Difference Between PIO and OCI

OCI cardholders, on the other hand, are granted more extensive rights, such as the ability to live and work in India indefinitely, with no restrictions on the duration of their stay.

They also have the right to register for a PAN card and a driving license and can also purchase property and invest in businesses in India.

Additionally, OCI cardholders are also eligible for scholarships and other educational benefits provided by the Indian government. 

In summary, PIO cardholders have limited rights and privileges, while OCI cardholders have more extensive rights and can stay in India indefinitely with more benefits. 

Person of Indian Origin (PIO)

A PIO is a foreign national who at any point held an Indian passport or whose parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were born and permanently resided in India, as defined by the Government of India Act 1935, and territories that later became a part of India, provided they were not citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, China, Iran, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, or Nepal. PIO status can also apply to the spouse of an Indian citizen or a PIO. 

What are the Benefits of a PIO Card?

The PIO Card brings with it plenty of benefits for the cardholder. Here's a list of the key benefits:

1. A PIO cardholder does not require a visa to visit India for a period of 15 years from the date of the card's issue.
2. A visa is not required for the PIO card holder to visit India for a period of 15 years.

1. They are excluded from registering with Foreign Regional Registration Offices (FRRO)/Foreigners Registration Officer if their stay is under 180 days (FRO). They must register with FRRO/FRO within the subsequent 30 days if their stay does go over 180 days.
2. They enjoy the same level of parity when it comes to receiving economic, educational or financial benefits such as:
   1. Admitting their children to Indian educational institutions under the general quota as the NRIs, including  the medical and engineering colleges, Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Management (IIMs).
   2. Availing housing schemes from various state and central government agencies as well as those offered by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).
   3. Holding, transferring, disposing, and acquiring various forms of immovable properties, except plantation and agricultural properties.

There are a few limitations to PIOs, however, and they are as follows:

1. They are not allowed any employment rights in Government of India undertakings.
2. They are not allowed to hold any form of constitutional office in the Government of India.
3. They are not permitted to purchase agricultural land, plantation property, or a farm home.
4. They cannot vote.
5. They are required to take permission beforehand in order to participate in missionary activities, mountaineering, research positions, or to visit restricted areas of India.

Documents Required for a PIO Card

The PIO Card requires a prior application to be filled, along with which a number of other supporting documents must also be provided. Here's a list of them:

1. Original passport, either existing or expired
2. At least two of the following documents:
   1. Photocopy of expired Indian passport
   2. Birth certificate of the applicant and their parents/ grandparents
   3. Nationality certificate of the applicant and their parents/grandparents
   4. School/college leaving certificates of the applicant and their parents/grandparents
   5. Original or photocopies of passports of the applicant's parent /grandparents

The list of documents to be submitted by the spouse of a PIO is slightly different. These are as follows:

1. PIO Card or the Indian passport of the spouse
2. Original marriage certificate
3. Four passport-sized photographs
4. Application fees for adults are Rs.15,000, and for children under 18 years of age, the cost is Rs.7,500. 

Overseas Citizen of India

In order to register as an OCI, the foreign national in question must either have been eligible to become an Indian citizen on 26 January 1950 or have been one at any point after this date, or if they were a resident of a territory that joined India on 15 August 1947.

However, there is a limitation to this, which states that any citizen of either Bangladesh or Pakistan will be eligible to register themselves as an OCI at any given point in time.

What are the Benefits of an OCI Card?

OCIs have lifetime multifunctional, multiple-entry visas that let them travel to India whenever they want, for however long they want, and for any reason they like.

Throughout their stay in the country, they are exempt from reporting to the police. Except for the ability to own agricultural or plantation properties, they also enjoy the same economic, financial, and educational rights as NRIs.

Documents Required for an OCI Card

Here's a list of documents required for every OCI Card applicant: 

1. Four passport-sized photographs 
2. Previous Indian passport, if available. If not, other documents, such as a nativity certificate, will be required for authentication and verification purposes. 
3. Birth certificate 

1. Proof of citizenship in their current country, such as a passport and local residence proof. 
2. If applying based on the parent's Indian citizenship, proof of relationship will be required. 
3. Duplicate copies of all documents should be attached to the application

Common Benefits of PIO Card and OCI Card

1. Priority at immigration counters. 
2. No need for a visa to study in India. 
3. Same treatment as non-resident Indians when it comes to buying, owning and selling property, with the exception of agricultural and plantation properties. 

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility of Relatives for PIO/OCI Cards