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.
Disclaimer: Information provided is for general knowledge only and should not be deemed to be professional advice. For professional advice kindly consult a professional
accountant, immigration advisor or the Indian consulate. Rules and regulations do change from time to time. Please note that in case of any variation between what has
been stated on this website and the relevant Act, Rules, Regulations, Policy Statements etc. the latter shall prevail.
© Copyright 2006 Nriinformation.com
Quick Links - Articles of interest of NRIs - OCIs - PIO
N
RI
Taxes on Indian Pension in the United States . . .
Pension received from India not taxable in Canada . . .
Seniors Think Twice before moving abroad! . . .
NRI - OCI - PIO Guide & Information
NEW!
EDITION
Available
Worldwide