High Commission of India

Wellington, New Zealand
Concurrently accredited to Samoa, Niue, the Cook Islands & Vanuatu

PIO Card (Conversion of PIO to OCI)

The PIO Card scheme has been withdrawn vide Gazette Notification No.25024/9/2014F.I dated 09.01.2015.  Henceforth, applicants may apply for OCI card ONLY, as PIO card scheme is no longer in existence. Conversion of PIO to OCI card was free of cost till December 31, 2017.

Validity of PIO cards for travel has been extended by another six months and now one can travel to India with a valid foreign passport and PIO card up to 30.9.2019. However, the extension of the timeline is subject to the condition that if at any time the International Civil Aviation Organisation makes handwritten PIO cards invalid then the PIO card holders will have to obtain appropriate visa before travelling to India. All PIO card holders are hereby once again urged to convert their PIO cards to OCI cards by following the instructions. 

A separate online application form for submission of application for registration as OCI cardholder in lieu of PIO card is available at https://ociservices.gov.in/. For complete step by step guide and instructions please click here.

PIO to OCI Conversion Process

[ Please use "Internet Explorer" or "Google Chrome" browser. Online registration is not compatible with "Apple Mac Safari" browser, I-pad etc.]

Important note: All applications must be submitted along with Original Passport and Original PIO card. In case you are unable to submit the passport, photocopy is also accepted. However, the original passport will be required at the time of issue of OCI. It is applicant’s responsibility to send original Passport for stamping when the OCI documents arrive from Delhi.

Status of application can be confirmed by checking the Status online at: https://ociservices.gov.in/

Direct link for PIO to OCI Registration: https://ociservices.gov.in/

Acknowledgement & Status Inquiry: OCI Applications received with complete documentations will be acknowledged within 10-15 days.

For Acknowledgement & Status Inquiry you will need your passport number and the 12 digit Registration number NZLW_ _ _ _ _ _24 at https://ociservices.gov.in/

Processing Time:

• Processing time will be 45 days from the date of Acknowledgement. 
• Your application may take longer if it is submitted without all required documentations.
• If there is any deficiency in the application/ uploaded documents/ photograph, the High Commission may return the application to the applicant. The applicant would then need to re-submit the application after completing/uploading the required documents.
• NO urgent service available for OCI application. 
• PLEASE NOTE: This time frame is indicative only; process may take longer so we strictly advise DO NOT book ticket before getting OCI

Prescribed fee and mode of payment:

• At High Commission’s Counter – by Debit Card only. We do not accept Cash/Credit Cards/Money Orders/Credit Card/Bank cheques etc.

• By Courier/Post – Online Bank Transfer Click here

Photo Specifications:

• The height and width of the Applicant Photo must be equal in the square shape.
• Photo should have light color background (not white).
• Photo should have front view of person’s head and shoulders showing the full face in the middle of the photograph.
• Photograph should not be stapled or signed.

Jurisdiction:

• This High Commission has jurisdiction over New Zealand, Republic of Samoa, Niue, Vanuatu and the Cook Islands.
• Application submitted at this High Commission cannot be transferred to any other Indian High Commission/Embassy/Mission/Post or FRRO.
• The applicants who are physically present in the JURISDICTION can apply for OCI at this High Commission. The applicants who are not present in the Jurisdiction of this High Commission, should contact the Indian Mission/Embassy/High Commission in their country of residence. This High Commission cannot accept the application from outside its Jurisdiction.

Application with correct documentations can be couriered to: 

OCI SERVICES
High Commission of India
72 Pipitea Street, Thorndon,
Wellington-6011 PO Box:12211
New Zealand

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