Can anyone share some information on PIO Card??

I live in windsor and have to come to Toronto to apply for a PIO card for me and my kids. I called Toronto Indian consulate but never been able to speak to the lady Margaret. Everytime I call and ask for info on PIO card they transfer me to this lady telling me she is the one to talk to.

What all information do I need to take to the office. Like a checklist of items. And do I have to leave my passport with them once I apply or can I take them back after applying. how many days does it take to get that and the fees and the validity dates for a PIO card.

Thanks very much

I hope you know about this website, http://www.cgitoronto.ca" rel="nofollow">LINK

Here is the information for PIO, though its also available on their website.

Do share your experiences with us. I am also planning to get the PIO for me and my family in near future.




Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Card Scheme

In deference to the sentiments of persons of Indian origin to reconnect with their roots, as well as respecting their desire to participate in the development of the country of their origin, the Government of India had announced a scheme for issuance of a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) Card with effect from 31 March 1999. The issue of fee for PIO Card was under consideration of the Government of India for quite sometime.


With effect from 15th September 2002, the Government of India has announced a new PIO Card Scheme-2002. The salient features of the new Scheme are as follows:


1. “Person of Indian Origin” 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 aforesaid countries (as referred to in (1) above; or


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


2. Form of application for issue/renewal of a PIO Card

An application for issue/renewal of a PIO Card shall be made in the prescribed form and shall be accompanied by documentary evidence to show that the applicant is a person of Indian origin as defined. Application should be accompanied by the current passport and the Landing Paper of the applicant and a copy of each of these documents.

Applications for children born to Indian parents in Canada must be accompanied by (i) the child's Canadian passport, (ii) original birth certificate mentioning the names of the parents and (iii) at least one parent's Indian passport and PR Card/ Landing Paper and a copy of all these documents.


3. Validity of PIO Card

Under the new Scheme, the PIO Card shall be valid for fifteen years from the date of issue. The validity of the PIO Cards issued under Scheme-1999, will be extended by 10 more years without charging any fee. No refund shall, however, be admissible to earlier PIO Card holders under the Scheme-1999, on reduction of PIO Card fee under the new Scheme-2002


4. PIO Card Fee

i) Fee for new PIO Card for persons above 18 years of age –
Canadian Dollars 480/-


ii) Fee for new PIO Card for children below 18 years of age –
Canadian Dollars 240/-


5. Facilities to be extended to a PIO Card holder

i) A PIO Card holder shall not require a separate Visa to visit India.


ii) A PIO Card holder will be exempted from the requirement of registration if his/her stay on any single visit in India does not exceed 180 days.


iii) In the event of continuous stay in India of the PIO Card holder exceeding 180 days, he/she shall have to get himself/herself registered within 30 days of the expiry of 180 days with the concerned Foreigners Regional Registration Officer/Foreigners Registration Officer.


iv)
All PIOs, including 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


v) Can take up employment in India without seeking any separate permission from the Government, unless otherwise specifically provided for by other Ministries/Departments.

6. No parity in the sphere of political rights.


Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card Procedure
It’s validity is for 15 years and entitles the holder to visa free entry to India in association with a valid foreign nationality passport, investment facilities, education, etc.


Requirements:
1. Duly filled in application form.

2. Cancelled/expired Indian passport of the applicant (or anyone of his/her parents or grand parents) photocopy of the relevant pages and the Landing paper/ PR card along with photocopy.


3. Canadian passport of the applicant and photocopy.
Applications for children born to Indian parents in Canada must be accompanied by (i) the child's Canadian passport, (ii) original birth certificate mentioning the names of the parents and (iii) at least one parent's Indian passport and PR Card/ Landing Paper and a copy of all these documents


4. Four photographs ( against a light background showing full frontal view of the face; approximate size (3.5 cm X 3.5 cm )

5. Fee C$ 480/- for adults; C$ 240/- for those under 18 years.

Time taken: PIO Card is normally issued in a week’s time.
Mail-in applications after receipt – 10 days.




Abhishek