PIO for Foreign born Spouse

[mehulvora75]

I recently acquired US Citizen and am of Indian origin
My wife is foreign born and citizen of Spain

I have the following questions

1) IS my wife eligible to apply for PIO on her own considering my Indian origin (while I do not apply for PIO or OCI)?

2) If applying for PIO for both , do we need to apply for PIO together in separate applications?

3) Can I apply for OCI for myself while she applies for PIO in separate application?


4) In order to apply for PIO, she cannot supply the following required documentation due to being a foreign born. Is this OK?

a) Surrender Certificate - She never had a Indian passport since she was born in Spain
b) Copy of US and Indian passports/OCI Spain
c) We live in San Diego California and for PIO applications the website states we need to apply
"To the Indian mission/post servicing the state and country where the applicant is ordinarily resident"

What is Indian Mission.. Is it the same as Indian consulate
Is the address the same as
Consulate General of India
540 Arguello Boulevard,
San Francisco, CA 94118

Please confirm


5) Is there no requirement to show proof of marriage for spouses? The PIO only talks about marriage certificate during name change

6) My spouse birth certificate is in Spanish? Is that acceptable? and If not what needs to be done?

[mehulvora75]

Sharing reply from Indian consulate

1) You are eligible to apply for a PIO card based on the fact that you are married to a person of Indian Origin.


2) Both applications may be sent together


3) Yes, your husband can apply for an OCI card, while you are required to apply for a PIO card. BOTH applications are required to be sent separately.


4) a) Surrender Certificate - Not Required

b) Copy of US and Indian passports/OCI cards of both parents. - Not required

c) As residents of San Diego, you are required to apply with the Consulate General of India, San Francisco



5) Yes there is. A notarized copy of the Marriage Certificate is required to be attached.; as the application is based on the marriage. The marriage is required to have been solemnized at least 1 year ago.


6) The Birth Certificate should have an English translation attached.

7) You may either mail the applications to the Consulate OR come in person on any working day, between 9am to 12pm and submit them at the counter. No prior appointment is required for submission of PIO applications.

[mehulvora75]

Marriage Duration requirement

Interestingly the consulate is stating that foreign born spouse should be married to the Indian origin person atleast for a period of 1 year before applying for PIO..

[immihelp]

Interestingly the consulate is stating that foreign born spouse should be married to the Indian origin person atleast for a period of 1 year before applying for PIO..

That's right.