The Pakistan Origin Card (POC) is an official identity document issued by NADRA to eligible foreign nationals of Pakistani origin under the NADRA (POC) Rules, 2002. It establishes a legal linkage with Pakistan, allows visa-free entry, and permits stay in Pakistan for the card’s validity. Applications are submitted via Pak-ID, with status tracking through an issued tracking ID.
What is Pakistan Origin Card?
The Pakistan Origin Card (POC) is an official identity document issued by NADRA to foreign nationals of Pakistani origin under the NADRA (POC) Rules, 2002. It establishes a verifiable legal linkage with Pakistan and enables the holder to enter Pakistan without a visa, reside in the country for the card’s validity period, and use the card as proof of identity where permitted under applicable laws.
Benefits of Pakistan Origin Card (POC)
A holder of a valid Pakistan Origin Card (POC) is entitled to the following facilities for the duration of the card’s validity, subject to applicable laws and regulations in force in Pakistan:
- The POC holder may enter Pakistan without obtaining a visa, through such ports, routes, and conditions as prescribed for citizens of Pakistan under Section 13 of the Passport Act, 1974 (XX of 1974).
- The POC holder is permitted to stay in Pakistan for the entire validity period of the card, without requiring any additional residence authorization.
- During their stay in Pakistan, the POC holder is exempt from registration or reporting requirements applicable to foreigners, including reporting to law enforcement or other governmental agencies, where such registration is otherwise required under any law in force.
- The POC holder may open and operate bank accounts anywhere in Pakistan, subject to compliance with other applicable financial and regulatory laws.
- The POC holder may purchase, sell, own, and dispose of movable and immovable property in Pakistan, in accordance with applicable laws governing such transactions.
- The POC may be used as a valid proof of identity in Pakistan where a National Identity Card is required, subject to legal acceptance in the relevant context.
- The POC holder may obtain employment in Pakistan, subject to fulfillment of requirements prescribed under applicable employment and labor laws.
Eligibility for Smart POC
The Smart Pakistan Origin Card (Smart POC) is issued to eligible foreign nationals of Pakistani origin in accordance with the NADRA (POC) Rules, 2002. Eligibility is determined strictly under the relevant provisions of the rules and verified through official documentation during the application process.
An individual is eligible for Smart POC if they fall under any of the following categories:
Eligibility for Smart POC is assessed based on documented proof of Pakistani origin or lawful relationship, and approval is granted only after verification in accordance with NADRA’s prescribed procedures.
How to Apply for Pakistan Origin Card (POC)
You can apply for a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) through Pak-ID, NADRA’s official digital platform for identity services. The application is completed online and processed under the NADRA (POC) Rules, 2002.
Step-by-Step POC Application Process
Once verification is completed and the application is approved, the POC is issued in accordance with the selected category and validity rules.
Important Notes
- Each POC application generates a separate tracking ID
- Applications are processed only through official NADRA channels
- Applicants should not share tracking IDs publicly for privacy and data protection
Required Documents for Smart POC
Applications for a Smart Pakistan Origin Card (Smart POC) must be supported by valid documentary evidence to establish Pakistani origin or an eligible legal relationship, in accordance with the NADRA (POC) Rules, 2002. All documents are submitted through Pak-ID during the application process.
Common Documents Required
The following documents are generally required for most Smart POC applications:
- Valid foreign passport of the applicant
- Proof of Pakistani origin, where applicable
- Existing POC (for renewal, modification, or cancellation cases)
- Recent photograph as per NADRA specifications
Documents Based on Eligibility Category
Document requirements vary depending on the applicant’s eligibility category:
Important Notes
- All documents must be clear, valid, and verifiable
- NADRA may request additional documents during the verification process
- Incomplete or inconsistent documentation may result in processing delays or rejection
- Document requirements are enforced strictly under NADRA rules
Smart POC Application Categories
Applicants can apply for a Smart Pakistan Origin Card (Smart POC) through Pak-ID under the following officially defined categories. Each category serves a specific purpose and is processed in accordance with the NADRA (POC) Rules, 2002.
New (Fresh Application)
This category is for individuals applying for a Smart POC for the first time. It applies to eligible foreign nationals of Pakistani origin who have never been issued a POC before.
Renewal
Renewal is used when an existing Smart POC has expired or is nearing expiry. The renewal process extends the validity of the card without changing the underlying eligibility record.
Modification
This category is selected when an applicant needs to update or correct information recorded on an existing Smart POC, subject to verification under NADRA procedures.
Cancellation
Cancellation is applied when an individual wishes to surrender their own Smart POC or, in applicable cases, a spouse-based Smart POC due to divorce, in accordance with NADRA rules.
Each application category follows a defined verification and approval process, and applicants must select the correct category to avoid delays or rejection.
Validity of Pakistan Origin Card (POC)
The validity of the Pakistan Origin Card (POC) is determined by the basis of eligibility under which the card is issued, in accordance with the NADRA (POC) Rules, 2002.
- POC issued to Pakistani-origin individuals (including ex-Pakistanis, parents-based, and FPO family members-based cases) is valid for seven (7) years from the date of issuance.
- POC issued on a spouse basis is valid for five (5) years from the date of issuance.
The POC remains valid only for the approved validity period. To continue availing the facilities and legal privileges associated with the POC, the card must be renewed upon expiry.
Important Notes
- Validity is calculated from the date of issuance, not the date of application
- An expired POC does not confer any legal facilities or privileges
- Renewal must be applied for through Pak-ID under the renewal category
- Validity rules are enforced strictly in accordance with NADRA regulations
POC Tracking & Status Check
You can check the Pakistan Origin Card (POC) application status using the tracking ID generated after submitting your application through Pak-ID. The tracking ID links your application to verification, payment, and processing stages.
How to Check POC Application Status
Use any official NADRA method below:
1) SMS Tracking
- Send your tracking ID via SMS to 8400
- You will receive an automated status update
2) NADRA Helpline
- Call 051-111-786-100
- Mobile users in Pakistan can dial 1777
- Provide your tracking ID to obtain the current status
3) Pak-ID Account / Mobile App
- Log in to your Pak-ID account
- View real-time status updates associated with your tracking ID
What the Tracking Status Shows
- Application submission confirmation
- Payment status (pending or completed)
- Verification and review stages
- Processing progress based on selected category
- Approval, dispatch, or completion status
Important Notes
- Each POC application has a unique tracking ID
- Status updates may take time to synchronize across systems
- Do not share your tracking ID publicly, including on social media
- NADRA does not provide tracking updates through social media comments
Smart POC Fees & Timeline
The Smart Pakistan Origin Card (Smart POC) processing fee and timeline depend on the application category and priority level, as prescribed by NADRA. All fees are shown in USD, however payment is charged in PKR after applicable currency conversion under Pak-ID rules.
Processing Fee and Timeline for Smart POC (USD)
| Application Type | Normal Fee | Timeline | Urgent Fee | Timeline | Executive Fee | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Smart POC | 150 | 31 days | 200 | 23 days | 250 | 09 days |
| Smart POC Modification | 200 | 31 days | 250 | 23 days | 300 | 09 days |
| Smart POC Duplicate | 200 | 31 days | 250 | 23 days | 300 | 09 days |
| Smart POC Renewal | 150 | 31 days | 200 | 23 days | 250 | 09 days |
| POC Cancellation (due to Death) | — | — | — | — | 25 | 02 days |
| POC Cancellation (due to Divorce) | — | — | — | — | 25 | 02 days |
| POC Cancellation (due to Nationality Surrender) | — | — | — | — | 15 | 02 days |
Updating Non-Printable Fields
| Service | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| POC – Non-Printable Fields Update | USD 30 | 02 days |
Important Notices (Pak-ID)
- Fees are charged in PKR after currency conversion.
- Processing timelines start only after successful fee payment.
- Normal, Urgent, and Executive timelines apply strictly per selected priority.
Procedure for Multiple/Duplicate (International)
For international duplicate cases, the following procedure applies:
- Submit an affidavit/declaration as per the prescribed specimen.
- Deposit the applicable fee into NADRA’s online account:
Bank: Habib Bank Limited – Foreign Office Branch, Islamabad
IBAN: PK45 HABB 0004 6000 5101 0801
SWIFT Code: HABBPKKA - Email the affidavit and fee receipt to [email protected] for further processing.
Common Smart POC Fee Issues
Applicants for Smart Pakistan Origin Card (Smart POC) may encounter fee-related issues during or after payment. Most of these issues arise due to payment timing, currency conversion, or incomplete payment flow, and can be resolved without submitting a new application.
Fee Paid but Status Still Shows Pending
This usually occurs when:
- The payment has been completed but not yet synchronized with the Pak-ID system
- The applicant did not return to Pak-ID after completing payment
Applicants should log back into their Pak-ID account using the same tracking ID and refresh the application status. Processing timelines begin only after fee confirmation.
Fee Charged in PKR Instead of USD
Although Smart POC fees are listed in USD, the actual charge is:
- Converted to PKR automatically at the time of payment
- Based on the applicable exchange rate
This is expected behavior under Pak-ID and does not indicate overcharging.
Incorrect Fee Selected (Wrong Category or Priority)
Fee issues may occur if:
- The wrong application category (New, Renewal, Modification, Duplicate) was selected
- An incorrect priority level (Normal, Urgent, Executive) was chosen
Once payment is made, the category and priority cannot be changed. Applicants may be required to contact NADRA support for guidance.
Payment Failed or Deducted but Not Reflected
This can happen due to:
- Network interruption during payment
- Session timeout on Pak-ID
- Bank-side transaction delays
In such cases, applicants should:
- Wait for system reconciliation
- Check payment history in their bank or walle
- Avoid making duplicate payments without confirmation
International Duplicate Payment Issues
For international duplicate Smart POC cases, delays may occur if:
- The affidavit or declaration is incomplete
- Fee is deposited but documents are not emailed
Applicants must ensure:
- Fee is deposited in the designated NADRA account
- Affidavit and fee receipt are sent to the official NADRA email for processing
Important Reminders
- Processing timelines start after successful fee payment
- Always retain payment receipts and transaction references
- Avoid making multiple payments for the same tracking ID
- Fee-related issues should be resolved through official NADRA channels only
POC vs NICOP (Pakistan Origin Card vs NICOP)
POC and NICOP are not interchangeable.
Foreign nationals of Pakistani origin who are not citizens must apply for POC, while Pakistani citizens living abroad must apply for NICOP. Citizenship status is the decisive factor.
The Pakistan Origin Card (POC) and NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis) are two different identity documents issued by NADRA, each meant for a separate legal status. The correct choice depends entirely on citizenship, not convenience or location.
POC vs NICOP
| Aspect | Pakistan Origin Card (POC) | NICOP |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship Status | Not a Pakistani citizen | Pakistani citizen |
| Who Can Apply | Foreign nationals of Pakistani origin, ex-Pakistanis, eligible spouses and dependents | Pakistani citizens residing abroad, including permitted dual nationals |
| Legal Nature | Establishes lawful linkage with Pakistan | Proof of Pakistani citizenship |
| Visa Requirement | Visa-free entry into Pakistan | Visa-free entry into Pakistan |
| Stay in Pakistan | Allowed for the validity period of the POC | Allowed as a Pakistani citizen |
| Use as Identity in Pakistan | Accepted where permitted under applicable laws | Accepted as national identity |
| Property Rights | Permitted, subject to applicable laws | Permitted as a citizen |
| Employment Rights | Permitted, subject to applicable laws | Permitted as a citizen |
| Validity | 7 years (origin-based) / 5 years (spouse-based) | Varies by category |
| After Renunciation of Citizenship | Eligible | Not eligible |
Pre-Submission Checklist for Smart POC (Reduce Rejection Risk)
Use this checklist before submitting your Smart POC application on Pak-ID. Completing each item helps prevent common rejections under the NADRA (POC) Rules, 2002.
Eligibility & Category
Documents (Quality & Validity)
Data & Completion
Payment & Tracking
Final Check
Reconfirm eligibility, documents, data consistency, and payment linkage. Submit only after all items above are checked.
Key Takeaway:
Most Smart POC rejections are avoided by selecting the correct category, uploading clear and valid documents, ensuring data consistency, and confirming payment linkage through Pak-ID under NADRA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Pakistan Origin Card (POC)?
The Pakistan Origin Card (POC) is an official identity document issued by NADRA to foreign nationals of Pakistani origin under the NADRA (POC) Rules, 2002. It establishes a legal linkage with Pakistan and grants specific facilities during its validity.
Who is eligible to apply for POC?
Foreign nationals who were previously Pakistani citizens, or whose parents or grandparents were Pakistani nationals, as well as eligible foreign spouses and dependents, may apply for POC subject to verification.
Is POC a proof of Pakistani citizenship?
No. POC does not grant or prove Pakistani citizenship. It only confirms Pakistani origin and provides facilities defined under applicable laws.
Does POC allow visa-free entry into Pakistan?
Yes. A valid POC allows visa-free entry into Pakistan and permits stay for the duration of the card’s validity, subject to applicable laws.
How can I apply for POC?
POC applications are submitted online through Pak-ID by selecting the appropriate category and uploading required documents. A tracking ID is generated after submission.
How can I track my POC application status?
You can track your POC application using the tracking ID via SMS (8400), the NADRA helpline, or by logging into your Pak-ID account.
What is the validity period of POC?
POC issued to Pakistani-origin individuals is valid for seven (7) years, while spouse-based POC is valid for five (5) years from the date of issuance.
Can a POC be renewed after expiry?
Yes. POC must be renewed through Pak-ID upon expiry to continue availing the facilities associated with it.
What is the difference between POC and NICOP?
POC is for non-citizens of Pakistani origin, while NICOP is for Pakistani citizens living abroad. The deciding factor is citizenship status.
What are common reasons for POC application rejection?
Common reasons include incorrect eligibility category selection, insufficient proof of Pakistani origin, document inconsistencies, incomplete applications, or unconfirmed payment.
Can POC be canceled?
Yes. POC can be canceled due to reasons such as death, divorce (for spouse-based POC), or surrender of nationality, as per NADRA rules.
What is the difference between POC and NICOP?
POC is issued to non-citizens of Pakistani origin, while NICOP is issued to Pakistani citizens living abroad.
Who should apply for POC instead of NICOP?
Anyone who has renounced Pakistani citizenship or never held it but can prove Pakistani origin should apply for POC.
Can a POC holder apply for NICOP?
No. NICOP requires Pakistani citizenship. POC holders are not citizens.
Do both POC and NICOP allow visa-free entry to Pakistan?
Yes. Both allow visa-free entry, but under different legal bases.
Is POC a replacement for Pakistani citizenship?
No. POC does not grant citizenship. It only provides specific facilities under the law.
What happens if a NICOP holder renounces Pakistani nationality?
NICOP becomes invalid, and the individual may become eligible for POC if other conditions are met.