Comprehending the NRI Certificate: Significance, Application Process, and More!

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) living in the UAE obtaining an NRI Certificate may be necessary for pursuing higher education in India.

The NRI Certificate is specifically provided to Indian passport holders for educational purposes. It becomes essential if you are seeking college admissions in India under the 'NRI quota.' This certificate significantly validates your NRI status and holds as a mandatory criterion in certain college application processes in India.

To secure admissions in Indian universities, it's important to present the NRI certificate, as it fulfills a prerequisite under the NRI quota at select colleges and higher education institutions across the nation.

As confirmed by BLS International Services UAE, the official outsourcing service provider for the Consulate General of India (CGI), the NRI certificate is exclusively extended to NRIs who meet two specific criteria:

• They have not exceeded six months of residence outside the UAE within a year.
• They have not obtained citizenship from any other country.

What is the Application Process for an NRI Certificate in the UAE?

A step-by-step guide for applying for an NRI certificate in the UAE is explained below:

Obtain the EAP II Form

The primary step is to visit your nearest BLS centre (The list of all BLS centres is given below). Consult one of the officials and get the EAP II form (Application Form For Miscellaneous Services On Indian Passport). There are no charges to obtain the form.

Submit the Necessary Documents

The following is the mandatory checklist to carry out the process:

• Original passport (Note that it must be valid for a minimum of 6 months)
• Parents’ passport copies- Valid only for minors, that is, aged below 18 years
• Two latest passport-sized photographs with a white background
• Valid UAE residential proof such as a UAE driving licence or Emirates ID
• A declaration mentioning that the applicant has not resided in India for more than 182 days during the previous fiscal year, that is, from April 1 to March 31, 2023.

 Here are a few points that you must remember:

• Your physical presence is mandatory during the process.
• Your residency visa must be valid for more than 2 years.
• If you are an Abu Dhabi resident, apply for a sworn affidavit issued by IVS Global. This entity provides consular services and attestation in the UAE for the Indian Embassy, which is signed by the applicant in the presence of a Consular Officer. Note that the affidavit is applied for by your sponsor (parent) mentioning that you are an Abu Dhabi resident under their sponsorship.

Make the Fee Payment

• Service Charge for BLS: AED 9
• Service Charge: AED 95

Other related charge is the courier fee, which is optional:

• Application through a standard BLS centre- AED 250
• Application through premium BLS lounges- AED 490

What is the Processing Time for NRI Certificate Application?

Upon submitting your application, the certificate will be issued in five business days. However, it is noteworthy to mention that the processing time is up to the discretion of the Consulate of India in Dubai. You will receive an SMS on your registered mobile number once the process is completed.

Your passport will be retained during this tenure. Once the certificate gets successfully issued, your passport will be returned. You can either collect your passport and certificate from the BLS centre or ask for delivery at your residential address. A fee will be charged if you get it delivered to your home.

BLS Centres in the UAE

Refer to the following list of BLS centres across the UAE:

Abu Dhabi

Shams Boutik Mall, Level 1, Shop No 32, Al Rayfah Street, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi.

• Timings: 09.00am to 06.00pm
• Lunch break – 12.00pm to 01.00pm

Cubes Park Block – 4, Entrance - D, Mezzanine Floor (M-10), Mussaffah Industrial Area (M 25), Mussaffah, Abu Dhabi

• Timings: 07.00am to 04.00pm
• Lunch break – 12.00pm to 01.00pm

Dubai

Shop No. 13, Ground Floor, Zeenah Building، Opposite to Deira City Center P3 Parking.

• Timings: 08.00am to 05.00pm
• Lunch break – 12.00pm to 01.00pm.

Unit no 118 -119, Mezzanine floor Al Khaleej Center, Opposite Al Ain Center, Mankhool Road, Bur Dubai.

• Timings: 09.00am to 06.00pm
• Lunch break – 01.00pm – 02.00pm

Sharjah

Office No.11, Mezzanine Floor, Abdul Aziz Majid Building - King Faisal St – Sharjah.

• Timings: 08.00am to 05.00pm
• Lunch break – 12.00pm to 01.00pm.

Umm Al Quwain

Shop No: 14, Al Abdul Lathif Al Zarooni Building (Same building of DIB Bank) King Faizal Road, Umm Al Quwain

• Timings: 08.00am to 05.00pm
• Lunch break – 12.00pm to 01.00pm.

Ras Al Khaimah

Behind Specialist Medical Centre, IT Computer Cross, Near Sengar Building material Trading, Dahan Road, Ras Al Khaimah.

• Timings: 08.00am to 05.00pm
• Lunch break – 12.00pm to 01.00pm.

BLS Premium Lounges in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

To use the BLS premium lounge service to apply for the NRI certificate, you need to make an online booking via www.blsindiavisa-uae.com.

Dubai

507, Habib Bank AG Zurich Al Jawarah Building, Bank Street, Bur Dubai, Next to ADCB Bank.

• Timings: 09.00am to 06.00pm
• Lunch break – 01.00pm to 02.00pm

Abu Dhabi

Al Nahyan, E25, Building No 14, besides Huff & Puff Burger and Salam Bombay Restaurant.

• Timings: 09.00am to 06.00pm
• Lunch break – 01.00pm to 02.00pm

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