How long does it take to get PIO Card from Washington, DC

[gchopes]

Thanks. I will also check with my local post office if they tried to deliver a package when I wasnt home and forgot to leave a message.

To whom is the USPS courier package containing the PIO card for my son addressed - to me or my infant son (applicant of PIO).

Thanks,
Vivek

[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]

Folks, just to let you know- I started a separate thread on my above question as it might help people who are dealing with similar dilemma.. and already seeing tons info help (feeling grateful that IV is so active). Here is the thread link if you are interested: http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/fo...c-embassy.html (PIO timelines/strategy (dealing with DC embassy))

[kgvenkatesh]

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) When I asked 'what if it's not done in time for my India trip' the officer mentioned 'when you come on 10/16 they'll help out if PIO is not done... you should be able to get visa done if PIO doesnt work out'... I felt comfortable with that and didn't ask further.
4) DC embassy accepted cash payment for the PIO fee (was $185 for my son who's <2 yr old)
5) 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).
Hope this helps.
Venkatesh.

[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.

[bharani]

Folks,

My experience with the DC embassy has been different. On September 23rd, I went to drop both my kids applications for PIO. The person accepting the applicationd asked me to mail them. I was confused. I am standing infront of her to submit the applications and she asks me to mail it. I asked for an explanation. She said if I submitted the applications in person, I would get PIO around December 16th; if I mailed the applications, I would get PIO by November 1st. I was puzzled.

I did not have 2nd application form (and the kids to get their thumbnail). I was not aware of the 2 forms requirement. I then mailed the applications on September 24th. To our surprise, we received the PIO cards for both my kids on October 27th. We were very happy. PIOs were dated October 25th.

My suggestion: please mail your applications. Do not waste your time going to the embassy.

Cheers.

[titus126]

Hello Bharani,

While applying for PIO card, what all documents has to be submitted?

[bharani]

Here's the list of documents I sent for my kid at the DC Indian embassy.

• Cashier’s check in the amount of $185
• 2 Applications for PIO card
• Photocopy of baby passport (2 pages)
• Photocopy of baby Birth Certificate
• Photocopy of father passport (3 pages)
• Photocopy of mother passport (3 pages)
• Photocopy of 3 utility bills (address proof)
• Paid overnight self addressed UPS Express Envelope
• Original US Passport of baby

Hope this helps.

[nashim]

Hi there,

My son has PIO card which was issued in 2004 but his US passport has been renewed in 2009 after expiry of old US passport.

Is endorsement of new passport number on the PIO card mandatory?

Or can he carry old and new US passport while traveling to India?

Thanks

[insbaby]

If you are not travelling soon, consider endorsing it to avoid any possible conflicts in indian immigration. This is an easy process. All they have to do is just write it by their hand and return to you.

[titus126]

Hello Bharani,

Thanks for the response. Do we have to notorize the photocopies?

[bharani]

I asked about notarization at the embassy. They did not require it. I did not notarize it.