ECNR Passport

Know everything about ECNR passport, including its eligibility, application process, and required documents.
What is ECNR in Passport?
3 mins
05-August-2023

ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) is a term used in passports indicating that the holder does not need to go through emigration clearance from the Protector of Emigrants (POE) while travelling abroad for employment. Many Indian citizens travel overseas for work, and therefore, the ECNR passport status has gained popularity. In this article, we will discuss everything about ECNR passport in India.

What is the eligibility for ECNR in passport?

To receive an ECNR passport, you must fulfill one of the following requirements:

  • You have graduated from Class X or higher
  • You have passed an exam equivalent to Class X or higher under the Indian Ministry of Education
  • You have cleared any one of these exams:

1. Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (10+2)
2. Examination declared equivalent to the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination by the Government of India
3. Diploma from a recognized Board or University
4. Degree from a recognized Board or University

  • You have been abroad to a foreign country previously using your Indian passport
  • You have served in the Indian Armed Forces for any rank or a Gazetted Government Officer
  • You are a dependent family member of someone working abroad

When to apply for ECNR in passport?

You can apply for ECNR passport when you are initially applying for a passport or renewing it. However, you can also apply for it separately at a Passport office or Passport Seva Kendra. If you are renewing, then you can get the ECNR endorsement only if your previous passport has one.

How to apply for ECNR in passport?

The application process for ECNR passport is pretty straightforward. You can visit the official website or go to your nearest Passport Seva Kendra for the same. Here are the steps:

1. Visit the official Passport Seva portal and download the ECNR passport application form. Fill the form completely and honestly.

2. Gather the following documents:

  • Identity proof of the applicant
  • Proof of your date of birth
  • Proof of Address
  • Educational certificates from Class X or equivalent

3. Provide a self-attested copy of your passport.
4. Provide any previous work permits or visas if you possess.
5. Provide proof of employment which includes the following details:

  • Job title
  • Monthly salary
  • Duration or contract terms of work abroad

6. Pay the application fees. The fees depend on the type and validity of the passport you applied for. However, the charges for ECNR passport are the same for all applicants.

7. Make an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra or Passport Office.

Once you have applied, you will receive an acknowledgment slip with the application reference number. You must keep this slip safe, as it is necessary to track the status of your application. You can check the status of your application on the official website by using your application reference number.

Also, read: Passport fees in India

What is the procedure for getting an Indian passport?

Application process for getting ECNR passport is straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get an Indian passport:

  1. Create your account on the official Passport Seva portal by registering yourself. If you are already registered, you can skip this step.
  2. Visit the Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport link and choose the required service type. For instance, if you are applying for the first time, then select the fresh passport option.
  3. Fill out the application form correctly and make sure it is error-free. You must also upload your passport size photo as per the guidelines mentioned on the official website.
  4. Pay the application fees. The payment options include Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, or the challan payment method. The charges depend on the type and validity of the passport you require.
  5. Select the appointment slot according to your availability and location.
  6. Visit the Passport Seva Kendra with the required documents to complete the process.

What is non-ECR (ECNR) passport?

A non-ECR or ECNR passport indicates that the passport holder is not required to obtain an emigration clearance from the government before travelling to certain countries. This designation simplifies travel for individuals travelling for employment or other purposes, exempting them from additional emigration checks.

How to know if a passport is non-ECR?

To ascertain if a passport is non-ECR or ECNR passport, examine the second page. If it features an endorsement affirming ‘Emigration Check Not Required (ECNR)’, the passport is non-ECR. For passports issued after January 2007, specific categories like professionals, government officials, and individuals holding educational qualifications above a certain level are automatically considered non-ECR.

Additionally, passports with no ECNR endorsement may still be eligible if the holder fulfills certain criteria. It is advisable to check with the passport issuing authorities or refer to the official guidelines to confirm the ECR or non-ECR status.

Difference between ECR and ECNR passport

In India, passports are classified under two categories based on the emigration status of the holder: ECR (Emigration Check Required) and ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required). The primary difference lies in whether or not the passport holder needs clearance from the Protector of Emigrants to work in certain countries.

Feature

ECR passport

ECNR passport

Emigration check

Mandatory for specific countries

Not required for any country

Eligibility

Typically for individuals without a 10th-grade education or low-income workers

Individuals who have passed 10th grade or hold higher qualifications

Work abroad

Requires clearance for employment in certain countries

No emigration clearance needed for any country

Common holders

Unskilled workers, labourers

Professionals, educated individuals

Travel restrictions

May face restrictions in certain countries

No restrictions on travel or work abroad


What are the documents required for Indian passport?

The documents required for an Indian passport are different for fresh and renewal applications. Here are the details:

Documents required for fresh passport application, including ECNR passport

  • Address proof: Bank statement, electricity bill, water bill, telephone bill, voter ID card, rent agreement, etc.
  • Date of Birth Proof: Birth certificate, school certificate, PAN card, etc.
  • Identity Proof: Aadhaar card, driving license, voter ID card, Ration card, Passport, etc.
  • Photographs: Two passport size photos with a white background.

Documents required for passport renewal application, including ECNR passport

  • Address Proof: Same as the fresh passport application.
  • Original Old Passport with handwritten Proof of Address and Photo page.
  • Passport size photographs

Who is part of the non-ECR exemption list?

Following individuals are not subject to Emigration Check Required category:

1. Educated individuals: Holders of educational qualifications above the 10th standard, including those with diplomas, degrees, or higher.

2. Income taxpayers: Individuals who pay income tax, as evidenced by the Income Tax Returns (ITR) for at least two years.

3. Dependent family members: Spouses and children (up to the age of 18) of individuals who fall under the non-ECR category.

4. Government employees: Central and state government employees, as well as public sector undertaking (PSU) employees.

5. Professionals: Doctors, nurses, engineers, chartered accountants, and other professionals with recognised qualifications.

6. Seafarers: Indian sailors with Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) or those working on Indian or foreign ships.

7. Emigrants with valid visas: Individuals holding permanent immigration visas like the H-1B visa for the USA.

Documents required to check ECNR passport status

To check the ECNR status in your passport, you will need the following documents:

  • Passport: The original passport to verify if the ECNR in the passport has been endorsed.
  • Application Reference Number (ARN): The ARN provided during the application process to track your ECNR status.
  • Registered mobile number: The mobile number linked to your passport application for verification.
  • Acknowledgment receipt: The receipt from the Passport Seva Kendra, which contains details of your application.

Also, read: How to check passport application status

How to remove the ECR stamp from passport?

If you have an ECR (Emigration Check Required) stamp on your passport and wish to remove it, follow these steps:

  • Check eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria for ECNR in the passport, such as educational qualifications above the 10th standard, being an income tax payer, or holding a professional degree.
  • Gather required documents: Collect necessary documents like educational certificates, PAN card, income tax returns, and any proof of employment.
  • Visit Passport Seva Kendra: Book an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) through the official website.
  • Submit application: Fill out the passport application form online, indicating the need to remove the ECR stamp, and upload the relevant documents.
  • Attend appointment: Attend your PSK appointment with original documents for verification and pay the required fee.
  • Receive updated passport: Once processed, you will receive a new passport or an updated version without the ECR stamp.

Which countries require ECNR passport?

The ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) status is necessary for travel to most countries, especially those not listed under the ECR category. Countries where ECNR in passport is required include:

  • Gulf countries: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain.
  • Southeast Asia: Malaysia, Singapore.
  • Other countries: Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Where are the emigrants offices in India?

Following are the locations of emigrant offices at main cities in India:

City

Emigrants office

Address

Mumbai

Office of Protector of Emigrants

CGO Complex, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai

Delhi

Office of Protector of Emigrants

Jaisalmer House, Mansingh Road

Chennai

Office of Protector of Emigrants

Shastri Bhavan, Haddows Road

Kochi

Office of Protector of Emigrants

Kendriya Bhavan, Kathrikadavu Junction

Hyderabad

Office of Protector of Emigrants

Kendriya Sadan, Sultan Bazaar


ECNR has made it easier for Indian citizens to travel abroad for employment purposes. While the eligibility criteria are pretty straightforward, applicants must ensure to have all the necessary documents and follow the steps discussed in the article for a hassle-free process. Additionally, individuals must ensure their passports do not have any discrepancies to avoid any refusals or delays in traveling abroad.

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Frequently asked questions

What is ECR in passport?

ECR stands for Emigration Check Required. It is a restriction placed on Indian passport holders who have not completed their education up to the 10th standard or due to certain other criteria. The ECR status is indicated in the passport and is mandatory for people traveling on work visas to certain countries.

Which passport is better ECR or ECNR?

ECNR or Emigration Check Not Required is a status given to Indian passport holders who meet certain criteria specified by the governments. The ECNR status is indicated in the passport, and it is better than ECR, as it eliminates the need for emigration clearance from the Protector of Emigrants.

Who is eligible for non-ECR?

You are eligible for non-ECR status if you fulfill one of the following requirements:

  • You have completed education of Class X or higher
  • You have passed an exam equivalent to Class X or higher under the Indian Ministry of Education
  • You have cleared any one of these exams:

1. Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (10+2)
2. Examination declared equivalent to the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination by the Government of India
3. Diploma from a recognized Board or University
4. Degree from a recognized Board or University

  • You have been visited a foreign country previously using your Indian passport
  • You have served in the Indian Armed Forces for any rank or a Gazetted Government Officer
  • You are a dependent family member of someone working abroad
What is the meaning of an ECNR passport?

An ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) passport indicates that the holder is exempt from needing emigration clearance to work in certain countries. This status is typically granted to individuals with higher educational qualifications or professional backgrounds, allowing them to travel freely without additional checks.

How can I check if my passport has ECNR status?

To determine if your passport has ECNR status, look for an absence of the ECR (Emigration Check Required) stamp on the observation page of your passport. If no ECR stamp is present, your passport automatically qualifies as ECNR.

Who qualifies for an ECNR passport?

Individuals who have completed their 10th-grade education or higher, professionals like doctors or engineers, income taxpayers, and government employees are typically eligible for an ECNR passport, which exempts them from needing emigration clearance for certain countries.

Should I choose ECR or non-ECR for my passport?

If you meet the criteria for exemption from emigration checks, such as having a higher education degree or paying income tax, you should select non-ECR (ECNR). This allows you to travel freely without requiring emigration clearance for work in certain countries.

What benefits does an ECNR passport offer?

An ECNR passport provides the advantage of exempting the holder from emigration clearance when travelling to certain countries for work. This reduces bureaucratic processes, making international travel easier and more convenient, especially for professionals and skilled workers.

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