CAA Rules India, Eligibility, Documents: The central government announced the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019 on Monday. The strategic move came right ahead of the announcement of Lok Sabha Elections 2024. While there are mixed reactions to the development from across the country, it is important to know the required documents to apply for Citizenship in India under CAA 2019.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has informed us that the procedure for applying for citizenship will be online only. Here is the list of documents you need to have to fill out the application form online:
- A passport issued by the respective government.
- A Registration Certificate or Residential Permit issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) in India.
- A birth certificate issued by a government authority in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan.
- School certificates or educational certificates issued by recognized authorities in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan.
- Any identity document issued by the government or other relevant authorities in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan.
- Licenses or certificates issued by government authorities of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan.
- Land or tenancy records from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan.
- Documents demonstrating familial ties to citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan.
- Any other document issued by a government authority or agency in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan that establishes the applicant’s nationality or origin.
Additionally, the following documents are required for applicants to prove their entry into India on or before December 31, 2014:
- Copy of the visa and immigration stamp upon arrival in India.
- Registration Certificate or Residential Permit issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) in India.
- Slip issued by Census Enumerators in India during census-related surveys.
- Government-issued licenses, certificates, or permits in India (such as Driving License, Aadhaar Card, etc.).
- Ration Card issued in India.
- Official letters issued by the Government or Court to the applicant.
- Birth certificate issued in India.
- Land or tenancy records or registered rental agreements in India in the applicant’s name.
- PAN Card issuance document with the date of issuance.
- Any other document issued by the Central Government, State Government, Public Sector Undertakings, financial institutions, or Public Authorities.
- Certificate issued by an elected member of a rural or urban body, revenue officer, or officer thereof.
- Bank or Post Office account records in the applicant’s name.
- Insurance policies issued by Indian insurance companies in the applicant’s name.
- Electricity connection papers, electricity bills, or other utility bills in the applicant’s name.
- Court or Tribunal records or processes in India concerning the applicant.
- Documents showing service or employment under any Indian employer, supported by Employees Provident Fund (EPF), General Provident Fund, Pension, or Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) documents.
- School leaving certificate issued in India.
- Academic certificates issued by schools, colleges, boards, universities, or government institutions.
- Municipality trade license issued to the applicant.
- Marriage certificate.
The government has announced the establishment of an empowered committee at the UT/state level and committees at the district level to assess the validity of applications submitted under the Act.
It should be noted that the specified documents must be issued by an Indian authority and will remain admissible even after their expiry date. Additionally, these documents must demonstrate that the applicant entered India on or before December 31, 2014.