A Run

I finally have got my passport updated with the required modifications (Address change, ECR Deletion and Surname inclusion/correction). Here is some useful information if you intend to get any of the above mentioned serviced. All application forms are available online (http://passport.gov.in/cpv/Forms.htm).

• Address change is not mandatory, however, it’s better to have the permanent address reflected in the passport. Typically, this service shouldn’t take more than a day. Required Documents:

• Completed application form (Form2).
• Fill up the required permanent address.
• Mention Change of Address in the Service required column.
• One proof of address (Ration card, bank passbooks, etc)
• Copy of passport

• If ECR (Emigration Check Required) is stamped in the passport, one may be restricted to travel to certain countries. North American and European countries do not fall under this category, however, it’s better to get this stamp removed from the passport. Required Documents:
• Completed application form (Form2). Mention Deletion of ECR in the Service required column.
• Copy of passport
• Copy of Degree Certificate(s)
• Address change/ECR deletion will be fulfilled by the Miscellaneous counter at passport office. Each service will cost Rs.300. One form is sufficient for both services
• I had to separate my Father’s name from my given name in the passport and include it under surname (this was originally blank). Surname is very important in the sense that some countries (US, Canada, etc) mandate the importance of surname as how first name is important in India. One can apply for this correction at his home country or at any of the Indian Embassies abroad. The former is a better and safer option. Required Documents:
• Completed application form (FORM1). It’s as good as applying for a new passport. This form should be filled online and printed (it gives a PDF output). Submit the form along with required attachments to the passport office. Make sure to enter the old passport number in the form1. Choose re-issue of passport in the service section
• Original and photocopy of current passport
• Affidavit from notary (Annexure I) stating the applicant has been residing at the mentioned address from %%% dates and that there had have been no criminal records on the applicant.
• One can apply using Tatkaal scheme as well (typically, the service takes a month or more. If applied through tatkaal, it takes just 4-5 working days).
• Service charge for new passport is Rs.1000 and Tatkaal charge is an extra Rs.1500.
• For applying through tatkaal, one needs to submit two copies of three identity proofs each. I submitted Driving license, Ration Card and Bank passbook for the same.
• Important note for change of address: If the place if issue is different from where the address-change is applied, one needs to submit the PISON (Passport Information services on net) report along with the application form. This can be obtained at the PISON counter. Typically, one must have received his passport having the both temporary and permanent addresses verified. The PISON verifies this and if this information is incomplete in the PISON report, then the change of address process is very complex (It takes at least a month or more, and there is no Tatkaal scheme for this service). One should submit two copies of personal particulars form (PP Form) discrepancies in the PISON. Police department will need to verify the new address and the applicant’s conduct. After the applcant submits the papers, the passport office sends the PP form to the district DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police) office. The DSP office passport section sends it to the local Police station under which the applicant’s address is located. A police constable personally arrives at the address, completes the verification process. He sends the Police verification report (PVR) back to DSP office. The PVR is then sent to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for authorization. Once this is done, the report is sent back to DSP office and in turn, the passport office. The applicant can get address changed only after the PVR is received at the passport office. So it’s better to avoid the change of address, if PISON is reported with incompletion. My Parents and I had to ensure efforts in excess, at the DSP office and passport office, to get my jobs done. It took around 1.5 months to get the entire process completed.

Wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year!!!

To me, 2009 is expected to be a year of experiences, emotions, expenses, efforts, emails, early mornings, economics, endurance and enthuse, for the reason that Ivey MBA is all set to embark upon me, this May.

The first good news is that, my education loan is officially approved and am now eligible to claim INR 20,00,000 for the MBA. Change of address for my passport is still underway and, the delay seems to be frustrating. I expect this process to complete in a couple of weeks from now and I could apply for my student Visa at least by the end of January.