Difference Between NRI, OCI, and PIO
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NRIs (Non-Resident Indians): are Indian Citizens who live in another country. PIO (Person of Indian Origin): used to be a 15 year visa for non-Indian citizens, but it has since been removed. OCIs (Overseas Citizen of India): are non-Indian citizens who have a lifetime visa to live and work in India with fewer restrictions. |
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| Non-Resident Indian (NRI) | Overseas Citizen Of India(OCI) | Person of Indian Origin (PIO) | |
| 1. Who? | An Indian citizen who is ordinarily residing outside India and holds an Indian Passport | A person registered as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cardholder under section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955 | A person who or whose any of ancestors was an Indian national and who is presently holding another country’s citizenship/ nationality. |
| 2. Who is eligible | An Indian citizen residing outside India for a combined total of at least 183 days in a financial year | A foreign national, – (i) who was a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after 26th January, 1950; or (ii) who was eligible to become a citizen of India on 26th January, 1950; or (iii) who belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15th August, 1947; or (iv) who is a child or a grandchild or a great grandchild of such a citizen; or (v) who is a minor child of such persons mentioned above; or (vi) who is a minor child and whose both parents are citizens of India or one of the parents is a citizen of India – is eligible for registration as OCI cardholder | A person, who or whose parents, grandparents, great grandparents were born in India and were/are a citizen or eligible to become citizen of India at any time on or after commencement of the Constitution i.e. 26.01.1950; or belong to territories that became part of India after 15.08.1947, is eligible for holding a PIO card. |
| 3. Where to apply | CKGS Application Center in the applicant’s jurisdiction. | CKGS Application Center in the applicant’s jurisdiction. | |
| 4. What benefits one is entitled to | All benefits as available to Indian citizens subject to notifications issued by the Government from time to time. |
1. An OCI Card Holder can visit India anytime during their lifetime. 2. They can stay in India for any duration without registration to FRRO (Foreigner Regional Registration Office) or local authorities. 3. They can study or work for private institutions in India without special permissions 4. They have the same financial and economic benefits as NRIs. |
1. PIO cardholders do not need a visa if they wish to visit India for up to 15 years from the issuance of a PIO Card. 2. They can stay for up to 180 days In India without registration to FRRO (Foreigner Regional Registration Office). 3. They can study or work for private institutions in India without a special visa 4. They have the same financial and economic benefits as NRIs. |
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5. Does he/she require visa for visiting India
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No | Can visit India without visa for life long | Yes |
| 6. Is he/she required to register with the local police authorities in India? |
No |
No | Yes if the period of stay is for more than 180 days |
| 7. What activities can be undertaken in India? |
All activities
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All activities except research work for which special permission is required from the Indian Mission/Post/FRRO concerned. | Activity as per the type of visa obtained |
| 8. How can one acquire Indian citizenship? | He/she is an Indian citizen |
As per section 5(1)(g) of the Citizenship Act,1955, a person registered as an OCI cardholder for 5 years and who is ordinarily resident in India for twelve months before making an application for registration is eligible for grant of Indian citizenship. Central Government, if it is satisfied that special circumstances exist, may after recording the circumstances in writing, relax the period of twelve months, up to a maximum of thirty days which may be in different breaks. |
As per section 5(1)(a) & 5(1)(c) of the Citizenship Act, 1955, he/she has to be ordinarily resident in India for a period of 7 years before making an application for registration. |
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Note: 1. According to the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2015, all PIO card holders are ‘deemed to be’ OCI card holders with effect from January 9, 2016. The income earned in India by the cardholders is taxable under the Indian Tax system. 2. The distinction between PIO and OCI was diminished by the Government of India to streamline residency norms. All the benefits of OCI cardholders are also extended to PIO cardholders after conversion. For more information about the course please feel free to reach out Vishnu IAS Academy or Contact at 9000400939 / 8977500939 mail us at : contact@vishnuias.com |
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