Change Your Passport Status from ECR to ECNR 9968875644 In an Indian passport, the status of ECR (Emigration Check Required) versus ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) is crucial, especially for citizens traveling abroad for employment. Having an ECR status means you must get clearance from the Protector of Emigrants (POE) before every trip to 18 specified countries for work. Converting to ECNR simplifies your international travel greatly, removing this requirement.

This article details the difference between the two statuses, the eligibility criteria for ECNR, and the step-by-step process to make the necessary change.

Understanding ECR and ECNR Status

StatusFull FormMeaning & Implication
ECREmigration Check RequiredIssued to passport holders who have not passed the 10th grade (Matriculation). These individuals must obtain an Emigration Clearance (EC) from a POE office if they travel to 18 notified countries on an employment visa.
ECNREmigration Check Not RequiredIssued to passport holders who meet certain educational or professional criteria. These individuals are exempted from seeking POE clearance for employment travel, making the process much smoother.

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How to Check Your Passport Status

  • Passports issued after January 2007: If your passport does not have the stamp or notation “Emigration Check Required” printed on any page, your passport is automatically considered ECNR (Non-ECR).
  • If the stamp/notation “Emigration Check Required” is present, your passport is ECR.
  • Change Your Passport Status from ECR to ECNR 9968875644

Eligibility Criteria for ECNR (Non-ECR) Status

If you meet any of the following conditions, you are eligible to apply for the conversion from ECR to ECNR:

  1. Educational Qualification: You have passed Matriculation (10th grade) or any higher educational examination (including 12th, Graduate, or Post-Graduate degrees).
  2. Age: You are above 50 years of age.
  3. Income Tax Payers: You are an individual who is assessed for Income Tax (IT) and pays IT (Income Tax Return – ITR – copies are required). Note: Submitting NIL ITR is not sufficient.
  4. Minors: All children under 18 years of age are granted ECNR status. (However, upon turning 18, they must provide proof of their educational qualification to retain ECNR status).
  5. Stay Abroad: You have lived abroad for more than three years (either in one stretch or in split periods).
  6. Professional Degrees: Holders of professional degrees such as Doctors, Engineers, Chartered Accountants, Scientists, or individuals with a diploma from a recognized Polytechnic/Vocational institution (2-3 years).
  7. Government Servants: Central or State Government employees, their spouses, and dependent children.
  8. Spouses of ECNR Holders: The spouse of an individual holding an ECNR passport is also eligible.
  9. Seafarers: Seamen who hold a Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC).
Change Your Passport Status from ECR to ECNR 9968875644

Step-by-Step Procedure to Change ECR to ECNR

To remove the ECR status, you must apply for a Re-issue of Passport with the change in particulars.

Change Your Passport Status from ECR to ECNR 9968875644

Step 1: Online Application

  1. Visit the Passport Seva Portal: Go to the official website of the Ministry of External Affairs: https://passportindia.gov.in/.
  2. Register/Log In: Register as a new user or log in to your existing account.
  3. Select Application Type: Click on “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport.”
  4. Fill the Application Form:
    • Under Application Type, select ‘Re-issue of Passport’.
    • Under Reason for Re-issue, select ‘Change in Existing Personal Particulars’.
    • Under Specify Changes, select ‘Delete ECR’ or ‘Change in ECR/Non-ECR Status’.
    • Fill out the rest of the form accurately.
  5. Pay and Book Appointment: Pay the required fee online and book an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
Change Your Passport Status from ECR to ECNR 9968875644

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

You must bring the original documents along with one set of self-attested photocopies to the PSK on the day of your appointment.

Eligibility CriteriaRequired Document
Old PassportThe original ECR passport.
10th Pass or HigherOriginal Certificate/Mark sheet of 10th grade, or any higher degree/diploma certificate.
Income Tax PayerProof of IT assessment and actual payment of Income Tax for the last one year, and a copy of the PAN Card.
Stay Abroad (3+ years)Copies of previous visas and immigration stamps (entry/exit stamps) on your old passport that prove your stay abroad exceeds three years.
Spouse of ECNR HolderAttested copy of the Marriage Certificate and the spouse’s ECNR passport copy.

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Step 3: Visit the PSK/POPSK

  • Arrive at the PSK/POPSK at the scheduled time with your appointment receipt and all required original documents and photocopies.
  • Your documents will be verified by the officials to confirm your ECNR eligibility.
  • Your biometrics and photograph will be taken.

Step 4: Final Issuance

Change Your Passport Status from ECR to ECNR 9968875644
  • After successful verification and clearance (which may include Police Verification of your address), your application will be approved.
  • A new passport booklet will be issued and dispatched to your address. This new passport will not have the “Emigration Check Required” stamp, confirming your new ECNR (Non-ECR) status.

By following these steps and ensuring you meet the necessary eligibility criteria, you can easily upgrade your passport status, making your future travels for employment much simpler and hassle-free.\