S2NRI

Nostalgia catches several expats. They magnetize towards their home, people, culture, and kith & kin. Eventually, they return to their home town.

A person gave up his US residency three decades ago. But later on, he wanted to make a comeback. It was possible but he has to go through the entire procedure of getting a green card from scratch. However, his old card had no expiry date. But since three decades passed while leaving the USA, it was cancelled.

That was just an incident. There are many more reasons when you require renewing the green card. Let’s catch a look over all those ones:

When do you require renewing green card?

1. When the 10 year long validity of your green card is likely to expire.
2. When your previous card was stolen, burnt, mutilated, destroyed or lost.
3. When you did not receive your previously applied green card.
4. When you’re going to be 14 years old by birth.
5. When you want to end up being a commuter & willing to settle as the permanent resident of the USA.
6. When you’re willing to replace permanent resident status with the commuter.
7. When your green card reads incorrect or incomplete biographic details that you’ve revised through the court, like change in the name or get married.
8. When your status of an expat meets the legitimacy to get the green card automatically.
9. When you’re a permanent resident and your previous version of card is expired. It composes the ones who have applied for Form AR-3, Form AR-103 and Form I-151 with the USCIS.

How can you renew the Green Card?

1. The residents (living inside the USA) can apply to replace the green card with the USCIS & pay via its lockbox in the Phoenix DC AZ. Or,
2. The permanent residents living outside, like PIO or OCIs, can contact the nearest consulate office of America. Afterwards, they can fill the Form I-90.
3. Fill the Form I-90.
4. Enclose the documents:

• Original permanent resident card unless it is stolen, lost, destroyed, mutilated, or never received.
• Submit the copy if the original documents are unavailable at the immigration
• If you’re 18+ years old & don’t have the copy or original, attach the photocopy of your identity proof. It can be your driving licence, photocopy of the passport or any other one that wears your date of birth, name, photograph and signature.
• Submit two photographs of 2”X2” of dimensions within 30 days of filling Form I-90 (an application to replace a permanent resident card). It should have no formatting or editing. On the flip side of these photographs, write your alien registration number with a pencil.

(The alien registration number in the United States is popularly known as Form I-551. It represents the green card or a permanent residence card. It can be served as a permit to work and live permanently in the United States.)

• If you’re likely to renew this card after getting 14 years old, you must be fingerprinted with the USCIS. It will let you know when and where you can go for your fingerprinting.
• Another reason for the renewal of this card is to update the biographic data. As happens in India, you must submit the licit proof, like marriage certificate or affidavit of single status certificate or affidavit for changing the biographic persona. Enclose the proofs with explanation as the USCIS authority requires it.

5. If you’re applying as being a commuter, you can apply for the temporary proofs of your permanent residence and also the travel or employment proofs. They will be really helpful if you’ve lost your original proofs. Afterwards, you can apply for the renewal via Form I-90.

How can you know the decision of the USCIS over your application for replacing green card? 

The immigration authority will notify you via mail or in writing. You need to fill the Form I-89 which would be your data collection card. If it is approved, the authority will process & deliver your green card.

If it is rejected, you can re-appeal for the same. The reasons of rejection can be incomplete or wrong data in the form. And sometimes, it can be the flaw of officials.

The applicant can identify the error in the form as the authority mentions it in the rejection letter.  At that time, you can appeal through a motion to reopen. Provide the facts correctly with the reasons of correction.

If there was no mistake and it was the fault of the authority, you can go for the ‘motion to reconsider’.

The year 2016 was full of upheavals. India announced surgical attack on corruption. The sudden announcement of banning currency notes of 500 and 1000 felt no ground under the feet of every Indian. These denominations configured 86% of the liquid asset in this economy. But this declamation on 8^th November, 2016 ceased its liquidity. NRIs, PIOs and OCIs are no exceptions. They too fell under this grid.

Difference between PIO & OCI:

PIO or Person of Origin is the migrants who can travel across India an uncountable number of times. It permits hassle-free work and stay in this country if the person wants to live for more than 180 days. It was first introduced on 15 years ago in 2002. But in November 2014, this service was ceased.

OCI or Overseas Citizen of India card acts as the lifetime visa. It provides more benefits than that of PIO card. This scheme was launched in August, 2005.

Now, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has decided to merge PIO to OCI card. This news came into spotlight in 2014. Thence, the government has twice fixed its date of conversion. Now, it would be third time when the date of merger has been extended.    

Good News for Migrants  

Now, the first phase of this surgical attack is getting over on 30^th December 2016. The limit of 50 days for currency conversion from the local financial entities is ended. After such a big jolt, the prime minster has provided a reason to smile and cheer to emigrants.

Amid prevailing grudge after demonetization, the current Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi is trying to win their heart on the eve of New Year. The Centre has extended the date of converting PIO card into OCI card. It’s not the first time but the third time when extension is announced.

Erstwhile, it was 31^st December 2016.

New Date for Registering Conversion of PIO card  

Wondering till when is it extended? The External Affairs Minister has set 30^th June 2017 as the last date for registering merging of PIO card. The competent authorities, including FRRO, Bureau of Immigration, Posts and Indian Mission, have been following this announcement.

Is there any change in conversion process?

No, the conversion process shall remain the same. The applicants can visit the official government website. Alternatively, the outsourcers like S2NRI, can do it in short interval. After deploying the outsourcer, the applicant needs to scan and dispatch his/her credentials of identity and address. The rest of the work would be of the assigned entity. Within said period, the document is delivered to the applicant.

But beware of the fraudulent. Defaulters can use the needy as the source of doing fraud. So, scrutinize the authority before assigning for immigration related work.

PIO cards no more exist as Indian government has ordered for the cancellation of this immigration service. But its conversion to OCI card has smoothened the way of PIOs to travel India. It’s a good alternative. This cancellation is not applicable for those who obtained it before January 9, 2015. They can extend its validity to lifetime by getting it stamped from the Indian consulate office. Individuals in foreign security and retired foreign policemen are not applicable for it.

To get it converted to OCI card, the applicant can go to http://passport.gov.in/oci/captchActionPIO. They must through Part A and Part B of registration. In Part A, the applicant must provide details of self, passport and family. Afterwards, he/she can get a web file number. Then, part B will initiate. The registration form will appear. Provide all the requisite details. Submit it with the enclosed documents online. The government does not charge any money for this service. But if one hires any outsourcer, he/ she must pay certain amount as service charge.