As per extant instruction, all the existing PIO Cardholders as on 9th January 2015 shall be deemed to be OCI Cardholders. However, it is strongly recommended that all persons having valid PIO cards apply for conversion of PIO to OCI card.For more details on how to apply for conversion of PIO Card to OCI Card, please visit VFS Global website: https://services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-oci-services
Kindly note that the Bureau of Immigration will accept PIO cards as valid travel document till 31st December, 2024, along with valid foreign passport. Indian Immigration Check Post(s) will continue to consider all PIO cards valid for exit/entry from/into India till 31st December, 2024. The extension of timeline is subject to the condition that in the meantime if any deadline is notified by the ICAO, thereby making hand written PIO cards invalid, then PIO cardholders would have to obtain appropriate visa from India Missions/Posts abroad.
