Consulate General of Pakistan - Los Angeles USA -FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Do I have to surrender CNIC to obtain POC/NICOP?
A: In case if you are applying for POC (Pakistan Origin card); you have to surrender your CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card). However, for NICOP you don’t have to surrender your CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card).

Q: What is the last date for application? I heard it was December 31, 2003.
A: December 31, 2003 was the date for the expiration of all old NICs. It was NOT the deadline for applications for the new NICOP that replaces it. You can apply whenever you want, you just cannot use your old NIC anymore.

Q: Some forms claim the NICOP fee is $25 for multiples of 3 years, what is the latest fee structure?
A: These forms reflect the OLD fee structure, please IGNORE the validity section on the forms. The current fee structure is $ 25 + $10 = $35 for validity of 7 years and this is final.

Q: Do I need to fill the Urdu portion of the NICOP form?
A: Yes, you should fill out the fields marked in Urdu.

Q: What is the approximate processing time for POC/NICOP applications?
A: Minimum processing time for POC/NICOP is 6 months. The delay is mainly because the cards are made in Pakistan and then sent to the mission here. However, some cards are received earlier as well.

Q: Do I need to send a return envelope with my application?
A: Yes, please send two return envelopes. We will mail the receipt for your application in one envelope and your card in the other.

Q: Do I need to send separate money orders/cashier's checks for each applicant?
A: Yes, you need to make separate money orders for each applicant.

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.

Q: I need to change my name. What do I do?
A: To apply under a name other than what is on your supporting documentation, you need valid proof of name change. This can be a Marriage Certificate, Divorce Papers or Court Order of the name change.

Q: I am a student here, can I get a fee waiver?
A: There is no fee waiver for applying for the NICOP card.

Q: Can minors (under 18) apply for NICOP?
A: Yes.

Q: How can I pay the fee?
A: Fee is payable in the form of a US money order or cashier’s check payable to the Consulate General of Pakistan.

Q: How do I get the NICOP form attested?
A: Any person holding CNIC or NICOP can attest the form.

Q: Do I really need my parent's NIC number?
A: In order to facilitate processing of your application in Pakistan you must provide the NIC/NICOP/CNIC numbers of your parents if they are alive and currently Pakistani citizens. If the parents are not alive just write DECEASED.

Q: Do I need to fill column 2 “Family head NIC number”?
A: Yes.

Q: Where do I mail my application?
A: For applicants resident in the following States the applications are to be mailed to the Consulate General of Pakistan, Los Angeles (10850 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1250, Los Angeles, CA 90024):

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Wyoming and Washington