1. Download the PIO application form from http://cgisf.org
-- Consular Services -->Person of Indian Origin ( PIO )
2. Documents required ( In Original when applying in person )
-- Filled application form
-- Thumb impression ( of minor kids ) in first page ( under the photo ) and second page
-- Original Passport of the applicant
-- Original Birth Certificate of the applicant
-- Original Driver's license of the applicant / Parent ( if applicant is minor )
-- Original passport of both the parents ( Indian passport of father & Mother )
Take photocopy of the above documents . Color copy is preferred .
3. Cashier's check for the fees amount -- $ 185.00 for children ( Please check http://cgisf.org for the latest fees ) . You can also use debit card ( with $3 service charge ) at the consulate.
4. Avoid Fridays and Mondays when applying in person at the SF consulate. Typical processing time during other weekdays is 30-45 mins for PIO processing.
5. Passport photo can be taken at home . Usually babies are not photo friendly when you try at Walgreens / Costco . You can try taking snaps at home . Upload the photo in http://epassportphoto.com/
Composition checklist:
- Photographer: Stand about 6 feet away from the subject. Capture the subject from the shoulders and leave space above the head
- Shadows: ensure the subject stands one feet away from the background to avoid shadows
- Expression: make sure the subject has a neutral expression with no teeth showing
- Glasses: remove to avoid hiding the eyes
- Eyes: make sure no red eye in your photos
- Background Color: white or light-coloured
6. Paste the photo in the first page of the application using glue stick and staple the applicant photo in the second page ( just underneath mailing instructions block )
Other Important information :
1. OfficeMax is right across the corner of Indian Consulate. Geary Blvd X Arguello Blvd
2. Photocopy inside the consulate is $ 1 per copy and 9c at OfficeMax / 49c for color copies.
Parking Near Consulate :
1. Continue on Arguello Boulevard , you would see the Indian Consulate on the left side.
2. Continue straight in the Anza St X Arguello Blvd intersection
3. Turn left on the next left st ( Edward St ) - This street is adjacent to the Rossi Playground.
4. Usually you get parking in this street and it doesn't have the parking meters installed ( Parking Cops are very active in and around the consulate in issuing the tickets ) Carry enough Quarters to feed the parking meters.
All the above information is based on the personal experience at SF consulate while applying PIO card. Please refer to http://cgisf.org for the latest information.
