OCI or POI

[ukcitizen13]

Hello Everyone,

Which one is better to have , OCI or POI for Minor applicant ?

I reviewed OCI and POI benefits -
OCI is lifetime but POI is for 15 years but as Minor gets 5years passport so isn't it better to get POI and no worries for next 15 years.

I did see one post on this but information was not very clear so reposting the same.

any other benefit which could help me taking the decision ?
I am due to apply POI or OCI for my self and my kid .

Please advise.

[ukcitizen13]

Any views please..

[ban.s]

unless the minor intends to live in India for longer than 6 months there is no significant difference between OCI and PIO.

OCI needs to be renewed with passport renewal upto 20 years of age.

PIO needs to be accompanied with a valid passport, so again you need to get misc service done for PIO when a new passport is obtained.

[ukcitizen13]

Thanks Ban.S

I am still not clear, is there really a benefit of PIO over OCI ?

I think misc. service is around £10 which is cheaper then getting a new OCI for new passport - is my understanding is correct ?

[ban.s]

misc for OCI (for new passport ) is £18

for normal travel purpose there is no benefit of having an OCI over PIO or viceversa.
the PIO application fee for a minor is less than OCI but then later if you switch to OCI, you'll effectively pay the difference and bit more.

[ukcitizen13]

Thanks ban.s

While filling up the OCI form, does computer needs to be connected to printer or shall the filled application can be downloaded and printed later ?

I understand form A needs to be filled online and form B can be filled later offline for submission .

[ban.s]

it can be retrived and printed later. there is an option to re-print submitted application.

you now need to complete both part A and B online (the instruction at HCI website is not updated ) and then sign the printed forms.

[ukcitizen13]

Thanks Ban.S

[eashkuma4]

Small clarification

Minor PIO can stay in India for more then 6 months without registering themselves at FRRO, the registration only applies for Full age

The another thing is, Minors can only apply for OCI if either of parents have OCI, else they are not

[eashkuma4]

The another difference between OCI and PIO is

If you are on OCI, you don't get support from British High commission in India as you are considered as national of India although you are not

If you aer on PIO, you get support from British High commission in an Emergency

Please correct me members if I am wrong. but this is what I have heard upon reading the British government site

[ban.s]

The another difference between OCI and PIO is

If you are on OCI, you don't get support from British High commission in India as you are considered as national of India although you are not

If you aer on PIO, you get support from British High commission in an Emergency

Please correct me members if I am wrong. but this is what I have heard upon reading the British government site

Both OCI and PIO will receive consular assistance from BHC in India should there be any need. This has been clarified by Foreign Office.

[need_a_tier1]

This has been clarified by Foreign Office.

ban.s is correct. For confirmation, see here and here

[ukcitizen13]

Hello All, Thanks for the information.

Now, I have filled the Part A and B of OCI application and have below queries, please advise -

1) OCI application holds/requested my current British address - what they are using this for ?
I am expecting change of my current address soon.

What effect this will have to my application or OCI card ?


2) What document evidence needs to be enclosed with Application ?
Copy of British passport
Copy of Indian Passport Surrender Certificate
Copy of Naturalization Certificate
Copy Birth Certificate for Minor

*all the above copies must be self attested

3) Who should be self attesting the Minor birth certificate ?


Thanks in advance.