ECR and Non-ECR (ECNR) Passport

What is Non-ECR Passport?

A Non-ECR or ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) passport is issued to Indian citizens who meet specified educational or professional criteria. Currently, this includes individuals who: 

• Have completed 10th class or higher 

• Hold a professional degree or diploma 

• Work in skilled occupations 

A non-ECR passport holder does not require emigration clearance and can travel abroad freely for work, study, or tourism. This passport provides more freedom to work and reside internationally, without prior government permission, unlike the ECR passport. 

How to Know if Your Passport is ECR or Non-ECR?

Many applicants are confused about whether their passport is ECR (Emigration Check Required) or Non-ECR (ECNR). You can easily confirm your status using the methods below: 

1. Check Your Passport Booklet 

• Look at the last page of your passport. 

• If you see “ECR” or the words “Emigration Check Required”, your passport is ECR.  

• If there is no ECR stamp or mention, it means your passport is Non-ECR.  

2. Check Online 

• Log in to the Passport Seva Portal.  

• Open your passport application or reissue details.  

• The category section will clearly show whether you selected ECR or Non-ECR.  

3. Visit a Passport Office 

• Go to your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO).  

• The staff can verify your passport category and confirm if it is ECR or Non-ECR (ECNR). 

Eligibility Criteria for Non-ECR Passport

The eligibility criteria for non-ECR passport are mentioned below: 

• Those who have finished their studies after 10th grade or above. 

• Government workers, their spouses, and dependent children.
• People having diplomatic or official passports, their spouse, and dependent children.

• Those who paid income taxes in the highest tax bracket can also obtain a non-ECR passport 

• Professionals who belong to recognized professional groups, such as doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, and others, can obtain a non-ECR passport. 

• People who are above 50 years of age are eligible for a non-ECR passport regardless of their educational qualification. 

• Spouses and dependent children of a non-ECR passport holder are also eligible for a non-ECR passport. 

• Nurses possessing qualifications recognised under the Indian Nursing Council Act are eligible for non-ECR status. 

• All children below 18 years of age.

• Seamen who hold a Continuous Discharge certificate (CDC0 or are listed in the National Database of Seafarers are eligible for non-ECR passports.  

• People who have done a two-year diploma from NCVT or SCVT institutes, or a three-year diploma from a government-recognised polytechnic. 

• Individuals having a permanent immigration visa for countries such as the USA, UK, or Australia are included in this category. 

Eligibility Criteria for ECR Passport 

The eligibility criteria for ECR passport are as follows: 

• Indian passport applicants who do not have any documents to prove that they have passed class 10 

• Indian nationals who have not passed class 10 

• Adults (above 18 years) applying for employment in certain countries notified by the Government of India. 

• Individuals who do not fall under any Non-ECR or ECNR category as defined by the Ministry of External Affairs. 

Documents Required for Non-ECR Passport

The following common documents may be required for a non-ECR passport:

• Completed EAP-2 Form 

• The original passport 

• Income tax certificate

• Provide proof of address, such as an Aadhaar card, water or electricity bill, etc. 

• Make two copies of your passport's first four pages and the last four pages. 
• Proof of educational qualification (10th pass certificate or above, or degree/diploma certificate) 

Optional documents depending on category: 

• Proof of government service or professional qualification for non-ECR eligibility. 

• Documents for spouse/dependent children if applying as non-ECR based on family. 

Documents Required for Non-ECR Passport

The required documents for a ECR passport are as follows: 

• Matric (10th) or higher education certificate  

• Professional degree certificate  

• PAN card and last year ITR (for taxpayers)  

• Government ID and NOC/PI letter (for government employees)  

• NCVT/SCVT or polytechnic diploma certificate  

• Diplomatic passport (for officials)  

• Birth/school certificate (for age above 50 years)  

• Birth certificate (for children under 18 years)  

• Nursing certificate (for registered nurses)  

• Passport copy (for those living abroad over 3 years)  

• CDC certificate (for seamen and cadets)  

• Visa or PR card (for USA, UK, Australia permanent visa holders)  

• Marriage certificate + birth/school certificate (for spouse and children) 

Documents Required for ECR Passport  

The required documents for a ECR passport are as follows:  

• Proof of address such as utility bills, Aadhaar cards, etc. 

• Emergency contact  

• Annexures as required  

• Any available educational qualification certificates  

• Passport application form (EAP-2)  

• Original passport in case of renewal   

How to Apply for ECR and Non-ECR Passport? 

By following the steps given below, you can apply for both the passports easily: 

ECR Passport 

Step 1: Visit the official website Passport Seva and download the Miscellaneous Application Form (EAP-2) or collect it from the nearest PSK.  

Step 2: Gather all required documents like address proof and documents showing eligibility for ECNR.  

Step 3: Fill the form carefully with correct details.  

Step 4: Submit the form in person, through an authorised person, or by registered post.  

Step 5: Pay the required fee to complete the process. 

Non-ECR Passport 

Step 1: Visit the official website of Passport Seva.  Step 2: Register and log to your account. 

Step 2: Select the option 'Apply for New Passport' or 'Reissue of Passport'. 

Step 3: Fill in your details and select the ECNR option in the form.  

Step 4: Upload required documents and pay the passport fee.  

Step 5: Book an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO).  

Step 6: Visit the office with original documents, complete biometrics, and attend to police for verification if needed.  

Procedure to Remove ECR Stamp from Passport

In case your passport has an ECR stamp, but you now meet the conditions for Non-ECR, then you can remove it by following the steps given below: 

Step 1: Visit the official website of Passport Seva and Log in. 

Step 2: Click on the option 'Reissue of Passport'. Step 3: Update your details like education, job, or income.  

Step 4: Upload the required documents such as 10th certificate, degree, PAN with ITR, or job proof).  

Step 5: Pay the reissue fee and book an appointment at PSK or RPO.  

Step 6: Visit the centre with original documents and complete verification (police verification may be required).  

Step 7: Your new passport will be issued without the ECR stamp. 

List of Countries that Require ECR Clearance

The following are 18 countries which require clearance for those who carry ECR passports:

• Yemen
• Saudi Arabia
• Thailand
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Syria
• South Sudan
• Qatar
• Malaysia
• Lebanon
• Jordan
• Iraq
• Indonesia
• Bahrain
• Afghanistan
• Oman
• Kuwait
• Libya
• Sudan

Emigration Offices in India

The following are the list of emigration offices in India along with their address and Jurisdiction: 

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