NRI Passport Services: Issuing Passports to Minor Children

NRI Passport Services: Issuing Passports to Minor Children – Procedures and Support

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), obtaining passports for minor children is a streamlined process designed to prioritize family convenience while ensuring security. At Legal Light Consulting, we assist NRIs in navigating these guidelines, which allow for expedited issuance without police verification (PV) in many cases, especially when parents hold valid passports.

This article outlines the procedures for issuing passports to minors, including PV requirements, document submissions, and special considerations for guardians or deceased parents, based on official protocols. Understanding these rules helps NRIs secure passports efficiently for their children.

Police Verification (PV) Requirements for Minors

PV is a standard security check, but exemptions apply to simplify processes for families:

• If One or Both Parents Hold Valid Passports: Minors’ passports can be issued without PV (No-PV basis). Attach photocopies of parents’ passports, with at least one containing the spouse’s name. If the family’s current address differs from the parents’ passport addresses, provide valid present address proof from either parent. PIAs will not require address changes in parents’ passports, and adverse/blank PV status in parents’ files won’t block issuance.
• If Neither Parent Holds a Passport: Passports for minors are issued on a pre-PV basis, verifying parents’ nationality and the child’s eligibility for Indian citizenship.

Note: Birth in India does not automatically confer Indian citizenship. Indian parents who acquire foreign nationality can still sign required annexures for their children, as biological parenthood and the child’s Indian citizenship are unaffected.

Options for Children Aged 15-18

• Minors aged 15-18 can choose a passport valid until age 18 (without PV) or a full-validity passport (subject to post-PV).
• Reissuance for 10-year validity for minors aged 15-18 living abroad requires no PV.

Special Cases: Parents Abroad, Deceased, or Guardians

• Both Parents Abroad or Deceased, Application by Local Guardian: Pre-PV is required if the guardian is not legal. For legal guardians like grandparents or surviving relatives, no PV is needed.
• Application by Legal Guardian: Submit a certified court order appointing the guardian, along with standard documents.
• Both Parents Deceased, Application by Grandparents or Relatives: No PV required; follow normal procedures. For non-relative legal guardians, pre-PV applies.

Required Documents

Applications must include:

• Annexure ‘H’ (Signed by Both Parents): For fresh or reissue cases. Both parents should be present at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), or one parent with both passports. If a parent is abroad, their consent (Annexure ‘H’) must be attested by an Indian Mission/Post. The submitting parent signs the form and attaches the attested Annexure. If not attested by both, a single parent submits an affidavit (Annexure ‘G’) explaining reasons, sworn before a Judicial Magistrate, unless they have full custody without visitation rights. Pending divorce requires court permission.
• Waiver for Seamen/Sailors: If parents are on ships, provide employment proof to waive Annexure ‘H’ signing.
• Parents Abroad Appointing Local Guardian: Joint sworn affidavit (Annexure ‘I’) attested by Mission/Post, plus affidavits from two responsible persons (not required if the guardian is a grandparent). Passport issued subject to pre-PV.
• Residence Proof: From either parent, unless differing from passport addresses.
• Other: Standard documents like birth certificates, as applicable.

At Legal Light Consulting, we help NRIs prepare these documents and coordinate with authorities for smooth processing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Based on common queries from our NRI clients, here are detailed answers to key questions about issuing passports to minor children:

Q1: Can a minor’s passport be issued without police verification if parents have passports?

Ans: Yes, if one or both parents hold valid passports, the minor’s passport is issued on a No-PV basis. Attach photocopies of parents’ passports (at least one with the spouse’s name) and provide address proof if the family’s current address differs.

Q2: What if neither parent has a passport?

Ans: In such cases, the minor’s passport is issued on a pre-PV basis to verify parents’ nationality and the child’s Indian citizenship eligibility.

Q3: Does birth in India automatically make a child an Indian citizen?

Ans: No, mere birth in India does not confer Indian citizenship automatically. However, Indian parents who later acquire foreign nationality can still provide consent for their child’s passport, as the child’s Indian citizenship remains intact.

Q4: What passport options are available for children aged 15-18?

Ans: They can opt for a passport valid until age 18 (no PV required) or a full-validity passport (subject to post-PV). Reissuance for 10-year validity for those living abroad requires no PV.

Q5: What if both parents are abroad and a local guardian applies?

Ans: Pre-PV is required unless the guardian is legal (e.g., grandparent). Parents must provide a joint affidavit (Annexure ‘I’) attested by an Indian Mission/Post and affidavits from two responsible persons (not needed for grandparents).

Q6: What documents are needed for a minor’s passport application?

Ans: Key documents include Annexure ‘H’ signed by both parents (or attested/consented if abroad), residence proof, and affidavits if applicable. For guardians, include court orders or affidavits. Seamen/sailors may have signing requirements waived with employment proof.

Q7: How is the process handled if parents are deceased?

Ans: Grandparents or surviving relatives can apply without PV, following normal procedures. Non-relative legal guardians require pre-PV and a certified court order.

Q8: What if there’s a pending divorce or single-parent custody?

Ans: Court permission is needed for pending divorces. A single parent with full custody (no visitation rights) can submit an affidavit (Annexure ‘G’) instead of both parents’ signatures.

NRI Minor Passport FAQs – Country-Specific Guide

Legal Light Consulting | Global NRI Passport Support

USA – NRI Minor Passport FAQs

1. Can Indian NRIs in the USA apply for a minor passport without police verification?

Yes. If either or both parents hold valid Indian passports, the minor’s passport is generally issued on a No-Police Verification (No-PV) basis.

2. Does a change of US residential address affect passport issuance?

No. If the US address differs from the address in the parents’ passports:

• A valid US address proof may be submitted

• Passport authorities cannot insist on updating parents’ passport addresses

3. Is police verification required if parents hold US Green Cards or US citizenship?

Not necessarily.

• Parents may still sign Annexure ‘H’ if they are biological parents

• Child’s Indian citizenship remains unaffected unless the child has acquired US citizenship

4. Can a minor born in the USA apply for an Indian passport?

Yes, only if the child qualifies as an Indian citizen under Indian law.
Children born in the USA do not automatically acquire Indian citizenship.

5. Can one parent apply if the other parent is unresponsive?

Only with:

• Court permission, or

• Annexure ‘G’ explaining non-availability of consent

Legal Light Consulting assists with court-based remedies.

 UK – NRI Minor Passport FAQs

6. Can NRIs in the UK obtain a minor passport without both parents present?

Yes.

• One parent may apply with passports of both parents

• If one parent is abroad, Annexure ‘H’ must be attested by the Indian High Commission

7. Is police verification required for minors residing in the UK?

Generally No, if:

• Either parent holds a valid Indian passport

• Proper documentation is submitted

8. Can parents with UK citizenship sign passport consent forms?

Yes.

• Acquiring UK citizenship does not remove parental rights

• Parents may continue signing declarations for their Indian-citizen child

9. Can a 16–17-year-old apply for a 10-year passport from the UK?

Yes.

• A full-validity (10-year) passport can be issued

• Normally no police verification is required for reissue cases

10. What if parents are divorced in the UK?

• Divorce alone does not remove parental rights

• Consent of both parents or an Indian court-recognized custody order is required

UAE – NRI Minor Passport FAQs

11. Can Indian NRIs in the UAE apply for a minor passport on No-PV basis?

Yes, if:

• Either or both parents hold Indian passports

• Copies of passports are submitted

• One passport contains spouse name

12. Is UAE residence visa status relevant to passport issuance?

No.

• Passport eligibility is based on Indian law

• UAE visa or Emirates ID does not affect passport issuance

13. Can seafarers or offshore workers skip Annexure ‘H’?

Yes.

• For parents working offshore or at sea

• Annexure ‘H’ requirement may be waived upon proof of employment

14. What if both parents are working in different Gulf countries?

• Parents may appoint a local guardian in India

• Joint affidavit (Annexure ‘I’) attested by Indian Mission is required

• Passport issued subject to pre-police verification

15. Can a child born in UAE get an Indian passport?

Yes, if:

• The child qualifies as an Indian citizen

• UAE birth alone does not confer Indian citizenship

Canada – NRI Minor Passport FAQs

16. Can Indian NRIs in Canada obtain a minor passport without police verification?

Yes.

• If at least one parent holds a valid Indian passport

• Passport is issued on No-PV basis

17. Does holding Canadian PR affect the child’s Indian passport?

No.

• Parents’ PR or citizenship does not affect the child’s Indian citizenship

• Unless the child acquires Canadian citizenship

18. Can grandparents apply for a minor’s passport from Canada?

Yes, if:

• Both parents are deceased, or

• Grandparents are court-appointed legal guardians

No police verification is required in such cases.

19. What if divorce proceedings are ongoing in Canada?

• Indian passport authorities require court permission

• Foreign court orders must align with Indian law

20. Can minors aged 15–18 apply for full-validity passports from Canada?

Yes.

• Full-validity passports can be issued

• Normally without police verification for reissue cases

Why Legal Light Consulting for Country-Specific NRI Passport Support?

✔ Country-tailored legal strategy
✔ Embassy & Mission attestation support
✔ Custody & consent dispute resolution
✔ No-PV & pre-PV case handling
✔ End-to-end global NRI assistance

Disclaimer

These FAQs are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Passport issuance depends on individual facts, citizenship status, and applicable law.

For expert assistance with NRI passport applications for minors or related services, contact Legal Light Consulting. Our team ensures compliance and expedites the process. Schedule a consultation today!