How to file for - OCI in lieu of PIO - Indian Consulate Chicago

Recently there has been some update in Indian Government Policy that will replace all PIO card with CIO. I filed at Indian Consulate Chicago, IL. Whatever your scenario be, it will not be too much different from what has been mentioned below.

Here are few primer:

1. You have to file to the same location where PIO Card was originally issued. In my case it was Chicago, though I live in Houston.
2. Filing fee is $0 till 17th June 2015. So, hurry up otherwise you will end up paying approx. $275 !
3. Here are the relevant links:
1. Consulate General of India Chicago
2. CKGS (This third party vendor that acts as intermediary b/w Consulate and you.)
3. How to Apply
4. On-line OCI in lieu of PIO form
5. 'OCI in lieu of PIO' checklists and details
6. Checklist Document. Very important!
7. List of forms

If you follow these steps, it will simplify the process and save you lot of time.

1. Fill in the Application form: There are lot of details to cover, but don't worry, I'm sure you had done this many times in past. Just follow the form and start preparing your personal checklist of required items. Everyone's checklist would be different, but not a whole lot different. For example, I had to scan and print from my original documents but I heard many of my friends already had scanned copies, thus saving time. For Photos I spent 3 Hrs, but someone might already have it. So, prepare you own list while filling the form. Once you have filled in all the details in Application Form, start reducing your checklist till you have gathered all the information and requirement documents. If you do this, you are 90% done, but not complete yet.
2. Print the Application Form: Once you feel that you have all the required information filled in the Application Form and gathered all printed documents in hand, print the Application Form.
3. After Printing, make sure you read the printed physical copy again. You have to complete Part - A,  Part - B and gather all the documents listed in Part - B. Don't worry about checklist, this is not your final checklist. It is coming later.
4. Now, directly jump to the Checklist Document: Take two copies of Checklist Document. Start marking, with pencil, those documents which you already gathered, otherwise collect the missing document. Make sure your documents are arranged in the same sequence as they are listed in Document Checklist. Please notice that not all documents are applicable for everyone. Choose yours based on your situation/criteria/scenario. I would recommend having extra document in case of doubt, rather than not having it.
5. Notarization of documents: Which document needs to be notarized is already mentioned in the checklist. In my case, I had to notarize following: (be careful, in doubt notarize it through public notary)
1. Application Form, where parents had to sign.
2. CKGS Disclaimer Form
3. copy of PIO card (all pages)
6. I would recommend using Fedex service of CKGS for both sending document to CKGS and receiving documents from CKGS. I found this cheapest and hassle free.

Notary & Postal

If you are in Katy, Houston TX area, you could use goinpostal for both notary and postal service. Their notary service is really awesome. Here is their website http://www.goinpostal.com  and they are located at 5614 W. Grand Parkway South #102, Richmond, TX 77406