PIO card from Chicago Consulate

[msami4444]

Hi,

Has anyone recently applied for a PIO card at the Indian Consualate in Chicago? I would like to know if we need to send the original US passport. The website states that we need to send in the original US passport - but I have seen conflicting information at other forums saying notorized copies should do.

Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[curtdfw]

If they specifically ask for it you should probably do just that.

The US consulates are not consistent on this -- I got mine from the Houston consulate, which does not require an original. The other US consulates all require sending an original, though I believe this was not always the case.

[msami4444]

curtdfw,

Thanks for your reply. While the website says originals are required, the application form says not to send the originals. "10) If you are sending the application by mail, then do not send originalpassports or documents. However all photo copies should be notarized in this case". I guess I am going to go with what the application says.

Thanks.

[curtdfw]

I guess I am going to go with what the application says.

Good luck -- if they really want the original passport they'll ask for it. Btw, I sent color copies of my passport pages and marriage certificate, as I thought they looked more 'official' than simple b&w ones. My doc list is here:

http://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51948&highlight=card+spouse+houston+consulate

[msami4444]

Thanks, Curtdfw