NRI Certificate in UAE and When Do You Need It in the UAE
If you’re an Indian student living in the UAE and dreaming of pursuing higher education in India, you might have heard about something called an NRI Certificate. This special document is like a key that opens doors for you to study in India.
It’s designed for students like you who are from India but currently living in the UAE. It’s specifically needed if you’re applying for college admission through the “NRI quota.”
With an NRI Certificate, you can show that you’re eligible for certain reserved spots in colleges and universities back home.
So, let’s look into what this NRI Certificate is all about and how you can get it.
Purpose of an NRI Certificate for Indian Students in UAE
Indian universities sometimes have reserved seats for students who are non-resident Indians (NRIs). To claim one of these reserved seats, you usually need to provide an NRI Certificate. This certificate proves that you’re eligible for the NRI quota.
Applying for an NRI Certificate in UAE
Step 1: Get the Application Form :
- Visit a BLS service center in UAE
- Ask for the EAP II form, which you can get for free. This form is also called the “Application Form For Miscellaneous Services On Indian Passport.”
Step 2: Gather Your Documents :
- Passport-sized Photo
- Original Passport
- Parents’ Passport
- Emirates ID
- Residence visa etc.
Step 3: Pay the Fees There are some fees you need to pay:
- Dh95 – service fee.
- Dh9 – Service charge from BLS.
- If you used the special BLS lounges: Dh490 (premium) or Dh250 (standard).
- You can also pay for the courier service if you want.
Documents required for Applying NRI certificate in UAE
- Two recent passport-sized photos with a white background.
- Your original passport (it should be valid for at least six more months).
- If you’re under 18, bring copies of your parents’ passports.
- Proof that you live in the UAE, like a valid Emirates ID or a UAE driver’s license.
- A statement saying that you didn’t stay in India for more than 182 days in the last fiscal year (from April 1 to March 31).
- You have to be there in person when you apply.
- Your residency visa should be valid for more than two years.
Processing Time for Obtaining the NRI Certificate in the UAE
BLS says it usually takes about five working days to get your NRI Certificate, but it might take longer. They’ll let you know by SMS when it’s ready. Your passport will stay with them during this time, but you’ll get it back when the certificate is ready.
Getting NRI certificate from Indian Embassy
The NRI certificate is exclusively available for individuals holding an Indian Passport. In the case of non-Indian passport holders with an OCI card, the NRI certificate will only be issued for the purpose of admitting their family members to Indian Universities under the NRI Quota.
Centers for Applying for NRI Certificate in UAE
You can go to BLS centers in different places like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah. There are also special premium lounges in Dubai and Abu Dhabi where you can apply if you make an appointment online.
BLS Centers in the UAE for NRI Certificate Application:
Abu Dhabi:
- Shams Boutik Mall, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi.
- Open: 9am to 6pm
- Lunch: 12pm to 1pm
- Cubes Park Block – 4, Mussaffah Industrial Area, Abu Dhabi.
- Open: 7am to 4pm
- Lunch: 12pm to 1pm
Dubai:
- Zeenah Building, Opposite Deira City Center P3 Parking.
- Open: 8am to 5pm
- Lunch: 12pm to 1pm
- Al Khaleej Center, Mankhool Road, Bur Dubai.
- Open: 9am to 6pm
- Lunch: 1pm – 2pm
Sharjah:
- Abdul Aziz Majid Building, King Faisal St, Sharjah.
- Open: 8am to 5pm
- Lunch: 12pm to 1pm.
Umm Al Quwain:
- Al Abdul Lathif Al Zarooni Building, King Faizal Road.
- Open: 8am to 5pm
- Lunch: 12pm to 1pm.
Ras Al Khaimah:
- Behind Specialist Medical Centre, Dahan Road, Ras Al Khaimah.
- Open: 8am to 5pm
- Lunch: 12pm to 1pm.
BLS Premium Lounges in Dubai and Abu Dhabi:
If you want extra services, you can use the BLS premium lounge. Book an appointment online at www.blsindiavisa-uae.com
Dubai Premium Lounge:
- Habib Bank AG Zurich Al Jawarah Building, Bur Dubai.
- Open: 9am to 6pm
- Lunch: 1pm to 2pm
Abu Dhabi Premium Lounge:
- Al Nahyan, E25, Building No 14, besides Huff & Puff Burger and Salam Bombay Restaurant.
- Open: 9am to 6pm
- Lunch: 1pm to 2pm
Remember, this certificate is important if you’re an NRI who wants to study in India and use the NRI quota for college admissions.
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Frequently Asked Questions FAQs on NRI Certificate in UAE
What is an NRI Certificate?
An NRI Certificate is a document that Indian students living in the UAE require when applying for higher education in India through the NRI quota.
Why do Indian students in the UAE need it for higher education?
The NRI Certificate confirms the student’s non-resident status and qualifies them for specially reserved seats in higher education.
Who is eligible to apply for an NRI Certificate?
Indian passport holders who have not spent more than six months outside the UAE in a year and have not acquired citizenship of any other country are eligible to apply for an NRI Certificate.
What are the key documents needed to apply for the NRI Certificate?
You will need two recent passport-sized photos, a valid passport with at least six months of validity, copies of parents’ passports for minors, proof of UAE residency (Emirates ID or driving license), a declaration of not staying in India for over 182 days, and a valid residency visa for over two years.
How can I apply for the NRI Certificate in the UAE?
Visit a BLS service center in the UAE, ask for the EAP II form, and submit the required documents along with the form. You’ll need to be present in person at the center when applying.
How long does it take to receive the NRI Certificate?
BLS states that it usually takes about five working days, but processing times can vary. You’ll be notified via SMS when the certificate is ready.
Can I collect the NRI Certificate and passport in person?
Yes, you can collect the certificate and your passport from the BLS center. Alternatively, you can opt to have it delivered to your home for an additional fee.
Is the NRI Certificate mandatory for all colleges in India?
The NRI Certificate is typically required for colleges and higher education institutions in India if you’re applying through the NRI quota. However, it’s important to check the admission requirements of the specific institution you’re interested in.