PIO Card Processing in Chicago

[kishore_n]

Friends,

I am planning to travel by end of March to India and would like to either apply for a Visa for a new born or a PIO card. If anyone had experience with Chicago consulate I would like to know the approximate processing timings in Chicago for PIO card. If its taking more than a couple of weeks then I guess applying for a Visa in person would be a better and a safer option. Any other suggestions are welcome.

Thanks for your hep,
Kish

[india2usa]

Hi Kishore,

You will get the PIO card in just a week. I had applied and received the PIO card for my new born son within 7 days. I don't think it would take longer than a week. But you can very well call the consulate and check with them, I think we need to pay some extra fee to expedite the process. I am not sure but as i said, you have to check with them.

Let me know if you need any more help.

Anand

[kishore_n]

Thanks a lot Anand. I was trying to call them to no avail and I left a message too. Well just wanted to reconfirm the documents which I need to send with someone who has already gone through the process. The Chicago consulate doesn't list the necessary documents other than what is listed on the PIO form. Is this the list we need to send ?

1. 2 Completed Application forms
2. Four photographs of the new born
3. Notarized Passport copy of the new born
4. Notarized Passport copy of the parents
5. Birth certificate of the child
6. US $155
7. Mail back charges of $15

Do we have to send the original passport of the new born or a notarized copy is sufficient ?

Thanks Again,
Nand