The PIO card scheme has been introduced in year 1999.

PIO Scheme eligibility  
“PIO” means a foreign Citizen (not being a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries as may be specified by the Central Government from time to time) if,

(i) He/she at any time held an Indian Passport; or

(ii) He/she or either of his/her parents or grand   parents or great grand parents was born in and permanently resident in India as defined in the government of India Act, 1935 and other territories that became part of India thereafter provided neither was at any time a citizen of any of the countries mentioned by Government of India; or

(iii) He/she is a spouse of a citizen of India or a person of Indian origin covered under (I) or (ii) above.

        
“PIO Card” is being issued to above mentioned foreign citizens.

Please note that minor children (under 18 years) of the Indian citizens, who are holding foreign passports are eligible for PIO cards, however they are not eligible for OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card.

 

Benefits of PIO Card

  • PIO card holder shall not require a separate visa to visit India.
  • If the PIO card holder is staying up to 180 days in India then registration with the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) is not required.

In case the stay needs to be extended beyond 180 days, PIO card holder shall have to get himself/herself registered within 30 days of the expiry of 180 days with the concerned FRRO.

  • All PIO Card holders shall enjoy parity with NRIs in respect of all facilities available to the latter in the economic, financial and educational fields except in matters relating to the acquisition of agricultural/plantation properties. 

No parity shall be allowed in the sphere of political rights.

  • No separate “Student Visa” or “Employment Visa” required for admissions in Colleges/Institutions or for taking up employment respectively.

Note:

  • PIO card is being issued for 15 years validity.
  • It is essential to carry PIO card, your US/Foreign Passport while traveling to India. Separate visa is not required.
  • If you got new US /Foreign passport, please carry PIO Card, Old and new US/ Foreign passports along with you while traveling to India.
  • You should get endorsed the new passport number in the PIO card. 
  • PIO Cards issued under the Scheme notified in 1999 for a fee of US $ 1000 will continue to remain valid.   While no refund shall be available to such Card holders, the validity of such cards is extendable for a further period of 10 years without any charges.
  • PIO Card will be cancelled in following situations:

(a)  The PIO Card was obtained by means of fraud, false representation or the concealment of any material fact; or
(b)   the PIO Card holder has shown himself by act or speech to be disaffected towards the Constitution of India and other laws of India; or

(c)    the PIO Card holder is a citizen or subject of any country at war with, or committing external aggression against India; or of any other country assisting the country at war with, or committing such aggression against India; or

(d)    the PIO Card holder has been sentenced in India for indulging in acts of terrorism, smuggling of narcotics, arms, ammunition etc. or has been sentenced for committing an offence punishable with imprisonment up to one year or fine up to rupees ten thousand; or

(e)   It is not conductive to the public interest that the person should continue to hold a PIO Card.  No reasons shall be assigned for cancellation of the PIO Card.