PIO to OCI conversion in 2019
|
Hello,
I am travelling to India by May 2019. I am too late to this party that PIO is no longer valid, but extended until March 2019.
I got the PIO card only around 2014 or something, went through a lot of hassle to get that.
I am very annoyed to know that we have to convert PIO to OCI now.
Can someone help me with this process, in BLS Toronto.
From what I understand, I have to submit an online application and then print it out and immediately take it to BLS the same week?
After submitting the online application, when should I go to BLS in Toronto?
The people that went to CGI Toronto, do they still do the life time valid stamp in 2019?
What happens if I never convert and simply take the PIO with me on May 2019 while travelling to India.
Please advise.
|
|
|
|
imtooldforthishit
Junior Desi
Member since: Jan 19
|
Posts: 4
Location:
30-01-19 15:45:49
|
|
|
imtooldforthishit
Junior Desi Member since: Jan 19


Posts: 4
Location:
|
|
30-01-19 17:29:56 |
|
MITRON
Senior Desi Member since: Sep 17


Posts: 236
Location:
|
PIO to OCI conversion or even a brand new OCI takes about 2 months start to finish. So go for it right now, don't delay.
Whatever you do, don't travel on a PIO after the date you mentioned that they are invalid as the PIO won't be accepted or machine readable after that date.
|
|
|
31-01-19 09:18:48 |
|
tamilkuravan
Senior Desi Member since: Jun 05


Posts: 5757
Location: God's own country
|
i have a PIO. Living in india. for conversion i need to come to Toronto, which i canot.
I plan to land in Canada in may. So what are my options?
Murali
|
----------------------------------------------------------------- I am a Gents and not a Ladies.
|
|
22-02-19 08:02:25 |
|
zindabad
Senior Desi Member since: Sep 12


Posts: 287
Location:
|
Just check with BLS , I think there should not be any issue to convert PIO ~ OCI in India
********
How do you become/convert to an OCI?
You can apply through the Indian embassy in your country of residence or within India at the local FRRO.
Here is a sample of documentation you will need (see your local consulate for a specific list):
Proof of present citizenship
Proof of former Indian citizenship (for you or your relative)
Proof of renunciation of Indian citizenship (if applicable)
Proof of relationship to an Indian citizen
The entire process can take several months in some cases. Fees vary from nationality to nationality. If you apply in India, the fee is Rs. 15,000 for an adult or Rs. 8,000 for a minor. You can convert a PIO card to an OCI card if you qualify, and the fees are very nominal.
You can start the process by going to http://passport.gov.in/oci/.
|
Last edited by: zindabad on 22-02-19 22:17:44 |
|
22-02-19 22:14:25 |
|
GlobalIndian
Senior Desi Member since: Apr 07


Posts: 170
Location: NB
|
I am aware of three white girls who married Indian men in India and got OCI; during the entire process of obtaining OCI, they never had to leave India. So, TK I think you should be able to convert your PIO to OCI without leaving India, if you do not wish to leave.
|
|
|
25-02-19 09:53:09 |
|
MITRON
Senior Desi Member since: Sep 17


Posts: 236
Location:
|
Quote: Originally posted by tamilkuravan
i have a PIO. Living in india. for conversion i need to come to Toronto, which i canot.
I plan to land in Canada in may. So what are my options?
Murali
Apply for a brand new OCI in India.
Don't do PIO to OCI conversion.
http://nriinformation.com/articles3/oci_india.htm
|
Last edited by: MITRON on 25-02-19 19:14:37 |
|
25-02-19 19:12:36 |
|
|
|
|