PIO for me and my spouse

[nosscire81]

Hi all

I surrendered my Indian passport 5 years ago when I became an UK citizen. My wife (UK citizen, not of Indian origin) and I have been married for 4 years now and we have a 1 year old son. I'm planning to apply for PIO cards for all three of us.

I wanted to know if we can all apply together, considering that I am not a PIO card holder yet. Or will I have to apply first and only after I have received my PIO card, will my wife and son be eligible to apply for their PIO cards?

HCI guidelines state:
Who is a Person of India Origin (PIO)

A person who was an Indian national or any of whose ancestors was an Indian national and who is presently holding another country’s citizenship/nationality i.e. he/she is holding a foreign passport; or

Any person who at any time held an India Passport;

Who is eligible for a PIO Card :

Any person who is a spouse of an Indian citizen or of a person of Indian origin (except Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, China, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) and has been married for more than one year. (Please note that if marriage is later declared invalid, the PIO Card will no longer be valid).

So I guess the issuing authority means the spouse of someone who can be considered a PIO, rather than the spouse of someone who is a PIO "Card holder".

Any guidance would be much appreciated.

[ban.s]

Your understanding is correct - one needs to prove their PIO status i.e. Person of Indian Origin ...PIO or OCI card is simple way to prove but a copy of old passport and/or surrender certificate will also do.

PS: Spouse's PIO card is mentioned in the list of supporting documents but I don't believe it's mandatory as long as old passport/surrender certificate is submitted or perhaps both applying together.