NADRA Pakistan Origin Card Eligibility and Application Process

The purpose of this blog post is to provide readers with a detailed guide on eligibility criteria and application procedures for obtaining a NADRA Pakistan Origin Card (POC). Possessing a valid POC serves as an important form of identification and proof of Pakistani ancestry for foreign nationals.

This introductory section will highlight the significance of having a POC and briefly overview the topics covered throughout the remainder of the blog. Obtaining a POC card can be highly beneficial for multiple reasons. First and foremost, it acts as an official ID that enables foreign nationals of Pakistani origin to easily prove their identity and lineage when visiting Pakistan.

The POC facilitates visa applications, bank account opening, property transactions, and access to various services within the country. Additionally, POC holders may be eligible for certain benefits and incentives exclusive to overseas Pakistanis.

The card also simplifies various bureaucratic and legal processes that often require valid identification. Hence, the POC provides invaluable proof of Pakistani ancestry and citizenship for foreign nationals.

By the end of this guide, readers will have an understanding of all key aspects of the POC application process. With clear eligibility criteria, a document checklist, application steps, and answers to common questions, applicants can smoothly navigate obtaining this valuable identification document.

Eligibility Criteria for Pakistan Origin Card (POC)

Getting a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) can open up a world of benefits, but not everyone is eligible. Let’s break down the key requirements to see if you can get this valuable ID card.

One pathway to eligibility is through your family tree. If you have parents or grandparents who are/were Pakistani citizens, you may qualify for a POC. The same goes if you have siblings, spouses, or other relatives who hold Pakistani nationality. As long as you can provide documents proving these relationships, your Pakistani ancestry is your ticket.

Another common eligibility criterion is marriage. If you are a foreign national married to a Pakistani citizen, you can apply for a POC. Just be ready to furnish an attested copy of your marriage certificate and your spouse’s CNIC/NICOP/passport.

Did you once hold Pakistani citizenship but gave it up? As long as you formally surrender your nationality, you can still obtain a POC card.

While the doors are open wide, a few exceptions do exist. Unfortunately, Indian nationals and citizens of Taiwan, Israel, or any country not recognized by Pakistan cannot obtain a POC. The same goes for nationals of enemy states. But for most applicants, a little paperwork is all it takes to get approved.

Dual Nationality Agreement Of Pakistan With Other Countries

Pakistan allows dual nationality for certain countries, enabling people to maintain their foreign citizenship while obtaining a Pakistan Origin Card (POC). This provides significant benefits for applicants looking to gain residence rights in Pakistan.

The main countries that have dual nationality agreements with Pakistan include:

United Kingdom
United States
Canada
France
Italy
Belgium
New Zealand

Dual nationality allows POC applicants to enjoy the perks of citizenship in two countries. They can own property, vote, get an education, and access healthcare in Pakistan while retaining citizenship privileges like passport ownership in their home country.

Other key benefits include:

Increased ease of travel between Pakistan and the country of citizenship
Ability to live and work freely in Pakistan with a POC
Option to pass down dual nationality to future generations
Potential tax benefits depend on the laws of each country

Overall, the dual nationality agreement gives POC applicants greater flexibility and rights. It makes obtaining residence in Pakistan more appealing for those wishing to maintain ties to another homeland.

Countries Without Dual Nationality for POC

Certain countries do not allow dual nationality with Pakistan when applying for a POC. These include:

India
Israel
Taiwan

Applicants from these regions would need to renounce their current citizenship when obtaining a POC for Pakistani residence. This restricts flexibility but can still enable residence rights in Pakistan.

Required Documents for POC

Getting a Pakistan Origin Card requires submitting several key documents to verify eligibility. Let’s go through the necessary paperwork step-by-step so you know exactly what to prepare.

First, you’ll need to provide a copy of your CNIC or NICOP if you have one. This establishes your link to Pakistan as a current or former citizen.

Next, copies of identification documents belonging to your Pakistani relatives can help demonstrate your ancestral ties to the country. This includes CNICs, NICOPs, or passports of your:

Parents or grandparents who are Pakistani citizens
Siblings who are Pakistani citizens
Other relatives who are Pakistani citizens

You’ll also want to supply documents proving your relationship to these individuals, such as birth certificates, family registration certificates, etc.

If applying based on marriage to a Pakistani national, submit an attested copy of your marriage certificate.

In addition, provide your Pakistani spouse’s CNIC, NICOP, or passport to confirm their citizenship.

Applicants above 21 years old must first apply to cancel any active CNIC, CRC, or NICOP and return the original card to NADRA. This demonstrates you are surrendering Pakistani citizenship. By gathering these key documents ahead of time, you’ll have all the necessary paperwork ready for a smooth POC application. Let me know if you need any clarification on the required materials.

How to Apply For Nadra Pakistan Origin Card (POC)?

Applying for a NADRA Pakistan Origin Card (POC) is a straightforward process that can be completed entirely online. Here is a step-by-step guide to submitting your POC application through NADRA’s portal:

Go to Nadra portal and click on “Apply for POC” under the Origin Card section.
Log in with your credentials.
Once logged in, you will need to fill out the online POC application form.
After submitting the form, you will be prompted to pay the POC processing fee.
Once submitted, you can track the status of your POC application through NADRA’s online tracking system.

Smart POC Categories

When applying for a Smart Pakistan Origin Card (POC), there are four main categories to choose from: new applications, renewals, modifications, and cancellations. Understanding the purpose and requirements of each will help applicants select the appropriate option.

New Applications

A new application is for those seeking their first POC. This involves submitting all the required documents, meeting the eligibility criteria, and going through the full application process. New applicants must provide details like their name, date of birth, contact information, and relationship to Pakistan (e.g. through marriage or ancestry).

Renewals

For those who already have a valid POC, renewals allow them to extend their validity once the original card has expired. The renewal process is simpler than a new application, but applicants still need to confirm their details are up-to-date and pay the renewal fees.

Modifications

POC holders can request modifications if certain details like their name, address, or marital status have changed since the original issuance. Modification applications require submitting supporting documents as proof of the changes.

Cancellations

If a POC holder gains Pakistani citizenship or no longer needs the card, they can request cancellation. This terminates the validity of the card and deactivates it. Cancellation applications require submitting the original POC card to NADRA.

POC Fee Structure

Obtaining a Pakistan Origin Card comes with a processing fee and additional charges depending on the type of service and delivery time you select. Here is an overview of the POC fee structure:

Service Types and Fees

There are three main service types to choose from when applying for a POC:

Normal (31 days processing time) – $150 fee
Urgent (23 days processing time) – $250 fee
Executive (7 days processing time) – $200 fee for new card, $300 fee for modifications

Additional services like POC renewal and cancellation also have set fees ranging from $15 to $200 depending on the service type.

Payment Methods

Applicants can pay the POC processing fee and additional charges through the following methods:

Credit card
Debit card
Bank deposit

It is crucial to provide accurate payment information to avoid processing delays. Applicants should ensure they have sufficient balance if paying by card or have deposited the full amount if making a bank deposit.

NADRA Online Tracking

Keeping track of your POC application status is crucial to ensure timely processing. Thankfully, NADRA offers a convenient online tracking system that applicants can utilize. Here’s a quick guide on how to use NADRA’s tracking system:

Checking Application Status

After submitting your POC application, you will receive a 12-digit tracking number. To check your application status, simply visit NADRA’s website and enter this tracking number in the online tracking portal.

The portal will then display real-time updates on your application progress. It shows which stage of processing your application is currently in – whether it’s been received, is under review, approved, printed, or dispatched.

Getting Status Updates

Along with checking current status, the online tracking system also provides regular status updates directly to your email address or mobile number. These updates include:

Confirmation when NADRA receives your application
Notifications when your application is approved or rejected
Alerts when your POC card is printed and dispatched

Enabling these status updates ensures you stay informed throughout the POC application process without having to repeatedly check manually.

Tracking delivery

Once your POC card is dispatched, the tracking system allows you to monitor its delivery in real-time. You can see when it has left the regional NADRA office, reached the local post office, out for delivery, and finally delivered.

The tracking number remains valid for 30 days after delivery in case you need to retrieve delivery-related information.

Using NADRA’s online tracking system takes the guesswork out of the POC application process. Applicants can easily monitor their status, receive updates, and track card delivery without hassle.

FAQs

What are the eligibility criteria to apply for a POC?

To be eligible for a POC, you must be either a foreign national married to a Pakistani citizen, have Pakistani ancestry (parents or grandparents who were Pakistani citizens), have surrendered Pakistani citizenship in the past, or have family members who are Pakistani citizens. Certain nationalities like Indian, Taiwanese, Israeli, or citizens of countries not recognized by Pakistan are ineligible.

What documents do I need to submit with my POC application?

Required documents include copies of your and your Pakistani spouse or family members’ CNICs/NICOPs/passports, marriage certificate, proof of relationship to Pakistani ancestors if applicable, and for applicants above 21, the original CNIC/NICOP along with an application for cancellation.

How do I apply for a POC card?

Currently, applications can only be submitted online through NADRA’s portal. You need to visit the portal, register/log in, select “Apply for POC”, fill out the application form accurately, and pay the fee. Print out the payment receipt.

What are the different categories under Smart POC?

The Smart POC categories include new card application, renewal of expired card, modifications to your existing POC details, and cancellation of your current POC.

What is the fee for getting my POC card?

The POC processing fee is PKR 15,000 for new applications and PKR 10,000 for renewals. Additional charges may apply in certain cases. Payment can be made online via credit/debit card, mobile banking, or at authorized bank branches.

Can I track the status of my POC application online?

Yes, NADRA provides an online tracking system to monitor your POC application status and get regular updates. You can track it on their website using your application details.