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What Is Non-ECR/ECNR In Passport: Meaning, Documents And Eligibility

Team AckoJun 19, 2024

An Indian passport offers you the opportunity to travel to various countries, whether it's for business, education, or leisure. This passport also comes with either an ECR (Emigration Check Required) or ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) status, based on your emigration status. With an ECNR in your passport, you can travel without an emigration check.

Knowing this aspect of your passport is important, and you can find out more about ECNR or non-ECR statuses in our guide in more detail.

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Contents

What Is Non-ECR Category In Passport?
What Is ECNR In Passport?
Who Is Eligible For Non-ECR Category In Passport?
What Are The Documents Required For Non-ECR Passport?
How To Check If My Passport Is ECR or Non-ECR?
When Can I Apply For Non-ECR Status In Passport?
How Can I Change My Passport Status From ECR To Non-ECR?
What Are The Benefits Of ECNR Or Non-ECR Category On Passports?
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Non-ECR Category In Passport?

The non-ECR category in passports refers to people who do not need to go through the Emigration Check Required (ECR) process at the Protector of Emigrants (POE) before leaving India. People who have completed the 10th grade, have higher education, work for the government, or are in one of the other categories are eligible for non-ECR status after January 2007. Many people find it easier to travel abroad when they have non-ECR status, especially for work-related reasons.

What Is ECNR In Passport?

The ECNR passport's full form is Emigration Check Not Required and is the same as noon-ECR in the passport. The Emigration Clearance Not Required (ECNR) passport is for those who have passed 10th grade and have the academic qualifications necessary to travel on business or holiday trips. ECNR passports allow holders to travel worldwide without emigration clearance.

Who Is Eligible For Non-ECR Category In Passport?

There are several individuals who may be exempted from requiring an Emigration Check Required on their passport. These people include:

Official and Diplomatic passport holders
Government officials
Income taxpayers
People with professional degrees, including
- Doctors
- Lawyers
- Engineers
- The dependent children and spouses of these degree holders
Those who have passed the 10th standard and above
Sea cadets and seamen who have CDS and passed the finals of Nautical Sciences from these institutes:
- S. Rehman
- S. Chanakya
- S. Jawahar
- NIPM, Chennai
- MTI, Chennai
Have immigration visas for countries, including
- The USA
- The UK
- Australia
Have a degree or a diploma from a polytechnic institute
Have a nursing diploma covered under the Indian Nursing Council Act of 1947
Adults over 50 years old
Have spent 3 years overseas with their spouses
Children below 18 years old travelling with one or both parents

What Are The Documents Required For Non-ECR Passport?

To apply for a non-ECR passport, you typically need to submit the following documents:

1. Proof of birth (like a birth certificate, PAN card or Aadhar).

2. Proof of identity with a photograph (like an Aadhar card, PAN card, or voter ID).

3. Address proof (such as a utility bill, Aadhar card, or bank passbook with your address).

4. Educational qualification proof (like a high school diploma or higher educational certificates).

5. Proof of income tax return for the immediately past financial year or Form 16.

6. 2 passport-size photographs that are recent and taken against a plain background.

7. A marriage certificate, if applicable, as proof of marital status.

You might need to submit additional documents in accordance with the passport authority's requirements if you don't meet any educational or professional requirements.

How To Check If My Passport Is ECR or Non-ECR?

Look at the first page of your passport to see if it is ECR or non-ECR. If it has an "Emigration Check Required" stamp, it is ECR. If it doesn't have a stamp like that or the page says "Emigration Check Not Required," it's a non-ECR.

When Can I Apply For Non-ECR Status In Passport?

If you have been given a passport with ECR status at first but later became qualified for non-ECR status because of changes in your job, age, marital status, or other factors, you may need to apply for re-issuance to change your ECR status to non-ECR status. To do this, you usually need to send in proof that you are eligible for non-ECR status, along with the normal application form and any fees that go with it.

How Can I Change My Passport Status From ECR To Non-ECR?

The steps to apply for ECNR or non-ECNR status in a passport are pretty easy to follow. To apply, you can either do it online or go to the PSK office that is closest to you. If you want to fill out an online application, follow these steps:

Step 1: First, go to the official PSK website and get the online application.

Step 2: Give the needed information.

Step 3: Send in your passport application along with proof that you are eligible for the ECNR. These can be school certificates, work credentials, or any other relevant proof.

Step 4: Pay the application fee and bring the application and all the necessary papers to the service office on time for your appointment.

The ECNR logo will be added to your passport after your entry has been approved and checked.

What Are The Benefits Of ECNR Or Non-ECR Category On Passports?

Below are the benefits of the ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) or non-ECR category on passports:

1. Travelling will be easy for you as you get fast-tracked clearance by skipping the emigration checks.

2. You will find better job prospects abroad.

3. The process of getting a visa for some countries will be sped up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions related to ECNR.

Which is better, ECR or ECNR?

ECR or ECNR passports are beneficial depending on your educational qualifications and your intended purpose of travel.

With an ECNR passport, you get fast-tracked clearance by skipping the emigration checks. This makes it easier and faster to get through the port of entry (usually an airport) when you travel for work, study, or holiday.

An ECR passport safeguards workers from being exploited in the countries mentioned in the ECNR required list. The Indian Emigration Act issues the ECR so that Indian workers can travel safely to and from their country of employment, and are assured of a healthy, safe, and comfortable passage and work.

Is ECNR the same as non-ECR?

Yes. The ECNR is now known as a non-ECR.

Can you get an emergency ECNR?

Yes, you can obtain a one-time exception to the rule for submitting the required documents in case of an urgent ECNR requirement.

How do I get an ECNR clearance?

After you apply for an ECNR clearance, your application will be processed online by your jurisdiction's emigration office. When your application is approved, you will receive an electronic emigration clearance.

Can I get a job with an ECR passport?

With an ECR passport, you must obtain an Emigration Clearance Check from the PoE office and undergo verification by a recruitment agency.

Disclaimer: The above content is sourced from secondary sources on the internet and is meant for informational purposes only. It is subject to changes. It is recommended to take the help of an expert before making any related decision.