PIO Adult Application - checklist asks for parent's information

[go2india]

Hi,

I'm going through the very confusing set of instructions from CKGS for PIO card for Adult US citizen (myself) who has held previous Indian passport (born in India and now with US passport). There are many many places where instructions appear to be contradictory, so I want some help from folks who have already filled these forms and successfully received their PIO cards.

Q.1: Checklist for CKGS says that all documents are mandatory. But at the same time #3 item asks for "PARENTS PROOF OF ORIGIN" which is not applicable in my case as I'm applying based on my own former Indian citizenship (per Indian law I am eligible based on myself being a former Indian citizen). I do not have my parent's proof of nationality and there is no need to even provide it per the law. Can I leave this section blank?


Q.2: It seems 4 pictures are needed. I am assuming I need to glue 1 picture on each of the 2 sets of PIO forms. Where do I provide the other 2 pictures? I did not see any other form that requires pictures.

Q.3: I've a cancelled Indian passport with an endorsement that says it was cancelled due to acquiring foreign nationality. I am fairly sure that Houston consulate issues any separate letters at that time. Though the forms are asking for a letter. Is a note to that effect enough to satisfy this requirement?

Thank you in advance for taking time to reply. I'll pay it forward by making sure I document my experience here.

Regards,
go2india

[orgchem]

Its confusing because they have clubbed every scenario into one single checklist. I am having difficulty in sorting out myself too. My case is different.

I have answer for point 2, you have to just put the second picture with binder clip or something but do not glue to anything.
If you are leaving any section in checklist, mention in detail why you are not applicable for it otherwise they will send your documents back.

[go2india]

Its confusing because they have clubbed every scenario into one single checklist. I am having difficulty in sorting out myself too. My case is different.

I have answer for point 2, you have to just put the second picture with binder clip or something but do not glue to anything.
If you are leaving any section in checklist, mention in detail why you are not applicable for it otherwise they will send your documents back.

Thank you for your reply. This makes sense when it comes to pictures etc. "Confusing" is the nicest adjective I can use on these instructions and forms. I should have done it long time back when these schemes came out and when it was easier to deal with the consulate directly.

Is there a way to resolve any issues with the consulate or whatever CKGS says is final? My case is as plain vanilla as it comes even then I'm afraid of sending in my passport.

If you get answers on my other questions, please post them.

Regards,
go2india

[orgchem]

Dealing with consulate is far more worst thing, i have done it once and never again i would want to deal with it. Every person who went there will have a story to tell.

CKGS customer service is answering the calls promptly try them out, but i would caution you regarding their knowledge which i already felt not helpful. So I sent them a query and waiting for a response from 2 days. Try sending them email telling why in your case parent proof is not required and see what they will say.
I think if CKGS agrees embassy will agree.

[go2india]

Dealing with consulate is far more worst thing, i have done it once and never again i would want to deal with it. Every person who went there will have a story to tell.

CKGS customer service is answering the calls promptly try them out, but i would caution you regarding their knowledge which i already felt not helpful. So I sent them a query and waiting for a response from 2 days. Try sending them email telling why in your case parent proof is not required and see what they will say.
I think if CKGS agrees embassy will agree.

I did get a reply from CKGS quickly as you suggested. Per CKGS, the parent origin documentation is not necessary as I'm applying based on my own Indian citizenship. I am planning on including a copy of that email in my forms.

Now I need to figure out the whole FedEx deal. I'm fairly technical but this also eludes by logic. I'm sure this has been discussed elsewhere but if you or anyone has any pointers/step-by-step, I'll appreciate it.

Regards,