[holycow]

I am thinking of applying for the PIO card for my children.  I have the OCI and a US passport with the U visa.

Does having the PIO mean you can just up and travel to India without a visa from the Indian government in your US passport?

I would hate to arrive in India and be told that the kids have to return because they don't have the right documents.  Can someone with experience of using the PIO card on a trip to India confirm or give their experience.

Perhaps I am being paranoid here, but best to ask I suppose.

[john.sw]

Hi Holy Cow - welcome to The India Tree!

A PIO Card entitles the holder (among other things) visa-free travel to India for a period of 15 years.

So yes, if your children have a PIO Card and a valid US Passport they can come and go in India without a visa.

Quote

The various benefits available to a PIO cardholders are:

    * No visa required for visiting India during the period of validity of PIO Card.
    * Exemption from the requirement of registration if stay in India does not exceed 6 months. Should the continuous stay exceed six months, registration will be required within 30 days of the expiry of six months with the concerned Foreigners Registration Officer. (Click Here For Registration Checklist)
    * Parity with non-resident Indians in respect of facilities available to the latter in economic, financial and educational fields.
    * All facilities in the matter of acquisition, holding, transfer and disposal of immovable properties in India except in matters relating to the acquisition of agricultural/plantation properties.
    * Facilities available to children of NRIs for getting admission to educational institutions in India including medical colleges, engineering colleges, Institutes of Technology, Institutes of Management etc. under the general categories.
    * Facilities available under the various housing schemes of LIC, State Governments and other Government agencies.

[holycow]

Thanks John for the welcome and your reply.

I will be applying for the PIO card for them.  I have a follow up question.
I've filled out the PIO form.  http://www.cgihousto...IOTemplate2.pdf

I am quite unclear about Q 13. which asks for the date and place of birth of father or grand parents if they lived permanently in India.  Well I grew up in India, so I've put in my DOB and place of birth.  But then the next line follows by asking for proof of residence.  Is that proof of residence in India (when I was growing up) or is that proof of residence in the US.  The latter is easy for me to provide, where as if its the former, am completely unsure what I can produce other than my SSC (high school) certificates.

Sincerely
Completely puzzled dad!

john.sw, on Mar 1 2008, 09:52 AM, said:

Hi Holy Cow - welcome to The India Tree!

A PIO Card entitles the holder (among other things) visa-free travel to India for a period of 15 years.

So yes, if your children have a PIO Card and a valid US Passport they can come and go in India without a visa.

[john.sw]

Your Indian school leaving certificates are prefect for this purpose.

As you were born in India and a permanent resident (which your school certificates prove) you should have no problem at all.  

[holycow]

John, fly over to sunny, sunny Tampa, I need help to dig through my files.  I know I have them somewhere, I think I barely passed, so if you find them, no peeking at my scores! :-)

Do you think they might deny the PIO based on the extremely poor scores?  LOL!  My goal in high school was to have fun, chase the girls and enjoy like.  I grew up in a Co-Ed boarding shool in Himachal.  Sanawar to be exact.

I mean the time to be mischievous is when you are in your teens not when you are 83!

john.sw, on Mar 1 2008, 10:32 AM, said:

Your Indian school leaving certificates are prefect for this purpose.

As you were born in India and a permanent resident (which your school certificates prove) you should have no problem at all.