PIO Card Application in Chicago

[nikhil34]

Hi,

I want to apply for PIO card for my kids(8 months old) in Chicago Consulate. I had some questions regarding the process etc.

1. Does the photgraph need to be 35mm by 35mm?? Because over here it is some 51mm by 50mm(2"x2"). I checked with Wal-greens and they said they can estimate but not give exact size of 35mm x 35mm. If it is 35 by 35 then can anybody let me know where to take them?? On the form itself it says "Attach 4 recent passport size photographs" but on the instructions it says 35x35. Please do let me know.

2.In the application there are 3 signatures required. 2 are specimen(where I have put my infants thumbprint) and 1 is Applicant signature. What do I put there?? Will I sign as parent or do I but my kids thumb print??

3. There are 3 lines of address.
Present Address:
Permanent Address:
Address in India:
What should I put in "Permanent Address" Will it be India address or address over here is US.

4. Does 1 utility bill copy qualify as proof of address in US. Only my name is there on Utility bill and not of my wife or any of my kids?

5. Do I need to send some more proof of current address as Drivers License etc??

6. What do I fill in "Profession or Occupation" field for my kids?? or should I leave it blank??

7. Can I apply for PIO card and Indian visa simultaneously( what I mean is after applying for PIO I am gonna wait for some weeks, if it does not arrive then apply for Indian Visa)?

Please do let me know

Nikhil

[getting_there]

Hi,

I want to apply for PIO card for my kids(8 months old) in Chicago Consulate. I had some questions regarding the process etc.

1. Does the photgraph need to be 35mm by 35mm?? Because over here it is some 51mm by 50mm(2"x2"). I checked with Wal-greens and they said they can estimate but not give exact size of 35mm x 35mm. If it is 35 by 35 then can anybody let me know where to take them?? On the form itself it says "Attach 4 recent passport size photographs" but on the instructions it says 35x35. Please do let me know.

I got it done last week from Devon. There's a shop by name of Sejal Photo [or something similar]. Size was perfect 35mm*35mm. The shop owner though gave me photo with blue background [as per his knowledge it has to be blue], which I got changed to white there and then.

2.In the application there are 3 signatures required. 2 are specimen(where I have put my infants thumbprint) and 1 is Applicant signature. What do I put there?? Will I sign as parent or do I but my kids thumb print??

Your signatures are not required. Consulate Officer told me NOT to sign. In all three places it was thumb impression of my daughter.

3. There are 3 lines of address.
Present Address:
Permanent Address:
Address in India:
What should I put in "Permanent Address" Will it be India address or address over here is US.

Permanent Address would be your current address. The consulate officer's logic is : Your kid is applicant. She being a US citizen, ought to have a permanent address here [same thing as US passport application].

4. Does 1 utility bill copy qualify as proof of address in US. Only my name is there on Utility bill and not of my wife or any of my kids?
That'll do. He just took my DL copy. And gave back my gas bill. 1 doc is enough.

5. Do I need to send some more proof of current address as Drivers License etc??

6. What do I fill in "Profession or Occupation" field for my kids?? or should I leave it blank??

I wrote N/A.

7. Can I apply for PIO card and Indian visa simultaneously( what I mean is after applying for PIO I am gonna wait for some weeks, if it does not arrive then apply for Indian Visa)?

Yeah you can do that.

Please do let me know

Nikhil

Hope it helps.


**** **** ****
Not a legal advice.

[nikhil34]

Got the PIO

Hi Friends.. I got the PIO card for my Kids from Chicago Consulate. Thanks for all your help. The photo size that I used was the regular US passport size 2"X2" and not the 35mmX35mm.

You have to sign their US passport on behalf of your children, if they are unable to do so. Other than that you just need the documents mentioned thats all.

Regards,
Nikhil

[getting_there]

Hi Friends.. I got the PIO card for my Kids from Chicago Consulate. Thanks for all your help. The photo size that I used was the regular US passport size 2"X2" and not the 35mmX35mm.

You have to sign their US passport on behalf of your children, if they are unable to do so. Other than that you just need the documents mentioned thats all.

Regards,
Nikhil

Congrats Nikhil. It seems consulate guys make their rule on fly.. . I had to deal with the photo and sign issues. Bottom line got the PIO card in time.

All the best.