Baby born in India to Canadian Parent

[ANumar_]

Hello everyone,

Congratulations on the newest addition to your family! If your baby was born in India and at least one parent is a Canadian citizen, this guide is for you. Navigating the bureaucracy of two countries can be confusing, so my partner and I documented our process to help others. We hope this saves you time and stress.

Disclaimer: This is based on our personal experience, and there may be other valid approaches. Processing times, rules, and requirements can change. Always double-check information on the official IRCC website and the FRRO website.

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The Process at a Glance:​

1. Immediate Notification: Inform Indian authorities (FRRO) of the birth.
2. Indian Documentation: Obtain the baby's Indian Birth Certificate and Aadhaar Card.
3. Canadian Documentation: Apply for the Canadian Proof of Citizenship certificate and then for the Canadian passport.
4. Final Steps: Apply for an Indian "Exit Permit" or an "X-1 Visa."

 

[ANumar_]

Step 1: Immediate Action in India (Within 15 Days of Birth)​

This is the most critical and time-sensitive step to avoid fines.

• Who to Contact: The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). You must inform them within 15 days of the baby's birth if one parent is a foreign national. Failure to do so can result in a significant fine.
• How to Contact:
  1. Go to the FRRO website.
  2. Click on the "SUPPORT CENTRES" tab.
  3. Find the contact details (especially the email address) for the FRRO office that has jurisdiction over your area.
• What to Send: Email them immediately. Use the template below and adapt it to your situation.

Template:​

​

Subject: Intimation of Birth of a Child to a Canadian Father and Indian Mother

Respected Officer,

My wife, [Mother's Name], is an Indian citizen, and I, [Father's Name], am a Canadian citizen. We are pleased to inform you that my wife gave birth to our [Son/Daughter], [Baby's Full Name], on [Date of Birth] at [Name and City of Hospital].

I, being a Canadian citizen, will be transferring my citizenship to our child and will initiate the application process with the Canadian authorities shortly.

We wish to formally inform your office of this event and our intent. Once we receive the Canadian passport for our child (a process we estimate will take approximately 3-6 months), we will apply for the necessary exit permit/X-1 Visa from your office to facilitate our departure from India.

For your records, we have attached copies of our passports:
- Canadian Passport of Father: [Passport Number]
- Indian Passport of Mother: [Passport Number]

Please let us know if you require any further information or documentation from our end at this stage.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]​

Attachments: Scanned copies of both parents' passport.​

 

[ANumar_]

Step 2: Obtain the Baby's Indian Birth Certificate​

• Where: Your local municipal corporation office. (Note: It will take a few days for the hospital to submit the necessary documents to the municipal office first).
• Timeline: Officially, it can take 30-45 days. It is often possible to get it faster also. Some cities also allow you to download it online afterward.
• Crucial Check: Double-check that the parents' names on the birth certificate exactly match the names as they appear on your passports. Any discrepancy may cause significant delays later.

 

[ANumar_]

Step 3: Apply for the Baby's Aadhaar Card​

• Why: This serves as a primary government-issued photo ID for your baby, which is required for the Canadian citizenship application.
• How: Visit an Aadhaar enrolment centre with the baby and the birth certificate. They will take a photograph of the infant.
• Timeline: They will tell you 20-30 days, but it often arrives much faster (ours came in 1.5 weeks). You will receive an SMS, and you can download the e-Aadhaar online immediately once the number is generated.

 

[ANumar_]

Step 4: Apply for Canadian Proof of Citizenship Certificate​

Do this online through the IRCC portal.

• Portal: Apply for a Proof of Citizenship (Certificate of Citizenship)
• Account: You will need a GCKey account to apply.

Application Walkthrough:

1. Personal & Contact Details: Fill in the baby's information.
2. Citizenship & Parent Details: Fill in the Canadian parent's details.
3. Urgent Processing (Important):
   • You will be given an option to request Urgent Processing. SELECT YES.
   • You must provide a reason. Some valid reasons may include:
     
     • Return to Work in Canada: (e.g., "I need to return to my job in Canada by [date].")
     • Family Reunification: (e.g., "We need to reunite with our other children who are in school in Canada.")
   • Proof: If you have a booked flight ticket, attach it.
   • Note: Urgent processing is granted entirely at the discretion of IRCC. They may approve it in days or deny it, leaving you in the standard processing queue (which can be many months).
4. Personal Identification Section:
   • You will need to check these two boxes:
     • Government-issued ID (e.g., hospital card, school records, health insurance card)
     • Other government-issued ID. Select if applying for a child with only 1 ID.
5. Supporting Documents (What to Upload):
   
   • 5a. Urgent Request Letter: A letter explaining your reason for urgency (e.g., return to work) and attaching flight tickets if available.
   • 5b. Proof of Parentage: Upload the baby's Indian Birth Certificate.
   • 5c. Digital Photo: A digital photo of the baby that meets IRCC's specifications.
   • 5d. Parent's Proof of Citizenship: Upload a clear scan of the Canadian parent's Citizenship certificate.
   • 5e. Primary Identity Document: Upload the baby's Aadhaar Card.
   • 5f. Secondary Identity Document / Letter of Explanation (LOE): Upload a letter explaining the lack of other IDs.
   • LOE Template:
     
   Template:
   Dear IRCC Officer,
   Re: Application for Proof of Citizenship for [Baby's Full Name], DOB: [DD/MM/YYYY]
   
   This letter is to explain that our newborn child, [Baby's Name], currently only possesses two forms of government-issued identification:
   1. His/Her Birth Certificate, issued by the [City/Municipality] Municipal Corporation.
   2. His/Her Aadhaar Card, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
   
   Due to his/her young age, we have not yet been able to obtain other forms of ID, such as a passport or health card. The Aadhaar card is a biometric, government-issued photo ID accepted for official purposes in India.
   
   We have submitted both of these documents in this application. We hope this clarifies the situation and prevents any delays in processing.
   
   Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Email] or [Your Phone Number].
   
   Thank you for your understanding.
   
   Sincerely,
   
   [Your Name]
   ​
6. Optional Documents:
   • Client Information: Upload a scan of the photo studio stamp or write the name & address on the back of the photo
7. Pay the Fee: The current fee is $75 CAD. (Save the receipt, as you may need it for future reference).

What to Expect:

• If Urgent Processing is Approved: You could receive the electronic Citizenship Certificate via email in as little as 2-5 business days.
• If Not Approved: You will be in the standard processing queue. As of our experience, this can take several months with no updates. You must wait patiently.

 

[ANumar_]

Step 5: Apply for the Canadian Passport​

Once you have the Proof of Citizenship, the next step is to get the baby's passport. There are two paths, depending on your situation.
Important Note: At the time of writing, due to the reduced diplomatic presence of Canada in India, all passport applications are being processed through the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi. The email for consular inquiries is india.consular@international.gc.ca.

Option A: Regular Passport (If you have the Citizenship Certificate)​

If your urgent processing was approved and you have received the Proof of Citizenship certificate, you can apply for a regular 5-year passport for the child. Contact the embassy via email for the most current application instructions and forms.

Option B: Limited Validity Passport (LVP)​

If you are still waiting for the citizenship certificate but need to travel urgently, you can apply for a Limited Validity Passport (LVP). This is a shorter-term passport (usually 2 years) issued based on a pending citizenship application.

• Email the Embassy: Explain your situation clearly: that your baby's citizenship application is in process, but your family has an urgent need to return to Canada, and you wish to apply for an LVP.
• You will receive a document list. Typically, it includes:
  • Passport application form PPTC042
  • Supplementary form PPTC445 (Declaration of Guarantor)
  • Supplementary form PPTC116 (Application for a Child)
  • Proof of travel (e.g., a booked flight itinerary)
  • Copy of parents’ ID (to be used as signature proof)
  • Copy of parents’ marriage certificate
  • Copy of Canadian citizenship certificate or birth certificate of the Canadian parent
  • Fee of CAD 100.00 (payable online)
  • Two identical passport photos meeting strict specifications
  • Proof that the citizenship application is under process (e.g., the Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) / payment receipt from IRCC / Snapshot of the GCkey Application Status page)
• Courier the Application
  
  Some Tips :
  • Address Field Issue: The form PPTC042 has limited space for a long Indian addresses. If you run out of space, attach a separate letter and provide the full, correct address.
  • Proof of Travel: Book a refundable flight ticket for about 30-45 days from your planned submission date. Book an "ECONOMY COMFORT" fare on Air Canada (or a fully refundable fare). Double-check the refund policy before booking. This provides the required proof of travel while allowing you to cancel for a full refund later if processing takes longer (or if you change your mind after receiving the passport and continue to stay a bit longer in India).
  Processing Time: From the day we couriered the documents, it took approximately 20-25 days to receive the passport.

 

[ANumar_]

Step 6: Exiting India Legally​

Your baby, now a Canadian passport holder, is considered a foreign national in India. They must have the proper authorization to stay in or leave the country. Failing to complete this step can result in significant fines (often reported between ₹10,000 - ₹50,000) at the airport.

You have two main options:

1. Exit Permit: If you plan to leave India within the next 30 days.
2. X-1 Visa: If you plan to stay in India for a longer period (up to 6 months initially). This is the recommended and safer route.

The X-1 Visa Application Process on the FRRO Portal​

Important Note: This entire process can take about a month. Requirements can vary. Be prepared to be flexible; some offices request notarized letters.

Phase 1: Initial Application
a) Go to the FRRO's new portal: https://indianfrro.gov.in/efrro/home and create a new user account.
b) Create a new application for the baby. Select "NEW VISA".
c) Upload the baby's photo and a combined PDF of: Baby's Canadian passport, Indian birth certificate, and parents' passports & marriage certificate.

Phase 2: Responding to FRRO Requests
The portal will guide you. Be ready to submit:
d) Form C from https://indianfrro.gov.in/frro/FormC/menuuserreg.jsp
e) Additional Documents:
1. The initial intimation email from Step 1.
2. Reason for X-1 Visa Letter (see template below).
3. Financial Undertaking Letter (see template below).
4. Copy of the Canadian parent's visa/OCI card.
5. Copy of the Canadian parent's birth certificate.
6. Hospital discharge summary.

Phase 3: Final Approval & Payment
f) Once verified, pay the fee (approx. ₹10,200). The e-Visa is typically issued within a week after payment.

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Helpful Templates for Your Application​

Template 1: Reason for X-1 Visa Letter​

To,​

The Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO)​

[City, State], India.​

​

Sub: Request for Issuance of X-1 Visa for Our Baby, [BABY'S FULL NAME]​

Application ID: [Your Application ID]​

​

Respected Officer,​

​

We, [MOTHER'S NAME] (Indian Passport No: [Number]) and [FATHER'S NAME] (Canadian Passport No: [Number]), are the biological parents of our child, [BABY'S FULL NAME].​

​

Our child was born in [City, State] on [Date of Birth] and has acquired Canadian citizenship. The mother, [MOTHER'S NAME], is currently undergoing postnatal recovery and care at her family residence. For the health and well-being of both mother and child, we require a stable stay in India before undertaking international travel.​

​

We hereby solemnly undertake that our baby will comply with all Indian laws and will exit India upon the expiry of the visa.​

​

We kindly request you to issue a new X-1 Visa for our baby.​

​

Thank you for your consideration.​

​

Sincerely,​

[FATHER'S NAME] (Father)​

[MOTHER'S NAME] (Mother)​

Template 2: Financial Undertaking Letter​

To,
The Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO)
[City, State], India.

Sub: Financial Undertaking for [BABY'S FULL NAME]
Application ID: [Your Application ID]

Respected Officer,

We, the undersigned parents, hereby submit this joint financial undertaking for our newborn child, [BABY'S FULL NAME] (Canadian Passport No: [Number], DOB: [Date]).

We hereby undertake full financial responsibility for all expenses incurred by our child for the entire duration of his/her stay in India. This includes all costs related to accommodation, living expenses, healthcare, medical insurance, and any other personal expenses.

We assure you that our child will not be a burden on Indian public funds and will comply with all rules and regulations.

As proof of our financial capability, we have attached relevant bank statements.

Sincerely,
[FATHER'S NAME] (Father)
[MOTHER'S NAME] (Mother)

A Final Note on OCI:​

As per our understanding, the baby typically needs to be on an X-1 Visa for a certain period (often 6 months) before becoming eligible for an OCI card. This rules OCI out as an immediate solution. Please verify this rule independently as it can change.

Conclusion​

While this process is detailed and requires patience, it is entirely manageable when broken down into clear steps. The key is to start early, be meticulous with your documents, and remain adaptable. This journey, though complex, is the first of many you will undertake as a family. We hope this guide empowers you to navigate it with confidence, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: enjoying this precious time with your new Canadian citizen.

Wishing you and your growing family all the best and safe travels

 

[armoured]

Thanks.

I'd just note for children born outside of India, the process is quite similar (easier in some respects, possibly), at least for steps 4 & 5 - applying for the citizenship certificate and obtaining a passport.

But in most cases I'd suggest contacting the Embassy/High Commission consular section in whatever country - sometimes the order is slightly different, and oftentimes the documents needed/available differ somewhat too.

Of course very important: the question of citizenship of the other country (esp where dual citizenship not allowed or similar) can be quite different.

Step 5: Apply for the Canadian Passport
Once you have the Proof of Citizenship, the next step is to get the baby's passport. .

Option B: Limited Validity Passport (LVP)​

If you are still waiting for the citizenship certificate but need to travel urgently, you can apply for a Limited Validity Passport (LVP). This is a shorter-term passport (usually 2 years) issued based on a pending citizenship application.

In my opinion, there's not much disadvantage to applying for the limited validity passport - children's passports are valid for a maximum of five years, and (from experience) it's usually best to replace a passport issued for an infant after a couple years anyway (so the child resembles their photo better - some places don't like infant photos for children over a few years old.

So for most I'd suggest applying without waiting for the citizenship certificate.

My understanding is that the consular sections will generally accept other reasons for (and proof of need to) travel, like work commitments - although for truly urgent issuance they will be more demanding.