If you have become a citizen of another country, you must officially renounce your Indian citizenship and surrender your Indian passport. The Indian government requires this process and applies to individuals who have acquired foreign nationality, such as U.S. citizenship. This article will explain the steps involved in surrendering your Indian passport, obtaining a renunciation certificate, and other important details.
Why Do You Need to Surrender Your Indian Passport?
According to Indian law, dual citizenship is not allowed. This means that if you become a citizen of another country, you automatically lose your Indian citizenship. The Government of India requires you to surrender your Indian passport and obtain a renunciation certificate as proof that you are no longer an Indian citizen. Without this certificate, you may face difficulties applying for an Indian visa or OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card.
Documents Required for Surrendering an Indian Passport
To surrender your Indian passport in US and obtain a renunciation certificate, you need the following documents:
- Original Indian Passport: Your last issued Indian passport, including all pages.
- Copy of U.S. Passport: A clear copy of your U.S. passport (or any other foreign passport).
- Renunciation Form: This can be from the website of the Indian consulate or VFS Global.
- Naturalization Certificate: A copy of your U.S. naturalization certificate or proof of acquiring foreign citizenship.
- Photographs: Passport-size photos as per Indian consulate specifications.
- Proof of Address: A utility bill, driver’s license, or lease agreement.
- Fees Payment Receipt: Proof of payment for the renunciation application.
How do you surrender an Indian passport in the U.S.?
VFS Global, an official outsourcing partner for the Indian consulates, handles the process of surrendering an Indian passport in the U.S. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Determine the Category of Renunciation
There are two categories of renunciation:
- Naturalized before June 1, 2010: If you became a U.S. citizen before this date, you do not need a formal renunciation certificate, but you can still apply for one.
- Naturalized on or after June 1, 2010: You must apply for a renunciation certificate and surrender your Indian passport.
Step 2: Fill Out the Online Application
- Visit the VFS Global website.
- Create an account and fill out the online renunciation application form.
- Upload scanned copies of the required documents.
- Print and sign the application form.
Step 3: Pay the Fees
The fee for renunciation varies depending on when you became a U.S. citizen. Payment can be made online through the VFS Global portal.
Step 4: Send Your Documents by Mail
After completing the online application and paying, you must mail your documents to the VFS Global Center serving your region. For tracking, use a secure courier service like FedEx or UPS.
Step 5: Receive Your Renunciation Certificate
Once your application is processed, you will receive:
- A renunciation certificate
- A canceled Indian passport with a stamp indicating it has been surrendered
Processing Time for Renunciation Certificate
The processing time varies based on the consulate and location but usually takes:
- Standard processing: 3-6 weeks
- Expedited processing (if available): 1-2 weeks
Consequences of Not Surrendering an Indian Passport
If you do not surrender your Indian passport after acquiring foreign nationality, you may face the following issues:
- You may be fined if you try to use an Indian passport after acquiring another nationality.
- You may have legal issues if you travel to India using an Indian passport after becoming a foreign citizen.
Applying for an Indian Visa or OCI After Renunciation
After renouncing your Indian citizenship, you may need an Indian visa or an OCI card to visit India.
- Indian Visa: If you plan a short visit to India, you can apply for a tourist or business visa.
- OCI Card: If you wish long-term access to India, an OCI card is a good option. It allows multiple entries and lifelong stays in India.
Conclusion
Surrendering your Indian passport is an important legal step after acquiring foreign citizenship. Following the correct procedure and submitting the required documents through VFS Global, you can obtain your renunciation certificate without complications. If you have any doubts, check the latest guidelines on the Indian consulate’s website or consult an immigration expert.