Is Passport Clearance Certificate needed?

[jilliannep 13]

I just wanted to see if it is the case that if you have a recent passport (In India, if that makes a difference) then you don't need the clearance certificate for the NVC?

Wasn't sure whether this should go here or in the NVC thread.

[AKSinghSingh79 143]

It is my understanding that even with a new passport, you will still be required to obtain a PCC from your passport office.

My husband has not gotten to this stage yet but I believe you can do this online using this link http://www.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/welcomeLink

[john531 3]

I just wanted to see if it is the case that if you have a recent passport (In India, if that makes a difference) then you don't need the clearance certificate for the NVC?

Wasn't sure whether this should go here or in the NVC thread.

its better you delay your interview but don't go without PCC even though you have new passport.

[jilliannep 13]

Thanks for your replies.

We decided to take a chance and submit the AOS without the PCC's (Australia and India) on the off chance that they would let us bring them to the interview. We got an RFE. When I called to confirm that it was an RFE, the operator said that they were waiting on the Australian PCC... she made no mention of the Indian one. I asked her 3 times, just to confirm.

So, we are wondering if we should take another chance and just submit the Australian PCC because the Indian one is becoming troublesome and is taking so long.

[AKSinghSingh79 143]

Thanks for your replies.

We decided to take a chance and submit the AOS without the PCC's (Australia and India) on the off chance that they would let us bring them to the interview. We got an RFE. When I called to confirm that it was an RFE, the operator said that they were waiting on the Australian PCC... she made no mention of the Indian one. I asked her 3 times, just to confirm.

So, we are wondering if we should take another chance and just submit the Australian PCC because the Indian one is becoming troublesome and is taking so long.

Is there a reason the Indian PCC is difficult to obtain? Did your husband add your name to his passport after marriage?

It's up to you for what you decide to do but the operators are notorious for giving mixed or outright wrong information. I would strongly advise you to submit the Indian PCC along with the Australian PCC if possible.

[jilliannep 13]

Is there a reason the Indian PCC is difficult to obtain? Did your husband add your name to his passport after marriage?

It's up to you for what you decide to do but the operators are notorious for giving mixed or outright wrong information. I would strongly advise you to submit the Indian PCC along with the Australian PCC if possible.

I dunno why things are going so slowly... it seems like we have been going against the grain from the beginning of the process. But, it seems that they don't wanna give him the PCC because his passport is damaged... that's gonna take almost a month. Then there's the outrageous prices (which I suspect include bribes) these officials want but we aren't willing to give, so they wanna make things go slow and difficult.

All in all, we've been chasing them for 4 months now and are just tired of waiting.

I figured that you're right and we ought to wait but, I think he saw a case where it worked that someone just sent in a copy of the recent passport or something. I knew more than to trust the operators, but decided to ask anyway.

[AKSinghSingh79 143]

I dunno why things are going so slowly... it seems like we have been going against the grain from the beginning of the process. But, it seems that they don't wanna give him the PCC because his passport is damaged... that's gonna take almost a month. Then there's the outrageous prices (which I suspect include bribes) these officials want but we aren't willing to give, so they wanna make things go slow and difficult.

All in all, we've been chasing them for 4 months now and are just tired of waiting.

I figured that you're right and we ought to wait but, I think he saw a case where it worked that someone just sent in a copy of the recent passport or something. I knew more than to trust the operators, but decided to ask anyway.

Ah yes Indian red tape. It is ubiquitous all over India unfortunately. We never received our marriage registration (we only have the certificate from the Aryasamaj we were married in) so I can empathize with the level of frustration you must be experiencing. If its about the bribe money, as irritating as it is, you should just go ahead and pay it. Otherwise you are at risk of getting thousands of excuses, some of which border on the absurd ridiculous, ad infinitum.

I wish our situation were as simple. The marriage registrar, among the dozens of ridiculous excuses we've been given, once told me my passport was fraudulent and that I had to provide proof that it was real . Apparently crossing through Indian customs was not enough for him.

Nothing in India is speedy or easy. That is the sad truth

[jilliannep 13]

Preach brother. Ain't it the truth!

[ludakrishna 2]

You need a PCC regardless. Bribery is everywhere and if you attempt to follow the rules, be prepared to wait. To get my marriage certificate, my wife and I were at the courthouse for 5 hours three consecutive days. The magistrate was busy in a 15 minute meeting for the entire 5 hours each day. Then we decided to fill someones pockets, and the certificate was issued within 10 minutes.

For the PCC, the passport office will give you a PCC without much hassle. There will be three trips, but it wont be too unbearable. They actually follow the rules to some extent.

For the police PCC, the bribery comes back again. The PCC was ready and typed up, but the senior police officer wouldn't sign it. "You paid the required fees, but what about me?". Some money was placed on the table. The officer replied, "Is that all?". Some more money was placed and the signature took place.

We can try and avoid talking about this topic and attempt to not give bribery, but it is so widespread that one must make certain concessions. I see it as additional fees.

[AKSinghSingh79 143]

You need a PCC regardless. Bribery is everywhere and if you attempt to follow the rules, be prepared to wait. To get my marriage certificate, my wife and I were at the courthouse for 5 hours three consecutive days. The magistrate was busy in a 15 minute meeting for the entire 5 hours each day. Then we decided to fill someones pockets, and the certificate was issued within 10 minutes.

For the PCC, the passport office will give you a PCC without much hassle. There will be three trips, but it wont be too unbearable. They actually follow the rules to some extent.

For the police PCC, the bribery comes back again. The PCC was ready and typed up, but the senior police officer wouldn't sign it. "You paid the required fees, but what about me?". Some money was placed on the table. The officer replied, "Is that all?". Some more money was placed and the signature took place.

We can try and avoid talking about this topic and attempt to not give bribery, but it is so widespread that one must make certain concessions. I see it as additional fees.

This is great advice.