Overview

An NRI Status Certificate (Non-Resident Indian Status Certificate) is an official document issued by the Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) to Indian nationals residing abroad who qualify as Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).

This certificate is often required for various legal, financial, and tax-related purposes, such as claiming benefits, applying for loans, or fulfilling requirements for certain government processes in India.

The certificate verifies the applicant’s status as an NRI, based on their residence outside of India for a specified duration.

Documents Checklist

To apply for an NRI Status Certificate from the Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) in Thailand, the following documents are required:

• Duly filled Covering Letter:
  A cover letter completed and signed by the applicant explaining the purpose of the request for the NRI Status Certificate.
• Dully filled NRI Form
• Request Letter for NRI Status Certificate:
  A formal request letter from the applicant, specifying the purpose of the NRI Status Certificate and providing details of the applicant’s stay in Thailand (e.g., dates of entry, residence duration, and type of visa/work permit).
• Original Passport with Photocopy:
  The original Indian passport of the applicant along with photocopies of all pages containing personal particulars and the current visa page.
• Original Work Permit/Tangdao (Alien Certificate)/Residence Permit with Photocopy:
  The original Work Permit, Tangdao (Alien Certificate), or Residence Permit along with a photocopy for verification. This document serves as proof of the applicant’s legal residence in Thailand.
• Authority Letter (if the applicant cannot come personally):
  If the applicant is unable to visit the ICAC personally, an authority letter must be provided, authorizing someone else to submit the application and collect the certificate on their behalf.

FAQs

1. What is an NRI Status Certificate?
   An NRI (Non-Resident Indian) Status Certificate is a document issued by the Indian Consular Application Centre to confirm the applicant’s status as a Non-Resident Indian based on their period of stay outside India.
2. Why do I need an NRI Status Certificate?
   The certificate is often required for legal, financial, and taxation purposes in India, such as opening NRI bank accounts, purchasing property, or for educational and visa applications.
3. Who is eligible to apply for an NRI Status Certificate?
   Indian nationals residing in Thailand who have been living outside India for more than 182 days in the preceding financial year can apply for the NRI Status Certificate.
4. How long does it take to obtain the NRI Status Certificate?
   Processing time typically ranges from 3 to 5 business days, depending on the verification of documents and other factors.
5. Is the presence of the applicant mandatory for applying?
   Yes, the applicant must be present at the ICAC in Thailand to submit the application and verify the documents.
6. Can someone else submit the application on my behalf?
   Yes, but the authorized person must present a notarized authorization letter along with their ID proof and the applicant’s documents.
7. What is the validity period of the NRI Status Certificate?
   The validity of the certificate is generally one year from the date of issuance unless specified otherwise.
8. Can I apply for the NRI Status Certificate if I am holding a foreign passport?
   Yes, but you must provide a copy of your Indian passport along with the foreign passport and proof of Indian origin or OCI/PIO card.
9. Is there a fee for the NRI Status Certificate?
   Yes, a service fee is applicable for the issuance of the NRI Status Certificate. The fee details can be obtained from the ICAC office or the official website.
10. Can I track the status of my application?
    Yes, applicants can track their application status by contacting the ICAC office or through the official tracking system using the reference number provided during submission.
11. What if my application is rejected?
    If the application is rejected, the applicant will be notified of the reasons for rejection. The applicant can correct the discrepancies and reapply with the necessary documents.