|
PIO Card:
A person of Indian Origin and is currently holding a foreign
passport. PIOs of all countries are eligible for a PIO card
excluding Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan,
China, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. All activities
excluding research and such activities
where a permit is needed can be done in India with a PIO card.
PIOs can visit India without a visa for only 15 years. A PIO
applicant has to stay in India for at least 7 years before
applying for Indian Citizenship. If a PIO Card holder stays in
India longer the 180 days, they will have to go register
themselves with the authorities.
OCI Card:
An Overseas Citizen of India holding a foreign passport.
Citizens of all countries are eligible for an OCI card excluding
Pakistan and Bangladesh as long as the country of citizenship is
allowing a dual citizenship with India. All activities excluding
research and such activities where a permit is needed can be
done in India with an OCI card. OCIs can visit India without
visa forever. OCI applicants can have Indian citizenship after 5
years from date of registration only if the applicants resides
in India for at least one year prior to applying. OCI Card
holders are exempt from having to register with the authorities
even if their stay is longer than 180 days.
|
