An NRI, PIO, or OCI is a person with Indian ancestry who currently resides abroad. PIOs and OCIs are foreign nationals of Indian origin, whereas an NRI is a residence status granted to an Indian citizen with an Indian passport who is residing overseas for the purpose of labour, business, or study. Many people are misinformed about the similarities and differences between PIO and OCI cardholders. But there are definite distinctions between them. We shall discuss all about PIO and OCI cardholders.
PIO Explained
A person of Indian Origin, or PIO, is a foreign national, except those who were born in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, China, Iran, or Sri Lanka, who has ever held an Indian passport or whose parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, or spouse were Indian nationals. The Indian government issues PIO cards to people of Indian descent (PIOs).
PIO card application requirements
A PIO card can be obtained by any national who satisfies the following requirements, except citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, China, Iran, and Sri Lanka:
- According to the Government of India Act of 1935, a person is considered to be an Indian citizen if they were born there, or if their parents, grandparents, or great grandparents were Indian citizens, or if they had a permanent address in India, or in any of the territories that were annexed to India.
- A someone who, at one time in their life, held an Indian passport.
- An individual who is a PIO or the spouse of an Indian national.
Advantages of a PIO card
- For up to 15 years after the date of issuing of a PIO card, holders do not require a visa to visit India.
- A PIO cardholder may remain in India for up to 180 days without registering with the FRRO (Foreigner Regional Registration Office).
- Without a specific visa, PIOs can work or study in private institutions in India.
- PIOs enjoy the same economic and financial advantages as NRIs.
Meaning of OCI
OCI full form is Overseas Citizen of India. It is a type of immigration status that enables foreign nationals with Indian ancestry passports to live, work, and study in India. OCI does not need to register with FRO/FRRO to enter India or stay there for any amount of time.
Requirements for an OCI card
OCI cards are available to foreign nationals with passports from nations other than Pakistan and Bangladesh. No one may apply for an OCI card if either of their parents was born in Pakistan or Bangladesh or was a citizen of either country.
OCI card advantages
- India is accessible to OCI cardholders at any time during their lives.
- The OCI card’s visa is valid for a lifetime starting on the day it was issued.
- OCI cardholders are not required to register with the FRRO or local authorities and are free to stay in India for as long as they like.
- They are eligible for the NRI quota, which allows them to enrol their kids in Indian schools, and they are free to work for private organisations in India.
- The same financial and economic advantages available to NRIs also apply to overseas citizens of India.
PIO card vs OCI card
| PIO Card | OCI Card |
| After 180 days, an update is necessary. | Not necessary |
| 15 years from the date of issuance, it remains valid. | Lifetime following the date of issuance |
| Before applying for Indian citizenship, OCI cardholders must possess their OCI card for five years and have lived in India for one year. They have to renounce their present citizenship. | Before applying for Indian citizenship, OCI cardholders must possess their OCI card for five years and have lived in India for one year. |
| After 15 years, a new PIO card is issued. | For example, a new passport is only issued once after age 50 and up until the age of 20. You can obtain a new OCI card when you renew your passport. |
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