1) Complete the Online Government Application (Click Here)
Once the Application is Submitted - Note down the ARN (Application Reference Number) and take a Print out of the Application
2) Prepare Supporting Documents (Link for Checklist)
Prepare all required supporting documents by referring to the checklist available at the link Above.
3) Final Submission to VFS Global
proceed to the VFS website: www.services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-for-surrender to complete the submission process and pay the applicable fees.
Send your completed application along with all supporting documents to VFS by mail at:
VFS Global
3131 Elliott Ave, Suite 240
Seattle, WA 98121
FAQs on Renunciation of Indian Citizenship
| No. |
Question |
Proposed Answer |
| 1. |
What is a Renunciation/Surrender Certificate and when is it required? |
Renunciation/Surrender Certificate is issued to applicants who surrender their passport at Consulate after acquiring foreign nationality.
Indian Citizenship Act does not provide for dual citizenship. As per the Passport Act, Indian passport holders must surrender their passport to the Consulate immediately upon acquiring foreign nationality. Retention of an Indian passport thereafter is an offense. The surrendered passport will be cancelled and returned with a Renunciation/Surrender Certificate.
|
| 2. |
What is difference between Surrender Certificate & Renunciation Certificate? |
Both are same.
Once you acquire foreign citizenship you have to surrender your last Indian passport to Indian Consulate for cancellation. Consulate will cancel it and returned to you along with a ‘Renunciation/Surrender Certificate’ issued by Consulate.
|
| 3. |
What should I do, If I lost/misplaced my last India Passport? Or what is a Renunciation Declaration Certificate? |
Those who have misplaced or lost their last Indian passport and hence do not have their Indian passport which they can surrender for cancellation are given a ‘Renunciation Declaration Certificate’ based on submission of sworn affidavit on loss of Indian Passport and other required documents.
|
| 4. |
What proof of Indian Origin can I provide if I don’t have my Indian Passport? |
If you do not have a copy of your last Indian passport, you have to provide following documents that provide sufficient evidence that the applicant has held Indian Citizenship:
a. Naturalization Certificate and current valid passport
b. Sworn affidavit on loss of Indian Passport
c. Birth Certificate of applicant OR
d. Notarized copy of educational certificate issued by an institution of India OR
e. Domicile Certificate or certificate of residence or certificate of place of birth of self or parents or grandparents from First Class Magistrate / District Magistrate (DM) of the concerned place.
Note : FINAL decision on whether to, accept this document as proof of Indian Citizenship will be made by Consulate.
|
| 5. |
My passport been expired; can I get Renunciation/Surrender Certificate for the same? |
Yes, expired passports too can be presented for surrendering. Renunciation/Surrender Certificate will not be issued, for Impounded, Revoked, Suspended, and Cancelled (against Re-issue) passports.
|
| 6. |
How much penalty one needs to pay for retaining Indian Passport after obtaining foreign passport? |
Total Penalty depends on following factors-:
• Numbers of years you have retained Indian passport after obtaining foreign passport.
• Numbers of times Indian Passport has been used for travel to India after obtaining foreign passport.
• Numbers of times you have renewed/re-issued Indian passport after obtaining foreign passport.
|
| 7. |
What is grace period available for use for obtaining renunciation certificate after acquiring foreign citizenship? |
Indian national can obtain Renunciation Certificate within 3 years of acquisition of foreign citizenship.
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