What is Non-ECR or ECNR in Passport?

Travelling throughout the world has become more accessible in recent years. With an Indian passport, you can easily travel abroad for business, education, or leisure. The passport will be marked as either ECR or ECNR as proof of citizenship.

ECNR is a stamp on a passport indicating that the holder doesn't need emigration clearance when travelling abroad. The criteria for ECNR are that an individual should have a minimum educational qualification of 10th grade or possess an income tax payer status.

Remember that non-ECR or ECNR has no difference; both are the same, and stamps are no longer being issued.

Let's better understand the meaning of the ECNR passport and its criteria.

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What is ECNR & ECR in Passport?
Countries Where ECNR is Required
Who is Eligible and When to Apply?
How to Apply Online & Offline?
Documents Required and Processing Time
Benefits of ECNR in Passport
How to Check ECR or ECNR Status?
Documents Required to Check ECNR
How to Remove ECR Stamp?
How to Convert ECR to ECNR
Frequently Asked Questions

What is ECNR in Passport?

The full form of ECNR is Emigration Check Not Required, and ECNR in a passport signifies that the holder is not required to undergo an Immigration Check.

According to the Emigration Act of 1983, certain Indian passport holders must obtain an Emigration Clearance from the 'Protector of Emigrants' office before travelling to certain countries.

Passports issued after January 2007 without a specific notation are known as ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) passports. Indian citizens who fulfil specific government criteria will receive ECNR status, which will be mentioned in their passports.

Consequently, they can travel abroad for employment or other purposes without emigration clearance from the Protector of Emigrants.

What is ECR in Passport?

ECR (Emigration Clearance Required) is an orange passport introduced in 2018. It is issued to individuals who have not completed their 10th standard or cannot prove it with certificates. Holders of ECR passports must undergo emigration checks.

This type of passport is mainly issued to enable work in countries like Indonesia, UAE, Iran, etc. The Indian government has implemented strict rules to safeguard citizens with lower educational qualifications working in foreign nations.

Which Countries Require ECNR Passport?

You need ECNR in your passport before travelling to any of the countries stated below -

1. United Arab Emirates (UAE)	10. Kuwait
2. Sudan	11. Indonesia
3. Jordan	12. Syria
4. Yemen	13. Bahrain
5. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)	14. Libya
6. Brunei	15. Malaysia
7. Qatar	16. Thailand
8. Afghanistan	17. Lebanon
9. Iraq	18. Oman

What are the Eligibility Criteria for ECNR in Passport?

Here is the list of applicants eligible for ECNR:

Diplomatic/Official passport holders
Gazetted Government employees, their spouses and dependent children
Income taxpayers, their spouses and dependent children
Professional degree holders
People with educational qualifications of matriculation and above
Seamen with Continuous Discharge Certificates (CDC) or Sea Cadets and Deck Cadets
People with permanent emigration visas, such as the UK, USA and Australia
Individuals with a two or three-year diploma from any institute recognised by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) or State Council of Vocational Training (SCVT)
Qualified nurses, recognised under the Indian Nursing Council Act, 1947
People above the age of 50 years
Individuals who have stayed abroad for more than three years (could be in one stretch or broken) and their spouses

When to Apply for ECNR in Passport?

When you initially apply for a new passport or renew your current one, you can get an ECNR endorsement if your old passport already has one. If your old passport does not have ECNR, it is an Emigration Check Required (ECR) passport. You can update your passport to remove the ECR status and obtain a new passport with ECNR status.

Passports have a 5-year validity period for minor applicants or are valid until the minor turns 18. Till then, these passports are considered ECR passports. However, once the minor turns 18, they must provide proof of ECNR eligibility when applying for a new passport.

How to Apply for ECNR in Passport Online?

You can apply for ECNR in passport online using these simple steps:

1. Visit the Passport Seva Official Portal and Log in:

Go to Passport Seva’s official website and register or log in if you have already registered.

2. Apply for a Fresh Passport:

While applying for a fresh passport, click on “Apply for Fresh Passport”.

3. Fill Out the Form:

Fill out the form with the required details accurately.

4. Get all the Documents Upload and Submit:

Gather all the required documents and ensure that they are ready to upload. Then submit them.

5. Pay the Fees and Schedule an Appointment:

Pay the required amount and schedule your appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

Remember to check the eligibility criteria and meet the requirements before applying for ECNR.

How to Apply for ECNR in Passport Offline?

Applying for ECNR offline involves these simple steps:

1. Download the Application Form: Visit the official Passport Seva portal and download the Miscellaneous Application form (EAP-2), or visit the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) to collect the form.

2. Get All the Required Documents: Provide all the documents, such as proof of address and all documents supporting eligibility for ECNR.

3. Fill Up the Form accurately: Fill out the form manually with all accurate details.

4. Submit the Application Form and Pay: Then, apply yourself or through a representative (carrying your signed authority letter) or by registered post. Also, pay ₹300 as passport fees via Demand Draft (DD).

Documents Required for ECNR Passport

Different documents are required for different types of applicants to apply for ECNR.

Here is the complete list of ECNR passport documents for your reference.

Passport Holder Type	Documents
Official or Diplomatic passport holders	Only diplomatic passport is required
Those with matriculation or any higher qualifications	Pass certificates
Those more than 50 years of age	Birth certificate, School Leaving Certificate, Date of birth and place according to the specimen provided in Annexure A
All children till 18 years old, For re-issue of passport once they turn 18 years old	School Leaving Certificate
Seamen with CDC or Continuous Discharge Certificate, and Sea Cadets	Continuous Discharge Certificate
Those with a permanent immigration visa	Permanent Resident Card or photocopy of the immigration visa

Here is another list of documentation for passport holders of specific categories and their family members –

Government Employees

Self	Spouse	Dependent Children
Identity certificate as mentioned in Annexure A, NOC as per Annexure M, PI letter as per Annexure N.	Identity as mentioned in Annexure B, Joint affidavit as per Annexure D, Marriage certificate photocopy attested	Identity certificate according to Annexure B, Birth certificate Certificate of leaving school, Copy of the passport of the government employee

Income Tax Payers

Self	Spouse	Dependent Children
Assessment proof for actual income tax payment and income tax in the previous year, IT return statement (in case of the past one year. It must be stamped by IT authorities) and PAN card photocopy	Marriage certificate photocopy (attested)	Birth certificate, School leaving certificate

Professional Degree Holders

Self	Spouse	Dependent Children
Certificate of professional degree	Photocopy of marriage certificate (attested), Joint affidavit according to Annexure D	Birth certificate, Certificate of school leaving

Those Who Were Overseas for Three Years or Longer

Self	Spouse
Passport photocopy, including the page with ECR/ECNR	Marriage certificate photocopy (attested), Joint affidavit as mentioned in Annexure D

How Much Time Does it Take to Process the ECNR Application?

The process of obtaining an ECNR stamp typically takes three to four days from the date of application. You can expect a relatively quick process when applying for an ECNR endorsement. Processing delays may occur if the application still needs to be completed.

What are the Benefits of ECNR in Passports?

Here are the benefits of Non-ECR or ECNR in passports

If you have an ECNR passport, you can avoid the emigration inspections and receive faster clearance.
An ECNR passport holder can pursue a higher degree abroad.
Having ECNR status enhances your employability when seeking job opportunities abroad.
ECNR passports have longer validity than ECR passports.
An ECR passport protects employees from exploitation when travelling to any country mentioned in the list of ECNR passports.
By obtaining an ECNR endorsement, you reduce the chances of falling victim to fraudulent recruitment agents or employers.

How to Check if Your Passport is Non-ECR/ECNR?

If a passport doesn't have an "Emigration Check Required" (ECR) stamp, it's considered non-ECR (ECNR). To confirm, check the following things on your passport and double-check with the passport authorities or official guidelines.

If an old booklet passport has no ECR stamp on page 3, it's a non-ECR passport.
If in the new passport booklet, 'Emigration Check Required' is printed above the Name of Father/Legal Guardian column.
If the passport does not have an ECR status stamped or printed, it is a non-ECR passport.

Remember, if your passports issued after January 2007 may not require specific individuals' Emigration Check (ECR) endorsement.

Documents Required to Check ECNR Status in Passport

To check your ECNR status, you need to submit the following documents.

Filled in Form EAP-2
A fee of ₹ 300 through Demand Draft or in cash
Original passport
Address proof
Two copies proving any of the eligibility criteria mentioned above. They should be attested.
Two copies of each of your passport's first four and last four pages.

How To Remove ECR Stamp from Passport?

To Remove the ECR Stamp from your Passport, follow these steps.

Visit the official passport website.
Select "Re-issue of Passport”
Fill out the form with the necessary details
Select ‘Deletion of ECR’ or the ECR removal option.
Provide the necessary documents such as 10th, 12th, and college certificates.
Pay the Application Fees.
Submit the completed form to the nearest Passport Seva Kendra.

How to Convert ECR Passport to ECNR Passport?

If you wish to travel abroad for employment, you must first convert your ECR passport to an ECNR passport. The steps are listed below.

Log in to the Passport Seva official website and download the application from the miscellaneous service.
Then, mention the Emigration Check Required deletion request.
Next, provide two photocopies of your college passing certificates, and standard 12th and 10th certificates as well. These certificates must be attested.
Provide an address proof. It can be your Voter ID, electricity bill, phone bill, lease agreement, etc.
Carry your PAN card.
Pay a fee of ₹300.
Submit your passport, plus two photocopies of the first and last four pages.
Finally, submit your form and the necessary documents to the closest passport office.

These pointers will help you better understand ECNR in your passport.

An ECNR passport (Emigration Check Not Required) has significantly eased the process for Indian citizens to travel internationally since these are exclusively issued to individuals who meet specific educational criteria.

An ECNR passport holder is exempt from undergoing an emigration check when travelling abroad, thereby streamlining international travel by negating the need for additional permission during emigration.

FAQs about ECNR in Passport

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Do you need to get an ECR stamp if you travel abroad for leisure?

No, Indian passport holders travelling abroad for a purpose other than employment don’t need to obtain an ECR stamp, effective from 1st October 2007.

Can You Obtain an Emergency ECNR?

Yes, immigration officers at airports can provide exemption in cases of emergency. You need to provide documents such as attested copies of educational qualifications or your most recent income tax return to the immigration officer.

What does ECNR mean in a passport?

The ECNR in your passport signifies that you don’t need an emigration check for your passport.

How do I know if my passport is ECR or ECNR?

To Determine whether your passport is ECR or ECNR, check your old passport booklets issued before January 2007 without an ECR stamp and new passport booklets issued after January 2007 without an "Emigration Check Required" stamp above the father's name on the last page are ECNR passports.

Who is eligible for ECNR?

You must have completed at least Class 10th or an equivalent examination recognised by the Indian Ministry of Education.

Which is better, ECR or ECNR in a passport?

ECNR is considered better than ECR in passports. ECNR provides convenience, better employment prospects, and extended validity for applicants holding an ECNR status passport, which allows them to travel overseas without an emigration check.

Can I Travel with an ECR passport?

Yes, you can only travel if your passport is ECR; however, you will need clearance from the Protector of Emigrants (POE) office to travel abroad. The ECR stamp in your passport indicates that you belong to the Emigration Check Required (ECR) category, which aims to prevent the exploitation of workers with lower qualifications.

How to check ECNR status?

To check your passport's ECNR status, look for a stamp inside your passport. If it says "Emigration Check Required," you are in the ECR category. If no such stamp exists, your passport is non-ECR or ECNR. You can also verify the status online by visiting the official Passport Seva website.

Remember, ECR passport holders need clearance from the immigration office when travelling to certain countries, while ECNR passport holders do not require this clearance.

Is ECNR required for a tourist visa?

No, ECNR is not required for a tourist visa, but it is always better to check the specific requirements for the country you are willing to visit.

Can I travel to Dubai with an ECR passport?

Yes, you can visit Dubai with an ECR passport if you provide valid documents. ECR passport holders do not need emigration clearance when travelling to Dubai for non-employment purposes. Also, they need emigration clearance if they travel to Dubai for employment purposes.

How to convert an ECR passport to ECNR?

As per passport rules, you can convert your passport's status from ECR to ECNR by submitting an ECR deletion form, passing certificates of 10, 10+2, and Graduation, along with address proof and PAN card.

How much is the fee for obtaining ECNR for a passport?

The fee for obtaining an ECNR stamp in your Indian passport is ₹300. For applicants above the age of 18, a fresh passport or re-issue will cost ₹1,500 for a 36-page passport and ₹2,000 for a 60-page passport. An additional ₹2,000 fee will be charged for Tatkal service.

What are the disadvantages of an ECR passport?

The disadvantages of having an ECR Passport are

ECR passport holders have difficulty finding jobs in other countries.
Remove ECR stamps before travelling abroad to avoid legal issues.
Emigration clearance may be delayed due to incomplete paperwork or long queues.

Is ECNR status printed on passports?

Since July 2022, Indian passports no longer mention non-ECR status. The practice of stamping on passports with an ECNR status has also been discontinued. Passports without an ECR (Emigration Check Required) stamp will be considered non-ECNR.

How to get an ECNR clearance?

ECNR clearance is not required from the immigration office if one plans to visit outside the country

How can I get a job with an ECR passport?

Yes, getting a job with an ECR passport is possible. The only condition is getting emigration clearance from the Protector of Emigrants (POE) before travelling to a country for work or employment and verification by a recruitment agency.

Are ECNR and non-ECR the same?

Yes, the ECNR passport is now known as the non-ECR passport.

Is a 10th certificate required for non-ECR passports?

No, having a 10th certificate is not mandatory for a non-ECR passport, but it is one of its conditions. For example, a person who has filed an ITR in the highest income bracket does not require a 10th certificate.

Does ECR impact tourist visas?

No, ECR does not affect tourist visas.

What if my passport requires an immigration check?

If your passport has an Emigration Check Required (ECR) stamp, you must get clearance from the immigration office before working in a foreign country.

Why is there a requirement for an immigration check on my passport?

If your passport shows an emigration check required, it belongs to the ECR category. If you are to work in a foreign country, then clearance from the immigration office is required.