^^^ In March, I had similar experience at Mumbai Airport. Immigration officer told me to get OCI.On returning, I did a checked online and decided to apply for OCI.

Hopeful this is useful for someone wanting to apply in future.

OCI in lieu of PIO

I applied for OCI in lieu of PIO, learnt a few things. I did 3 trips to VFS to finally submit.

Counter staff said people do 4 trips and still documents is not accepted.

VFS will contact if any more information is required, takes about 6 -8 weeks. Will receive a PIO style card.

Online application

Be prepared with documents - passport, pio card, know your indian address, age of father, mother or any other close relative, photos scanned, signature photo , documents scanned.

The website landing pages says application photo should be 2x2 inches and signature photo should be 1:3

After login, The maths and science knowledge of the applicant is tested. Like what is the colour of sun? Which number is greater 1 or 7?

Part A, B is ok, photo should be less than 30kb {Tip: use Ms Paint, worked for me} . Part C -pdf documents should be less than 500kb.

Initially you get a temporary registration number and on completion an application number.

Its comes in the email, in my case when i filled the partially completed form, i received email with details with registration number.

Documents submission:

- Application Photo - 2x2 inches - if you are taking photo, remind the person it's for India. Scan and use the same to upload. Saves hassle later.

- Signature photo - Photo of your signature, Size - 3:1, { Tip : signature on blank paper and take photo with mobile if you have good resolution}.

I provided these documents

- Application form ( print after filling online) with 1 photo thats fits the size of the box and sign under.
- Application Checklist
- Form U { hand written}
- Foreign Passport - 1 copy
- Citizenship Certificate (in case of Australia) - 1 copy {Self Attested}
- Old Indian passport - 1 copy {Photo page, any observation and cancellation of citizenship, last page}
- PIO card - 1 copy {photo page, observation, last page}
- If married / divorced, they may ask for certificate - 1 copy {notarised }
- If name is different in any document { statutory declaration- notarised}

I signed all the documents in front of staff. After having submitted my documents, felt like I passed exam when the papers got accepted. :lol: