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I had such a great time growing up in India. URGENT EMERGENCY INDIAN VISA, although I enjoyed India and its cultural experiences, I had to leave as I wanted to study in the United States.
After a few years, I gained my US Green card, which meant I had to surrender my Indian passport. So, unfortunately, I could not enjoy visa-free travel to and from India.
A few years ago, my grandmother, Binita, passed away. For obvious reasons, I had to apply for an Emergency Visa to enter India, as I am classified as an NRI (non-resident Indian).
This post will cover everything you need to know about the India Emergency Visa and the exact steps you can follow during your application process.
Let’s get started:
What Is The India Emergency Visa?
Before I start off, let me first explain the India Emergency Visa. The Emergency Visa service is only available to US passport holders of Indian origin and their family members who need to travel to India due to a genuine family emergency, such as a critical illness or death in the family. Please note that it is not the same as a regular visa.
The India Emergency Visa is only available for citizens of Indian origin. Therefore, it can not be used as a medical visa. With that being said, you must provide proof of renunciation before applying for the India Emergency Visa.
Suppose you are not traveling for an emergency. In that case, you can also apply for an e-visa, tourist visa, or business visa. Feel free to check out our guide on the India Visa for US citizens.
What Are The Required Documents For The India Emergency Visa?
As you might know, all visa applications have required documents that you must submit during your application process. It can be confusing but bear with me as I explain everything in detail below.
- Mandatory Required Documents
- Additional Documents If Applicable
- Required Documents When Applying Through VFS
Mandatory Required Documents
- Government Online Application Form:
You must complete the online visa application form. The application form requires you to submit personal information, such as family details, passport information, and some unique questions regarding past activities (such as your criminal record).
When applying for minors, please note that all Minor applicants must write their name or sign in the space provided below the photograph on the first page of the application form. Minor applicants under the age of five may leave their left thumb impression in the space provided. Both parents must sign on the last page of the application. Both parents must also sign on page 2 of the online application form below the minor’s signature/thumb impression.
Photograph and Signature:
It is important to note that only 1 physical photograph must be attached to the application form without a staple. In my experience, I just used regular store-bought glue.
You must submit a digital photo on the INDIAN VISA PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS Government Online portal. This will be done during your online application process. Be sure that your digital photo meets the following requirements.
Proof Of Renunciation:
Suppose you have ever held an Indian passport. In that case, you must provide proof of your Renunciation of Indian Citizenship with your visa application. The first document that can be used as proof of renunciation is a certificate of surrender issued by the Embassy or the Consulate of India.
Alternatively, you can submit the deemed surrender certificate issued by the Embassy or the Consulate of India. Both the Surrendered Passport along with the copy of the Renunciation Certificate would be needed for Indian passports surrendered after May 2010
Proof Of Address:
It is important to note that your proof of address must match the present address as stipulated on your application. Proof of address can include any of the following: driving license, state-issued ID, utility bill (not older than 3 months), valid lease agreement, or an income tax return.
Suppose you are a University or College student living on campus. In that case, a letter from your institution on the institution letterhead explaining your current address will suffice.
Important note: PO. Box Number will not be applicable to submit as proof of address.
Documentary Proof Of Emergency (emergency certificate):
You have to submit proof of why you are applying for an emergency visa. For example, if you travel to attend a funeral, this will either be a death certificate or a duly signed and stamped hospital certificate.
- Passport:
An essential document will be your passport. You must submit your physical passport with photocopies to confirm your eligibility. Note that you are only required to submit biographical photocopies of your passport. It is important that your passport has a minimum validity of 6 months and should at least have two blank pages. Your proof of passport will also be used for granting your e-Visa and a re-entry permit.
Additional Documents If Applicable
As I mentioned earlier, only citizens of Indian origin are applicable to apply for the emergency India Visa. Therefore, there may be additional documents you are required to submit.
You will be required to prove that you’re of Indian origin. Please note that 3 documents will count as proof for different circumstances.
If you are an Indian national, you must submit your passport. In addition, children of an Indian national, person of Indian origin, or OCI cardholder must submit a birth certificate and an Indian passport or OCI Card of either parent. Lastly, suppose you are a spouse of foreign origin of an Indian national, Person of Indian Origin, or OCI Cardholder. In that case, you must submit a Marriage certificate together with an Indian passport or OCI Card of the spouse.
The OCI refers to an overseas Indian citizen. It can only be applied for after the renunciation of your passport.
Additional Documents For Minor Applicants:
When it comes to minors, there are many documents that you need to submit during your application process. You will start by completing the parental authorization form (Annexure-B). The parental authorization form has to be signed by both parents and notarized.
You are also required to submit copies of the following documents; the birth certificate of the minor, passports and marriage certificates of the minors’ parents, and US Visa status documents of non-US national parents.
Required Documents When Applying Through VFS
Since December 13, 2021, the outsourcing service provider, VFS Global, has been accepting all visa applications, including Emergency Visa applications, strictly following the emergency criteria outlined in this post. With that being said, all applications to India have to be done through VFS Global. This rule was implemented by the government of India to ensure easier and faster visa applications.
