ECNR Status Change During Passport Renewal — Complete Step-by-Step Guide

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 If you're applying for passport renewal and wish to upgrade from ECR (Emigration Check Required) to ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required), it's crucial to understand the process, eligibility, and documentation involved. Having ECNR status in your passport can make international travel much smoother—especially if you're heading to countries in the Gulf region for employment.

In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the complete procedure to change ECNR status during passport renewal.

What is ECNR Status and Why Is It Important?

ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) means that you are not required to get clearance from the Protector of Emigrants (POE) when travelling to certain countries for employment. This makes international travel much more convenient.

Countries where emigration check is mandatory include:

  • United Arab Emirates (UAE)

  • Saudi Arabia

  • Qatar

  • Kuwait

  • Oman

  • Bahrain

  • Malaysia

If you hold an ECR passport, you must go through the emigration clearance process before departure to these countries. With ECNR, this step is skipped.

Eligibility Criteria for ECNR Status

You can apply for ECNR status if you meet any one of the following conditions:

  • Passed 10th standard or above from a recognized board

  • Income tax payee (excluding agricultural income)

  • Holding a valid diploma from recognized institute (minimum 2 years)

  • Spouse or dependent children of ECNR passport holders

  • Age above 50 years

  • Children below 18 years (will be eligible after renewal post-18)

  • Holding professional degree (Doctor, Engineer, CA, etc.)

  • Possessing a valid visa/work permit for any country (excluding ECR countries)

Documents Required for ECNR Status During Renewal

You need to provide documentary proof of your eligibility when applying for ECNR during passport renewal:

Document TypeExamples
Educational Qualification10th/12th mark sheet or certificate
Income ProofIT Return copy, PAN card with ITR
Professional QualificationDegree certificate (CA, MBBS, B.Tech etc.)
Employment VisaValid visa page or job contract
Diploma HoldersDiploma certificate (2+ years only)
Spouse DocumentsSpouse’s passport with ECNR & marriage certificate

Note: Submit self-attested photocopies along with original documents for verification.

Step-by-Step Process to Change ECNR Status During Renewal

Step 1: Visit Passport Seva Website

  • Go to: www.passportindia.gov.in

  • Login with your credentials or register if new

  • Select "Apply for Passport – Renewal"

Step 2: Choose Reissue with ECNR Update

  • In the form, select “Re-issue”

  • Under “Reason for Reissue”, choose “Validity Expired” or “Exhaustion of pages”

  • Tick the option for "Change in Existing Personal Particulars"

  • Select “ECNR Update”

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

  • Enter your latest personal and contact details

  • In the Educational Qualifications section, enter accurate data

  • Make sure your qualification matches the eligibility for ECNR

Step 4: Upload Documents (If Applicable)

  • You can either upload supporting documents online or carry them during your Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) visit

  • Make sure your name and DOB match across documents

Step 5: Pay Fee and Schedule Appointment

  • Standard renewal charges apply:

    • ₹1,500 for 36-page booklet (normal service)

    • ₹2,000 for 60-page booklet (normal service)

  • Book your appointment at your nearest PSK/RPO

Step 6: Visit the PSK for Document Verification

  • Carry:

    • Printed appointment receipt

    • Original and photocopies of ECNR proof

    • Existing passport

    • Aadhaar card or other ID proof

PSK officials will:

  • Verify your documents

  • Collect biometrics

  • Confirm ECNR eligibility

Step 7: Receive Your Renewed Passport with ECNR Status

  • Once verified, your application will be processed

  • You’ll receive your new passport with ECNR endorsement

  • No police verification is required if your address and details remain unchanged

How to Check ECNR Status on Passport

After receiving your new passport:

  • Go to the last page

  • If it reads “Emigration Check Not Required”, your ECNR status is updated

  • If blank or says “Emigration Check Required”, it means you still fall under ECR

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I get ECNR status if I’ve passed only 10th standard?

Yes. Passing Class 10 or equivalent is the basic requirement for ECNR eligibility.

Q2: Is ECNR updated automatically during renewal?

No. You must select the option and submit documents proving your eligibility.

Q3: Will Tatkal service support ECNR update?

Yes, provided all documents are in order and no police verification is required. However, ECNR update must be clearly requested.

Q4: I already have ECNR but it’s not mentioned in my old passport. Do I need to reapply?

Yes. Apply for renewal and submit proof again to get ECNR endorsement in your new passport.

Q5: Is ECNR needed for travel to the USA, UK, or Canada?

No. ECNR is only applicable for 18 ECR countries, mostly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Conclusion: ECNR Update Ensures Hassle-Free Global Mobility

Having ECNR status on your renewed passport eliminates the need for emigration clearance and simplifies your international travel, especially for employment abroad. It also projects a more credible profile to foreign embassies and employers.

Make sure you request the ECNR update during passport renewal, submit the correct documents, and double-check the endorsement in your new passport.

We at Smotpro.in offer complete assistance with passport renewals, ECNR updates, documentation, and verification. Our experienced team ensures your application is processed swiftly and correctly, without errors. With offices in Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Visakhapatnam, and across India, we’re here to help you travel smarter and safer.

Our office - https://maps.app.goo.gl/airCXKrmsTGj4yg56

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