Renunciation of Indian Passport in USA - Easy Guide & Support

Have you ever thought about what would happen if you did not give back your Indian passport after receiving citizenship in a foreign country? Well, it is a more serious thing you might have thought of. It is vital to know that you have to surrender of Indian passport in USA while living there. Do you have any information about it? Do not worry. Here the following guide will tell you everything about the surrender of an Indian passport in USA. In addition guides you about the process and how to apply for it. So, let's begin the topic by knowing why it is important to do so.

Why Surrender of Indian Passports Is Important?

People who hold foreign citizenship, need to surrender their Indian passport. According to the Indian Citizenship Act 1955, India is not allowed to have dual citizenship. It means if a person has foreign citizenship by their side they are not allowed to have an Indian passport. Also, it states that a person is fully committed to his/her new nation. Further not doing so can cause legal trouble to the person. In addition, can limit their visit to India. 

Apart from that, it is vital to know that losing Indian citizenship and giving up the passport are two different things. Each of them has their own costs and rules. Having a surrender certificate is important by your side, especially if you want an OCI card or an Indian visa. It assists the person in moving to a new nationality smoothly.

Well as per the rules and regulations of India, surrender of an Indian passport in USA is vital after getting citizenship. Also, knowing about the process is the vital thing when you are moving to another nation. Considering this, let us talk about the eligibility criteria for it.

Eligibility Criteria to Follow for Surrender of Indian Passport

Well, before surrendering your Indian passport it is vital to know your eligibility. It is only for those people who are of Indian origin and now have foreign citizenship. In addition, it is compulsory to follow the rules while surrendering the passport. Apart from that, you should have valid documents like a citizenship certificate and a foreign passport by your side. It is used as proof to show your new nationality. However, if you do not have these papers, your application may delayed.

Further, for kids, having a signature from the parents is a must on the application. Also if you change your name you require to show certain papers. In this, all copies of the paper should be full page and clear. To guide you better the following table summarizes the eligibility criteria:

Eligibility Criteria	Information
Indian Origin	Should have foreign citizenship.
Minor Applicants	Signatures of both parents on the application and additional papers for name changes.
Valid Evidence of Nationality	Citizenship certificate or foreign passport.
Documentation Standards	Photocopies should be clear and full page.

Apart from all these documents, you need to prove your present living address. It should be matched with the address you stated in your application. For this, you can use utility bills, lease agreements, or state IDs. Knowing about all this makes the process easy. 

However, if you still face issues in this it is better to take the guidance of an expert like Visament. The professionals there have a good knowledge of all these things. Also, they can assist you in PIO to OCI conversion. 

Furthermore, let's know the documents required for the surrender of an Indian passport in USA.

Documents Required for Indian Passport Surrender in USA

When a person surrenders his/her Indian passport they need to follow specific rules. These aid them in giving up their Indian citizenship after receiving it from another nation. However, for this, they need to submit some vital papers. So moving ahead let's know the documents required for the surrender of an Indian passport in the USA:

Name of Mandatory Documents

You need to gather several papers while applying for the passport surrender. Here is the list of papers that are mandatory to submit for the process:

• Current valid passport
• Registered educational certificate from an Indian institution
• Birth certificate
• Naturalization certificate 
• If applicable, evidence of a canceled Indian passport
• Domicile certificate

In case you do not have any of these papers, your application might be denied or delayed. It is vital to correctly fill out the forms. Errors or mistakes can create issues for your application.

Consideration for Lost Indian Passport 

In case you lost your Indian passport, you need to make extra efforts. First, you have to provide proof of your lost passport. It is a way to avoid legal issues for using the Indian passport after giving Indian citizenship. Also, you should inform the government about it. In addition, provide the asked details. Further, in some cases, you might have to provide a FIR copy of your lost passport to the government. 

These are the following documents that you need while you surrender of Indian passport in USA. Apart from this, you are also required to follow the embassy rules for the process. Do not have any information about it? Read the next section and get all.

Important Embassy Rules to Follow for Surrender of Indian Passport

While surrendering your Indian passport in the USA you need to follow the rules set up by the embassy. Well, do you know it is not allowed to send your application directly to the foreign embassy? First, you have to follow the online process then after you move to this step. In addition, there is a fixed deadline for sending the documents. Generally, a person has 3 years after getting foreign citizenship to get a renunciation certificate. It shows how vital is to take action on time to avoid any legal issues. 

Further, after getting your foreign citizenship, it is vital to not use your Indian passport. However, if you do so you may face legal issues. As per the Indian Passport Act, in this situation traveling or using the Indian passport is against the law. So, it is important to follow the rules of the embassy. 

In case of losing the Indian passport, a person may get a Renunciation Declaration Certificate. However, it is only possible when you have a foreign citizenship. To guide you better here is a quick recap of rules for applicants to follow during the surrender process:

Embassy Rules	Description
Submission of Application	First, follow the online submission process then send the application to the foreign embassy.
Legal Offense	After getting foreign citizenship using an Indian passport is against the rules. In addition, a person might face legal trouble for this.
Grace Period	Following the foreign citizenship, three years are available for getting the Renunciation certificate.
Required Documents	Details of US passports and proof of Indian origin.
Renunciation Declaration	Applicable for those who lost their Indian passport. In addition for others, it is vital to have a surrender of the Indian passport.

Following are the rules you need to follow while surrendering your Indian passport in the USA. However, it is vital to avoid any error in this process as it might result in legal trouble. Considering this, it is advisable to get help from experts like Visament. The professionals here better understand all these things. In addition, having us by your side can provide you with a smooth application process. Also, we can provide you with any service regarding your Indian passport in USA. So, it is better to get help when you have the option. 

Moving forward, let's know the surrender of the Indian passport fee and payment process in the USA.

Surrender of Indian Passport in USA: Fees and Payment Process

The cost of Indian passport surrender covers the price of the process and extra charges from VFS Global. Here are the general fees for the surrender of an Indian passport in USA:

Services	Fees (in USD)
Service Charge of VFS	20
Surrender Application Process	100
Renunciation Certificate (if required)	30

However, there might be changes in the fees as per the area and services. So, it is advisable to check it before. Further, there are several ways by which you can pay the Indian passport surrender fees. These involve:

• Debit Cards
• Cash (in some areas)
• Credit Cards (MasterCard, Visa)
• Digital Wallets

Before surrendering your Indian passport it is vital to know the fees you need to pay for it. Based on the services you opt for and the authorities required the prices vary. Also, it is vital to have information on it and the payment process to avoid any issues.

Moving further, let's know the process for applying for the surrender of an Indian passport in USA.

The process to Apply for the Surrender of an Indian Passport in USA?

The surrender of an Indian passport in USA needs to follow rules and steps. For a smooth process, one should submit the right documents and fill out the online available form. Moving ahead, let's know the steps to follow:

Preparation of Required Documents

Gathering all the asked documents together is a big part of the process. For this, you need to have these papers by your side:

• Copy of current passport
• Last Indian passport
• Copy of naturalization certificate
• In case the last Indian passport is not there, you can submit the following papers as proof of Indian citizenship: 
• Birth certificate
• Residence certificate or domicile certificate
• Current valid passport
• Naturalization certificate
• Affidavit on loss of Indian passport
• Registered educational certificate from an Indian institution

Furthermore, you can also surrender expired passports. However, not those that are canceled, suspended, impounded, or revoked. 

Complete the Online Application

After the preparation of the documents, the next step is to fill out the online application form. It is available on the Passport Seva website and for this, you need to provide the following things:

• Personal details including your name, DOB, and address.
• Details of Indian citizenship status.
• Information about your current passport.
• Contact information.

Getting Application Reference Number (ARN)

After submitting the government application form you get an Application Reference Number (ARN). This number plays an important role in your surrender of your Indian passport in USA. Through this, you can track your application process. Also through this, you can get your documents easier. 

These steps are vital during your Indian passport surrender in the USA. Any mistakes in the application can delay the process. So, it is advisable to follow them carefully. Furthermore, let's know the process time for it.

Processing Time 

Generally, the surrender of Indian passport in USA takes time. After the submission of the application, it takes 15-21 working days. However, the application time may change due to incomplete documents or processes. 

Application Processing Time

The first step of the application process takes 1-2 working days. However, it does not mention the time it takes to send the application to VFS Global. If you have submitted all the required documents then the process go smoothly. But in case you make any mistake you may face application rejection. Further, sending the application on time helps in getting the process quick. 

Application Status

It is vital to have a look at your application progress. Through the VFS Global tracking system, you can easily check the status of your application. In addition, in this, the ARN number plays a vital role. It provides you with the right status of your application.

Furthermore, let's have a quick review of the application types and their processing time.

Application Type	Processing Time
Standard Indian Passport Surrender Application	15-21 Working days
Indian Passport Renew in USA	8 Weeks
Tatkal Indian Passport Renewal	1 Week
Renunciation Application	1-2 Working days (Excluding the mailing time)

Well, it was all about the surrender of an Indian passport in USA. However, when it comes to this process people often get confused between it and renunciation. Want to what the other process is? Read the next section and get your answers.

Renunciation of Indian Citizenship

As mentioned above, the Indian Citizenship Act does not allow dual citizenship. So any Indian who has US or any other country citizenship should apply for renunciation of Indian citizenship. For this, they are required to surrender his/her Indian passport. Also, it is illegal to carry an Indian passport after renouncing citizenship. 

To apply for an Indian Visa or OCI card, Indian citizens should have proof of their renunciation. It can be shown through a renunciation certificate. To get this, people who have foreign citizenship should apply for renunciation of Indian citizenship. The application process includes filling out the application form along with the needed documents and fees. However, the application cost and papers depend on the renunciation category. These are as follows:

• Renunciation naturalized 10 years before (Not in possession of Indian passport)
• Renunciation naturalized before 1 June 2010 (In possession of Indian passport)
• Renunciation naturalized on or after 1 June 2010 (In possession of Indian passport)

Also, people who have recently naturalized USA citizens should give on their Indian passport within 90 days. 

It is all about the renunciation of Indian citizenship. Moving further, let's talk about the eligibility criteria of this process.

Eligibility Criteria and Fees for Renunciation of Indian Citizenship

Those who are applying for renunciation of Indian citizenship need to follow the stated criteria:

• Should be an Indian citizen with citizenship of the USA or another country.
• Have a valid USA passport or any other nation's passport.
• Surrender his/her Indian passport.
• Have valid address proof of the country in which the applicant holds citizenship.

These are the following criteria a person needs to follow to get a renunciation of Indian citizenship. Further, let's know the fees involved in this process. 

Applicant	ICWF Fee (in USD)	Renunciation Fee (in USD)	VFS Global Service Fee (in USD)	Total
Renunciation naturalized before 1 June 2010 with/without Indian Passport	$3	$25	$15.90	$43.90
Renunciation naturalized on or after 1 June 2010 with/without Indian Passport	$3	$175	$15.90	$193.90

It is all about the eligibility criteria and fees needed during the renunciation of Indian citizenship. Moving ahead, let's know the required documents for the process.

Documents Required in Renunciation of Indian Citizenship

The documents for renunciation of Indian citizenship depend on the category. Below is the list of the papers as per the renunciation type:

Renunciation Naturalized before and after 1 June 2010 

If your renunciation was naturalized before and after 1 June 2010, then you need to submit the following documents. Also for this, first you need to register yourself on the VFS Global website.

• Online Government Application Form
• Two original duly signed and filled renunciation certificates
• Photograph and signature- digital and original
• Photocopy of US/Non-US passport
• Copy of address proof
• If applicable, a copy of the name change paper
• After the expiry of the Indian passport affidavit of naturalization- notarized and original
• Couriers and fee payments
• Recent Indian passport- originally signed with a photocopy of the first three and last two pages
• Naturalization certificate copy 

Renunciation Naturalized Without Indian Passport

People who renunciation naturalized without an Indian passport along with the above documents need to submit these as well:

• Sworn Affidavit
• Naturalization certificate
• Police report (if the passport is missing)
• Indian origin proof
• An affidavit signed by the applicant of the loss document

Renunciation Naturalized for Minors

Along with the documents stated in the renunciation before and after 1 June 2010, minors need to submit these papers as well:

• Affidavit for naturalization certificate
• Authorization form of parents for minors

These are the following documents a person needs to get a renunciation of Indian citizenship. Moving ahead, let's know the penalties included in this service.

Penalties Included in Renunciation of Indian Citizenship

Well, penalties may apply in case the person holds an Indian passport after getting foreign citizenship. Those who failed to surrender the Indian passport may face the following penalties:

• $250 penalty if the passport expires after 1 January 2005 and three or more years passed between the present and naturalization date. However, if the passport expires before 1 January 2005 there is no penalty.
• $500 penalty for renewing the Indian passport even after having foreign citizenship.
• $250 penalty if the use of an Indian passport is done for any miscellaneous service.
• $250 penalty for using an Indian passport for traveling even after having foreign citizenship. In addition, the maximum travel penalty is $1250.

After getting the foreign citizenship it is advisable to not use the Indian passport and surrender it on time. It not only helps in saving from penalties but also assists in remaining away from legal trouble. With this, let's know the process of getting renunciation of Indian citizenship.

You May Also Like to Read: Indian Passport Renewal in the USA

How to Apply for Renunciation of Indian Citizenship?

To get the renunciation of Indian citizenship applicants have two options to submit their application. First, by walk-in and second by courier/postal. Regardless of the renunciation type, the following is the process:

For Walk-In Applicants

Applicants who choose the first option- walk-in need to follow the below steps:

• It is mandatory to register yourself on the VFS Global website.
• If applying in person fill out the original renunciation certificate, either in pdf or online.
• Fill out the online government application form.
• Provide two recent photos in passport size (not should be older than six months).
• As per the renunciation type gather all the papers. 
• Make the payment.
• By visiting the official site of VFS Global book an appointment.
• Visit the VFS Application Center as per your booked date and time along with the application and documents. 
• After submission of all the things, you can check the status of your application online.

For Courier/Postal Applicants

Applicants who choose the second option- courier/postal need to follow the below steps:

• It is mandatory to register yourself on the VFS Global website.
• If applying in person fill out the original renunciation certificate, either pdf or online.
• Fill out the online government application form.
• Provide two recent photos in passport size (not should be older than six months).
• Photos should be 2 inches x 2 inches in size. In addition, the background should be white only.
• As per the renunciation type gather all the papers.
• Make the payment.
• At the time of making the payment, you can select and pay for courier service.
• Also, you can use your pre-paid label. However, in this FedEx is not included. 
• As per your jurisdiction, send your application to the VFS Application Center.
• You can check the status of your application by visiting the official site of VFS Global.

It is how you can apply for renunciation of Indian citizenship. The general time taken by the application is 7-21 working days depending on when it reaches the consulate/embassy. Also if you applied for the renunciation with an Indian passport, it will be canceled and come with a surrender certificate.

Conclusion

Lastly, an Indian citizen must surrender of Indian passport in the USA when getting citizenship. Here the whole blog was all about that. In addition, it states the reasons for surrendering the passport. Furthermore, if you are also seeking any services like this, feel free to contact Visament. Here we have a team of experts that guide you at every step and make the process easy for you.