How to Convert PIO Card Into OCI Card?

Eligibility for new OCI cards

For applying for the new OCI cards, an applicant should satisfy the following criteria:

Foreign nationals

1. Who were citizens of India at any point since the Indian constitution came into being (26 th January 1950).
2. Who were eligible for Indian citizenship at the time of inception of constitution.
3. Who were citizens of territories that integrated into the Union of India after Independence on 15 th August 1947.

Children

1. Children, grand-children or great grand-children of people who were citizens of India at any point since the Indian constitution came into being on 26 th January 1950.
2. At least one of the parents in an Indian citizen.

Spouses

Spouse of an OCI/PIO cardholder or Indian citizen, who are eligible to apply for registration if their marriage was registered and subsisted for at least 2 continuous years before application.

Exceptions

1. Bangladesh and Pakistan citizens cannot apply for the new OCI cards. Restrictions are also expanded to include the parents, grandparents or great-grandparents of such citizens.
2. All OCI cardholders below 21 years and above 50 years of age need to apply for the new OCI card along with any new passport.

New OCI Cardholders vs Indian Citizens

New OCI cardholders are withheld some of the rights available to Indian citizens, including:

1. Work opportunity with public enterprises.
2. Standing in election for Vice President or President of India.
3. As judges in High Courts or Supreme Court.
4. Voting rights for elections.
5. As a member of Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha.
6. As a member of Legislative Council or Legislative Assembly of any Indian state.
7. As an appointed member in public posts or services in lieu of affairs of the Centre or any State.