Proof of Indian Origin when

proper documents not available

How to get Nativity Certificate . . .

Many OCI or PIO applicants have difficulty obtaining acceptable documentation showing that they are indeed of Indian origin. This leads to an extended delay in processing applications, many applicants are denied OCI registration, due to lack of proper proof, showing their Indian origin. Sometimes in cases where the OCI applicants, who are children and grandchildren of PIO’s who left India before 26th January 1950, may find it difficult to produce the requisite documentary evidence as proof of their relationship to show their Indian origin. In an effort to resolve such issues and help potential OCI/PIO applicants, the Government of India, in an effort to ease this situation, allows applicants who have difficulty obtaining acceptable documents, to support their claim of Indian origin to seek and obtain 'Nativity Certificate' from their respective state Governments in India.

What is a Nativity Certificate

Nativity Certificate is a document issued by State Governments in India certifying the Indian origin of an applicant who is or whose relations such as parents/grandparents etc lived in that particular state.

What is the process of getting a Nativity

Certificate

Basically, the applicant files the application for a nativity certificate in the concerned area of the state in India. Application form sample link is provided below. Along with the application, documents to help find the appropriate relationship should be submitted. Some such documents could be: Details of ancestral properties that may have existed and you know about, such as a previous home etc. School/College/University where an ancestor studied, or any other Information. Names and particulars of other relatives who could vouch for the accuracy of the statements made on your application to claim Indian origin Any other documentary evidence, if available In case the applicants ancestors left India several years ago and details of their departure mode are available, they should be provided as this would help the authorities in tracing them through past departure records if available. Include any other information or document that can help your case

Type of Nativity Certificate Acceptable for OCI

Nativity certificate is a document that is commonly used in India in many situations, to show residence in a particular part of the country. By way of example, students may be required to get nativity certificates to gain admission in a particular state university course, where seats are reserved for only state residents. Perhaps one may be asked to get such a document to prove claim for a ration card etc. Tahsildars in many areas issue such nativity certificates. At times such certificates are suspected of being obtained inappropriately and those applying for a nativity certificate for the purpose of registering for OCI or obtaining a PIO card, should make sure they get a nativity certificate through the right channels and signed by the appropriate acceptable authority. Nativity certificate for OCI/PIO issued by state governments should be issued by a authority in the state of not below a District Collector/ District Magistrate. Baptism certificate in Lieu of Birth Certificate for OCI Proof of Indian Origin Baptism certificates issued by the church authorities in Goa before October 1955 and attested by Collector / District Magistrate are acceptable as proof of Indian Origin in Lieu of Birth Certificates. To view government notification document in this regard Click HERE

How long does it take to get a nativity

certificate

Time taken to get a nativity certificate is a fair question and naturally everyone wants to know, however the entire process depends on the state you apply, the type of records, such as land revenue records etc. available to the state government officials, for your the area from where proof has to be ascertained, the type of documentation or information you can provide. To view an application for acquiring a ‘Nativity Certificate’ in India, CLICK HERE.

Attestation of Nativity Certificate from

Ministry of External Affairs India

There is a requirement that Nativity Certificate has to be attested by the Ministry of External Affairs to be valid for OCI purposes. While previously it may have been possible to visit government offices to get such services, now many services by government have been outsourced. Documents are not directly accepted from individuals at the Ministry of External Affairs Counter at Consular Passport & Visa Division, Patiala House in New Delhi. The original document/true copy is to be submitted directly to any of the outsourced agencies. Currently these are: BLS International Services Ltd. [In New Delhi, Chandigarh] IVS Global Service Pvt. Ltd. [In New Delhi, Srinagar, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Kurukshetra, Bangalore, Goa] Superb Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. [In New Delhi, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Kochi, Pune, Mumbai,] VFS Global Attestation Centre. [In New Delhi, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad] There may be more, but these are the ones that I am aware of. Check with government authorities for latest information.

Nativity Certificate through Agents Alert

The Indian government displays a warning on their web pages stating that ‘Applicants are advised not to rely on unauthorized persons/touts for Apostille or Attestation services.’ Some websites continue to advertise procurement of Nativity Certificates for NRIs for a fee. While a fee of about US$100 may seem a bargain for many non- residents, keep in mind that sending documentation and personal particulars to unknown people can lead to misuse of your identity and lead to problems. Some websites may give the appearance of being law firms or government sites to attract clients. Exercise care when documents of your identity are involved as identity theft is a worldwide concern these days.

NEW! EDITION

Available Worldwide

UPDATED FOR 2023-24