If you are an Indian citizen living in the USA and have acquired citizenship of another country (like the USA), you must renounce your Indian citizenship. This process involves surrendering your Indian passport and obtaining a Surrender Certificate.
Below is a guide to help you understand the process, documents required, and fees involved.
Why Do You Need to Renounce Indian Citizenship?
According to Indian law, holding dual citizenship is not allowed. If you become a citizen of another country, you must formally renounce your Indian citizenship. This is done by surrendering your Indian passport and obtaining a Surrender Certificate. This certificate is important because it is required for various purposes, such as applying for an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card or for visa-related matters.
Steps to Renounce Indian Citizenship in the USA
- Surrender Your Indian Passport:
You need to surrender your Indian passport at the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate in the USA. This is the first step in the renunciation process.
- Apply for a Surrender Certificate:
Once you surrender your passport, you will receive a Surrender Certificate. This document is proof that you have legally renounced your Indian citizenship.
- Pay the Required Fees:
There are fees associated with surrendering your passport and obtaining the Surrender Certificate. These fees vary depending on the passport type and your application’s urgency.
Documents Required for Renunciation
To renounce your Indian citizenship and surrender your passport, you will need the following documents:
- Original Indian Passport:
You must submit your most recent Indian passport. If your passport is lost, you must provide a police report or an affidavit explaining the situation.
- Copy of US Citizenship Proof:
You need to provide proof of your US citizenship, such as a copy of your US passport or naturalization certificate.
- Application Form:
Fill out the Surrender Certificate Application Form. This form is available on the website of the Indian Embassy or Consulate in the USA.
- Passport-Sized Photographs:
You will need two recent passport-sized photographs with a white background.
- Proof of Address:
Provide proof of your address in the USA, such as a utility bill, driving license, or rental agreement.
- Fee Payment:
Pay the required fees for the surrender process. The fee structure is explained below.
Fees for Surrendering Indian Passport
The fees for surrendering your Indian passport depend on the type of passport and the urgency of your application. Here is a general breakdown:
- Regular Surrender Certificate:
- For a normal passport: $175
- For a tatkal (urgent) passport: $250
- Lost/Damaged Passport Surrender: If your passport is lost or damaged, an additional fee of $20 is charged.
- Miscellaneous Fees: If you need extra copies of the Surrender Certificate, each additional copy costs $20.
How to Submit Your Application
- Visit the Indian Embassy/Consulate Website:
Go to the official website of the Indian Embassy or Consulate in your area. Download the Surrender Certificate Application Form and fill it out.
- Gather All Required Documents:
Ensure you have all the necessary documents, including your original Indian passport, proof of US citizenship, photographs, and proof of address.
- Pay the Fees:
Pay the required fees online or via a money order or cashier’s check. Some Indian Consulates also accept credit/debit cards.
- Submit Your Application:
You can submit your application in person at the Indian Embassy or Consulate. Some consulates also allow you to mail your application. Check the specific instructions on the consulate’s website.
- Track Your Application:
After submitting your application, you can track its status online using the reference number provided.
Processing Time
The processing time for the Surrender Certificate varies depending on the consulate and the type of service (regular or tatkaal). Generally, it takes:
- Regular Service: 2-3 weeks
- Tatkaal (Urgent) Service: 3-5 working days
Conclusion
Renouncing Indian citizenship and surrendering your Indian passport is straightforward if you have all the required documents and follow the steps carefully. Check the specific requirements of the Indian Embassy or Consulate in your area, as they may vary slightly. This will help you avoid any complications in the future and make it easier to apply for an OCI card or other visa-related processes.