Is PIO to OCI Conversion Mandatory?

DB Posted by: Dhruv Bhandari
• 02 June, 2025
5 Reply

PIO was used to be considered a visa with a validity of 15 years for non-Indian citizens. However, this scheme has been withdrawn by the Indian government and merged with the Overseas Citizen of India scheme. The OCI card is known as a lifetime visa status for foreign citizens who are of Indian origin, and it is the closest thing India offers for dual citizenship. Currently, all PIO cardholders are treated as OCI cardholders. So, yes, it is mandatory to convert your PIO card to an OCI card.

Tags : PIO to OCI rules India, PIO card conversion requirement, Mandatory PIO to OCI update

  • Vikram Singh 17 June, 2025

    Yes, PIO to OCI conversion is mandatory to do as this scheme has been withdrawn by the Indian government and merged with the OCI. Till 31 December 2025, you can use this card to travel to India. After that, you need an OCI card if you want to travel visa-free in India.

  • Rajesh Gupta 14 June, 2025

    According to me, yes, it is mandatory to convert your PIO card to an OCI card, as the PIO scheme is merged with the OCI scheme. Additionally, the Indian government has also requested all the PIO cardholders to convert their PIO card to OCI cards. As per my knowledge, the last date of the conversion process is  31 December 2025.

  • Arnav Gera 11 June, 2025

    Yes, it is mandatory to convert your PIO card to an OCI card. It is because the Indian government has withdrawn the PIO scheme and merged it with the OCI scheme. So, if you want to enjoy the benefits and privileges while visiting India, it is mandatory to do the conversion process.

  • Ananya Khatri 11 June, 2025

    Yes, it is compulsory to convert your existing PIO card to an OCI card, as from 31 December 2025, these cards will no longer remain valid to use in India.

  • Suresh Bhatia 05 June, 2025

    The Indian government has merged the PIO card scheme with the OCI card scheme. In addition, asked all the PIO cardholders to convert their existing PIO card to OCI cards to enjoy the privileges and benefits India offers to its foreign individuals who belong to Indian origin. So, as per the Indian government guidelines, it is mandatory to do the conversion.

Join The Discussion

Share Your Thoughts and Connect with Others.

Releated Topics
  • Is PIO still valid in India?

    Hey, just a heads-up to all the PIO cardholders, there is good news for all of you. The Government of India has extended the validity of the PIO card until...

    • 3 Reply
    • 27 Views
  • What Are the Key Differences Between PIO and OCI Cards?

    An OCI cardholder has the permission to live in India for an indefinite time, whereas a PIO cardholders have a specific period. The key difference between them is in the...

    • 4 Reply
    • 24 Views
  • What Are the Required Documents for PIO to OCI Conversion?

    The documents required for the PIO to OCI conversion are a PIO card, your current passport, an online application form, two recent passport-size photographs, proof of Indian origin, and additional...

    • 3 Reply
    • 27 Views
  • How to apply for PIO to OCI conversion?

    To convert your PIO to an OCI card, submit your conversion application online at the https://ociservices.gov.in/oci website with the requested documents, along with a copy of your PIO card. Within...

    • 4 Reply
    • 27 Views
  • How to change PIO to OCI?

    I recently applied for PIO to OCI conversion, so here are the steps that I followed. Firstly, I filled out the application form at the official OCI website. After that,...

    • 6 Reply
    • 32 Views
  • How Long Does It Take to Convert a PIO to OCI?

    The processing time for converting a PIO to an OCI card typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. Still, the timeframe can vary based on several factors, such as the quality...

    • 7 Reply
    • 24 Views
  • Which Location Do I Choose for the OCI Application?

    For the OCI card application, the location you choose depends on whether you are applying for the card from India or outside India. For example, if you are applying for...

    • 3 Reply
    • 30 Views
  • How to Apply OCI for the Whole Family?

    To apply for OCI for the whole family, you first need to submit your Indian passport and renounce your Indian citizenship. After that, you can apply for the OCI card...

    • 5 Reply
    • 35 Views
  • How Long Does It Take to Get an OCI Card?

    Hi, is there anybody who recently applied for an OCI Card, specifically in the last 12 months, and received it? Can you please tell me how long it took you...

    • 7 Reply
    • 75 Views
  • How to apply for an OCI card in the USA?

    To apply for an OCI card from the USA, you must first complete an online application form on the official Government of India OCI portal. Once you have filled out...

    • 4 Reply
    • 42 Views
confused img
Can’t find an answer?

Let Visament guide you to the perfect solution for all your queries.

comunity img

Join Our Facebook Community of
NRIs/OCIs Like You

Join Community