for an OCI card.

Documents Required to Apply for OCI Card in India

To apply for an OCI card, you need to furnish the following documents, Apart from all the documents below, a duplicate of the same should be attached to the application.

1

Photographs

 

4 passport-sized photographs as per the required specifications mentioned in the OCI application guidelines.

2

Previous Indian Passport

 

If they don’t have a passport, they are required to submit other documents, such as a nativity certificate, which will be sent to India for authentication and verification purposes.

3

Birth certificate

 

A birth certificate is mandatory to establish the applicant’s identity and Indian lineage.

4

Proof of Current Citizenship

 

Proof of citizenship in their current country, i.e., passport and local residence proof.

5

Proof of Relationship

 

If the applicant is applying based on their parent’s Indian citizenship, they are required to offer proof of their relationship.

6

Additional Requirements for Children

 

One of the parents must have foreign citizenship along with Indian lineage.

How to Apply for an OCI Card in India?

All applicants will now only have to apply for an OCI card. The OCI application form is available on the OCI Services website. The following steps are to be followed:

Step 1

First, Identify the OCI Service You Need

Determine which type of OCI service you need, i.e., registration for a new OCI card, conversion of PIO to OCI card, renewing OCI card, etc. and check your eligibility for application.

Step 2

Complete the Online OCI Application Form 

To start an OCI application, complete an online form, ensuring that you select the correct Mission and OCI service, enter complete information without errors, and then proceed to print and sign the hard copy of the application form.

Step 3

Upload Supporting Documents Online

Submit scanned copies of required documents, including proof of citizenship, photograph, and signature, during the online process.

Step 4

Visit the Designated Office for Document Verification

Present original documents at the jurisdictional FRRO office in India or Indian Mission/Post abroad for validation and verification.

Step 5

Track Your OCI Card Application Status Online

After submission, the office will issue a File/Acknowledgment Number. You can also track your application status online using this number.

Step 6

Collect Your OCI Card in Person

After processing, you or your authorized representative can collect the OCI card in person by presenting your original passport, PIO card (if applicable), and original supporting documents.

What is the Processing Time for OCI Card Application?

The processing time for an OCI application typically takes 6-8 weeks from the date of submission of a complete application at the Indian Mission/Post or FRRO in India. However, it can vary.

Application Fees for OCI Card

Type of Application Fee (Outside India) Fee (Within India)
Conversion of PIO Card to OCI Card USD 100 ₹5,500
Fresh OCI Application USD 275 ₹15,000

Notes:

  • The fees are payable via Demand Draft until an online payment system is introduced.
  • Equivalent amounts in local currency apply for applications submitted outside India.

How Can I Reissue My OCI Card?

The re-issuance of OCI is dependent on and restrictive to the applicant’s age.

Minors of age 20 and less

The OCI card must be re-issued every 5 years along with the issuance of a new passport. 

Adults of age 50 and above

One-time re-issuance after the passport renewal. 

Adults of ages 21 and 49

Re-issuance is not necessary every time a passport is renewed.

Can I Renew an Expired PIO Card?

PIO card holders can no longer apply for renewal of their Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card. Since issuance of PIO status has been discontinued, citizens with valid or expired PIO card have to convert their PIO card to OCI card.

Benefits of OCI Card

Visa-Free Travel to India

OCI cardholders enjoy lifelong, multiple-entry, and visa-free travel to India, making visiting family, exploring cultural ties, or travelling for personal or professional reasons easier.

Lifelong Residency and Employment

Holders of the OCI card can live, study, and work in India indefinitely without additional permissions.

Equality with NRIs in Certain Economic Fields

OCI cardholders enjoy parity with non-resident Indians (NRIs) regarding financial, economic, and educational benefits, including admission to Indian educational institutions under the general category.

Special Benefits in Acquisition of Property

They can purchase residential and commercial properties in India but are restricted from owning agricultural land, plantation properties, or farmhouses.

Exemption from Reporting Requirements

OCI cardholders are exempt from the need to report their presence to local police authorities for stays longer than 180 days, unlike other foreign nationals.

Ease of Access to Consular Services

OCI cardholders can access Indian consular services and seek assistance for any needs abroad with more convenience.

 

Hopefully, going through this will give you a clearer understanding of OCI vs PIO.

However, as already mentioned, the PIO card is now invalid. Therefore, individuals residing outside India will need to apply for an OCI card only.

FAQs about the Difference Between PIO and OCI