Deadline extended for PIO-OCI conversions

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The Indian government has announced that the deadline for Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card holders to convert to Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards has been extended six months to June 30.

What does the change mean? PIO card holders will have until June 30 to convert their PIO cards to OCI cards.

• Implementation time frame: June 30, 2017.
• Visas/permits affected: PIO and OCI cards.
• Who is affected: PIO cardholders.
• Next steps: Although the time to convert to an OCI card has been extended, BAL continues to recommend that applicants submit their applications as soon as possible.

Background: BAL confirmed this week that the PIO-OCI conversion deadline, which had been set at Dec. 31, will be extended. India had previously extended the deadline a number of times, and officials have decided they will again extend it by six months to June 30.

BAL Analysis: Even with the extension, BAL recommends that PIO cardholders complete the conversion to OCI cards as soon as possible in order to avoid travel interruptions. Applicants should check with their local Foreign Regional Registration Office, overseas mission or consulate on specific procedures and requirements, as procedures may vary.

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