How to Change ECR to ECNR in Indian Passport

Most people in India hold an ECR to ECNR conversion in their passports. In the Indian passport, the letters "ECR" stand for "Emigration Check Required" and "ECNR" stand for "Emigration Check Not Required". So what exactly is the difference between the two? Which one should you choose? Nowadays, a lot of Indians are living and working abroad and they need to get a visa to visit other countries. The requirement norms of the ECR to ECNR were a little complex and time taking but now it has been simplified. So let's see how we can change ECR to ECNR in passport and get the ease of getting a visa!

How to Change ECR Passport to ECNR Passport-

Change ECR to ECNR in Indian Passport

In order to change your passport from ECR to ECNR, you have to fill up an application form and submit it personally or by a representative, or even via post to the required authorities. Further, you can follow these steps to learn more about this process.

Step 1: Log in to the passport application portal through this link ''passport.gov.in''

Step 2: Select the ''miscellaneous form (EAP-2)'' option

Step 3: Select the option ''Deletion request of Emigration Check Required''

Step 4: Print the application form

Step 5: Fill up the form. And attach the attested copies of all your required documents. Make sure you are attaching all the documents, a PAN card can also be required sometimes. Class 10th and 12th mark sheets should be attested before attaching them with the application.

Step 6: Go to the nearest passport office and pay a nominal fee of Rs 300 via cash or a demand draft. Submit your application along with your original passport and two copies of each, the last and first 4 pages.

Documents required to change your passport status from ECR to ECNR

There are certain documents that you will need in order to successfully change your passport status from ECR to ECNR. The documents are as follows:

• Filled Form EAP-2
• A nominal fee of Rs.300 in cash or via Demand Draft
• Original passport
• Any approved address proof (Just the ration card would not be enough)
• 2 attested copies of any of the eligibility criteria that explicitly state that you are eligible for an ECNR passport
• 2 copies each of the first 4 and last 4 pages of your passport

What is the difference between ECR and ECNR?

ECR means Emigration Check Required and it is applied when you do not have the complete documents to travel abroad. ECNR stands for Emigration Check Not Required and it is applied on the fulfillment of certain requirements after which the ECR endorsement on your passport would be waived off. Furthermore, there are certain eligibility criteria in order to change your passport status from ECR to ECNR. Hence, make sure to check them out first so that your remaining process is smooth and hassle-free

Wrapping up

ECR stands for Emigration Check Required. This is an endorsement that is entered into your passport by immigration authorities, indicating they may want to question. Though you need not be forced to change your ECR to ECNR, if you are planning to travel abroad, an ECR passport is not of much use. The Non-ECR passport is more widely accepted for entry into most countries. Thus, by following these steps you can easily convert your passport from ECR to ECNR.