PIO to OCI Conversion

The Indian government discontinued the PIO card scheme in 2015 and merged it into the OCI programme. PIO cards are no longer accepted as valid travel documents at Indian immigration, and continuing to travel on a PIO card alone can cause problems at boarding or arrival. We handle the PIO-to-OCI conversion on the official Indian government portal — preparing the application, verifying your PIO documentation, and booking your VFS appointment so you walk away with a full OCI card. From £100 — typically 25 to 35 days after VFS.

Who needs PIO-to-OCI conversion#

You should apply if you:

• Hold a PIO card issued before 2015
• Are planning travel to India and want to avoid airline / immigration friction at the gate
• Need a long-term, current Indian-origin documentation status
• Were a minor at PIO issue and want OCI status to be current

Minors are supported on the same application route — we handle the additional parental paperwork.

The process — 6 steps#

1. Document checklist — emailed within one working day.
2. You send scanned copies of the PIO card, current passport, and supporting documents.
3. We prepare the OCI conversion file on the portal.
4. VFS appointment booking at your nearest UK centre.
5. Appointment day — you submit documents at VFS; pay government fees on the day.
6. OCI card issued in 25 to 35 days.

Documents you'll need#

You'll need your existing PIO card (both sides — original required at VFS), your current British passport, your previous Indian passport (if you held one) or proof of Indian origin from a parent or grandparent, your full birth certificate, two recent 2x2 inch photos on a white background, and proof of UK address from within the last three months. We tell you exactly what to scan and send.

What's included with NRI Direct#

For £100 we complete the official PIO-to-OCI conversion application, prepare your evidence pack, book your VFS Global appointment, send a printed pre-appointment checklist, provide live support during your VFS visit if anything is queried, track the application through to issuance, and re-prepare it free of charge if it's rejected because of an error on our side. 24-hour processing once your documents are received.

Differentiators#

• Live support during your VFS visit — message us if anything is queried.
• Minor applications supported — we handle the additional parental paperwork.
• Pre-filled forms with sample signing spots — no guesswork on the day.
• Flexible appointment booking including evenings and weekends where available.
• Free correction if rework is required.

Common pitfalls we prevent#

The recurring issues with PIO conversion: applying via the wrong service category on the OCI portal (which silently fails), missing the additional fee structure that applies to PIO conversion, not having your original PIO card at VFS, and assuming the conversion is automatic (it isn't — it's a full OCI application with PIO documentation as supporting evidence). We catch all of these.

Timeline expectations#

Allow 25 to 35 days from VFS appointment to OCI card issuance. VFS slot wait times vary; if you need a quicker booking see our VFS Priority Appointment service. Once converted, your OCI is lifelong — no further conversions needed, only OCI Link to New Passport when you renew passports.

Why applicants choose NRI Direct#

PIO-to-OCI conversion is a quietly tricky application — the OCI portal isn't built for the conversion case as cleanly as it could be. We handle these regularly and know how to route the application correctly. Reach our team on phone, WhatsApp, and email throughout.

Ready to start?#

Convert your PIO card to OCI today. Call +44 7454 034747, WhatsApp +44 7454 034747↗, or email [email protected] — we'll send your tailored checklist within one working day.