NICOP/POC CARDS
The following are the officials dealing with NICOP, the National Identity Card for Overseas
Pakistanis, as well as the POC, the Pakistan Origin Card. Further information is available at NADRA's official site.
Very briefly, NICOP is meant for all Pakistani citizens in the United States. It replaces the
National Identity Card or NIC. The fee for NICOP has been revised, it is now US$15 for 10 years validity.
POC is meant for US nationals of Pakistani origin. Such nationals can now choose between
a Pakistani passport or a POC. POC holders DO NOT NEED A VISA to go to Pakistan.
Download Adobe Acrobat to view and print applications.
Pakistan Origin Card
For American Citizens
DOWNLOAD POC APPLICATION
For POC you need:
Completed POC Application form.
2 photographs (passport size, light blue background preferred).
Money order or cashier's check for the fee ($100 for adults, $50 for minors) made payable to
the Embassy or Consulate General.
Copy of American/Foreign passport.
At least 1 proof of Pakistani origin:
-> Copy of Pakistani passport
-> Copy of
National ID Card (NIC)
-> Proof of property owned in Pakistan
-> Proof of relationship with a Pakistani e.g. (Marriage
or Birth Certificate), alongwith the relative's Pakistani passport or NIC.
Return envelope (stamped and self-addressed, for the receipt). |
National ID Card for Overseas Pakistanis
For Pakistani Citizens
DOWNLOAD NICOP APPLICATION - English Form
DOWNLOAD NICOP APPLICATION - Urdu Form Page 1
DOWNLOAD NICOP APPLICATION - Urdu Form Page 2
For NICOP you need:
Completed English application form.
Completed Urdu application form (not needed if you have CNIC, if you dont have CNIC you MUST
fill this form out too).
4 photographs(passport size, light blue background preferred).
Money order or cashier's check for the fee ($15) made payable to the Embassy or Consulate General.
Copy of Pakistani passport (valid or expired for not more than 1 year) Front 4 pages.
Copy of US Visa/I-94/Green Card/INS document showing legal stay in the US.
Copy of National ID Card (NIC) or the RG-2 (Bay-form) . In case niether is available, the registration
of Pakistani children born abroad may be used (Form S-1) alongwith the parents NICs.
Return envelope (stamped and self-addressed, for the receipt).
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I want to register my child, where do i get the CRC (Form 'B'/Bay-form)?
A: Please click here for information on CRC.
Q: The forms claim the NICOP fee is $25 for multiples of 3 years, what is the latest fee
structure?
A: The forms reflect the OLD fee structure, please IGNORE the validity section on the forms. The current fee
structure is $15 for validity of 10 years and this is final.
Q: What is the approximate processing time for POC/NICOP applications?
A: Minimum processing
time for POC is 3 months. Minimum time for NICOP is 3 months, but it usually takes more than 4 months. The delay is mainly
because the cards are made in Pakistan and then sent to the mission here.
Q: Do I need to send a return envelope with my application?
A: Yes, if you want to receive
a receipt for your application filed with this office. The return envelope is not used for your card, that is sent on our
expense.
Q: Do I need to send separate money orders/cashier's checks for each applicant?
A: No,
upto 8 POC applicants or 8 NICOP applicants can use 1 money order/cashier's check for their combined fees (for example $60
for 4 NICOP applicants), however payment of one card may not be mixed with that of another (POC may not be mixed with that
of NICOP and vice versa). If one family is applying for both types of cards, make sure you include separate money orders/cashier's
checks for each type.
Q: Are there any other special instructions with regard to sending in an application?
A:
Each application is processed individually so if one family is applying, make sure you attach separate copies of each document
with each application e.g. do not send just 1 copy of a father's NIC when he is applying for himself, his wife and his kids.
Also make sure you mark your application "ATTN: NADRA" so that it reaches the relevant department quickly and doesnt experience
any delays in the mail room.
Q: I need to change my name. What do I do?
A: To apply under a different name than your
supporting documentation you need valid proof of name change. This can be a Marriage Certificate, Divorce Papers or Court
Order (from Pakistan only) of name change.
Q: I am a student here, can I get a fee waiver?
A: Yes, but then you will not get a
card, you will only be registered in the National Database. If you want the card, you will have to pay for it.
Q: Do I really need to fill out the urdu based NICOP forms?
A: That depends. If you
have a CNIC (Computerized National ID Card) and are attaching its copy, then no you do not. In ALL other cases (including
old NIC) you MUST fill out the urdu form.
Q: Can minors (under 18) apply for NICOP?
A: Yes, but only if you have their CRC.
Q: Which Money Order should I send?
A: You can send any brand you like (US Postal Service,
Western Union). It is cashed in the US not in Pakistan.
Q: Do I have to get the urdu forms attested?
A: No, the Consulate/Embassy handles this.
Q: Do I really need my parent's NIC number?
A: You must provide their numbers if they
are alive and currently Pakistani citizens. Otherwize you can just write DECEASED or NA.
Q: Where do I mail my application?
A: You can mail it to whichever office you like.
Generally, you should send your application to Consulate/Embassy closest to you. The addresses for each are available on the
Community page.
