PIO timelines / suggestion needed -- dealing with DC embassy

[kgvenkatesh]

Hi folks,

I'm in need of advice on if I have sufficient time to get PIO (Wash DC embassy) for upcoming India trip.
- We plan taking off for India visit on November 5th
- My son (1yr old, US citizen) needs either PIO or India visa for the visit

Question is whether I should be applying for PIO for my son now... I can go in person to DC embassy and apply for my son's PIO but I'm not sure if we have sufficient time for PIO... embassy lists 45 business days but I see folks talking abt ~1 month or less. Also any idea on how to handle situation if PIO doesn't come in time. Appreciate some quick helpful guidance....

Thanks.
Venkatesh.

[kgvenkatesh]

PIO update

Folks,
Just wanted to post an update for sake of helping out others facing similar situation.
1) I applied for PIO at DC embassy on 9/16 in person, and I have been asked to collect on 10/16 That's just about a calendar month, far better than the 45 workdays listed on emabssy website
2) DC embassy retained original passport of the applicant during PIO processing, in spite of my request to consider notarized copies.
3) DC embassy accepted cash payment for the PIO fee (was $185 for my son who's <2 yr old)
4) Took less than 15 minutes wait time when I went in at 10 am. The counter officer was very professional and customer-friendly. Plus the office (located in the basement) looked better than what it used to be an year ago when I was there for my passport renewl. They have introduced token # system for waiting, seem to have done a fresh coat of paint and most importantly they have fixed the restroom (now it's usable and quite clean).

[curtdfw]

Congratulations, and thanks for posting the results!

[pdrona]

Hi Venkatesh,

Thanks for posting ur experience.

I am in the process of Applying PIO card at DC for my 4months son born here in US. I am planning to apply this week only. we are planning to travel to India on Dec 9th. Is it advisable to mail or apply in person. I live about 4hr drive from DC. My concern is the 45 day processing time.

Also..if i submit the application in Person, can i request the PIO card be mailed to me insteady of picking up in person.

For Question 3(b), do we need to provide the address in India?
For Question 15, what documents need to be submitted?

Can u pls list all the documents u submitted.

Looking forward to your reply...This is urgent.

Thanks
Prashanth

[basavaraj]

Hi Prashanth:

Go ahead and send your son PIO card forms as soon as possible. Even I applied my daughter application on August 21st 2009 and got it on October 1st 2009. They said it will take 45 business days but you will get it within 40 days from the date they receive. Washington Indian embassy is good and they are professionals. Please send it through express mail and make it confirm how soon it will reach to Indian Embassy and I suggest no need to visit Indian embassy. Regarding documents for PIO card, I suggest you to follow immihelp website or Washington Indian embassy website.

All the best you will get your son PIO card within 40 days and start believing Washington Indian Embassy. It is good.

Thanks and Regards
Basavaraj

[kgvenkatesh]

All,

Wanted to share the happy news that I collected my son's PIO on October 16th, in person, from DC embassy. Interestingly the PIO is dated 9/29, which means they took <10 business days from the time I submitted the app (9/16) to prepare the PIO. So, this should give more confidence to folks who are concerned about processing times.

Now the not-so-happy part: The PIO document, which resembles a passport book, is totally hand-written. I wouldn't mind handwriting had it been clear and legible... the writing is as if someone had scribbled the stuff in a rush. Plus the physical apperance of the document speaks volumes of lack of quality control. That's pathetic, given they collect $185 for doing this! Only thing that saved me from being too anxious was that PIO references passport number and hence folks at immigration can verify it's indeed my son's PIO

Venkatesh.

[curtdfw]

Yes, mine is sort of messy too. I'm surprised that they haven't gone to a credit-card sort of thing, like my PAN card. Another clumsy booklet to carry around is sort of a bother...