PIO to OCI Conversion: Final Deadline Announced – What Every NRI Must Know

The Government of India has officially announced a final deadline of 31st December 2025 for all PIO (Person of Indian Origin) cardholders to convert their cards to OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards. This is a crucial update for all NRIs and overseas Indian families who may still be holding PIO cards issued before January 9, 2015.

After this deadline, PIO cards will no longer be considered valid travel documents, and those holding them may face restrictions while entering India. This blog outlines everything you need to know about the process, documentation, and importance of completing the conversion on time.

In 2015, the Government of India merged the PIO and OCI schemes in order to streamline the process of granting overseas Indians visa-free access to India. As part of this reform, all PIO cards issued before January 9, 2015, must now be converted to OCI cards.

Initially, the deadline for conversion was extended several times to accommodate cardholders. However, a final deadline has now been fixed: 31st December 2025. After this date, the PIO card will not be accepted for immigration clearance by Indian authorities.

If you or any of your family members received a PIO card before or on January 9, 2015, you are required to convert it to an OCI card. Even if your PIO card is valid in terms of date, the Indian immigration authorities will no longer accept it as a valid travel document post-December 2025.

It is important to note that this applies to adults as well as minors, including children born outside India who hold a PIO card.

The OCI card offers a range of benefits that make it a more robust and long-term solution for NRIs:

• Visa-free entry into India for life
• Exemption from registering with local police authorities for any length of stay
• Parity with NRIs in financial, economic, and educational fields (excluding the acquisition of agricultural land)
• Simplified re-issuance processes for lost or damaged cards

1. Visit the Official Portal:
   Go to the OCI Services website at https://ociservices.gov.in
2. Select the Relevant Application:
   Choose the option “OCI Registration (In lieu of PIO card)”
3. Complete the Application:
   Fill in Part A and Part B of the form online with accurate information.
4. Upload Documents:
   Scanned copies of required documents (see list below) must be uploaded during the application.
5. Submit and Pay Fee:
   Review the application and pay the applicable fee. In many jurisdictions, this is either waived or nominal (approximately USD 25), but you must verify with the Indian consulate in your country.
6. Book an Appointment:
   After submitting the form, schedule an appointment at the nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate for physical document verification.
7. Attend the Appointment:
   Carry all original documents along with self-attested copies. In some cases, biometric data may also be collected.
8. Tracking and Delivery:
   Track the application online. Once approved, the OCI card will be delivered to your registered address or made available for collection.

The following documents are commonly required, but applicants should verify exact requirements from the website of the Indian Embassy/Consulate applicable to them:

• Existing PIO card (original and copy)
• Valid foreign passport (original and copy)
• Proof of Indian origin (e.g., Indian passport of parents or grandparents)
• Proof of residence abroad
• Recent passport-sized photographs (as per specified format)
• Printout of the online application
• Additional documents, if any, as requested by the local mission

• Although the process is largely online, physical presence is required at the consulate for biometric verification in certain age groups.
• Processing time may vary depending on the jurisdiction but is generally between four to six weeks.
• Applications submitted after the deadline may result in travel delays or visa requirements.

If you are still holding a PIO card, it is important to treat this update with urgency. The deadline of 31st December 2025 is final, and the Indian government has made it clear that no further extensions are likely.

Converting your PIO card to an OCI card ensures seamless travel to India, long-term legal compliance, and access to all benefits granted to OCI cardholders. We advise starting the application process well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues or delays.

For any specific queries regarding NRI taxation, OCI status, or India-related compliance matters, feel free to reach out to us at Zenify Consultancy Services