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Australia Visa Status: How to Check in India?

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There has never been a better time to travel abroad for studies. As more countries are offering options for higher education, students will find it even more enticing to enrol in a university abroad. However, the first step requires you to have a passport and student travel insurance.

Steps to apply for a student passport:

If you are wondering about how to apply passport for students, here are a few simple steps for the same.

1. Visit the official website of Passport Seva and create a new application.

2. Schedule an appointment to visit the nearest Passport Seva Kendra and gather all the necessary documents.

3. On the scheduled date, visit the Passport Seva Kendra along with self-attested copies of all the documents for physical verification.

4. Once the process is complete, collect the acknowledgement number of the application so that you can track its status.

Documents needed for a student passport:

To apply for a student passport, you will need proof of address and proof of date of birth. Here are all the documents that you can submit for the same.

1. Proof of address

◦ Voter ID

◦ Aadhar Card

◦ Telephone bill

◦ Utility bills such as electricity or water bill

◦ Rental agreement

◦ Photocopy of the Passbook of any bank.

2. Proof of date of birth

◦ Birth certificate

◦ Certificate issued by any university or college

◦ School leaving certificate by a recognised board

◦ A copy of the identity card of the institution the student is currently studying in.

What fees should a student pay for a passport?

To apply for a student passport in India, individuals need to pay Rs. 1,500. The payment must be made online on the passport seva website. Here are the different modes of payment that are accepted for a passport.

1. Netbanking

2. Debit card

3. Credit card

4. Challan from SBI.

Eligibility criteria to apply for a student passport

To apply for a student passport in India, you will need to meet the following eligibility criteria.

1. Students who are 18 years or older are considered adults and must self-attest the documents.

2. Students can submit proof of address in the name of their parents.

3. For minor applicants, the parents can attest to all the documents.

4. Minor students can apply for non-ECR till they attain the age of 18 years.

How long does it take to get a student passport?

A standard student passport takes about 25 to 30 days to be issued. If you are planning to go abroad for education, it is essential to apply beforehand. Once issued, a passport is valid for up to 10 years. And you can renew the passport only before a year of its expiry. While flying out to a new country for higher education, make sure that you opt for student travel insurance. It will ensure that your stay will be hassle-free.

Steps to renew a student passport

The process of renewing a student passport isn’t entirely different from applying for a new passport. Here are the steps that you need to follow to renew your passport.

1. Visit the official Passport Seva website.

2. Select Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport option.

3. Complete the application form with related details such as name, date of birth, place of birth, etc.

4. Click on Validate after you enter all the details.

5. Verify all the details and submit the application form.

6. Schedule an appointment on the website and make the payment using any of the methods mentioned above.

Police Verification for student passports in India:

When you apply for a new student passport, the police station nearest to your registered address conducts a verification. Alternatively, you can initiate a police verification from the Passport Seva website. Here are the steps.

1. Visit the official Passport Seva website.

2. Select the Apply for Police Clearance Certificate option.

3. Fill out the online form with relevant details.

4. Schedule an appointment for the verification, post which you will receive an Application Reference Number or ARN.

You can then visit the police station or PSK on the specific date with all the documents for verification.

Difference between a student passport and a normal passport in India:

There is no difference between a student passport and a normal passport. When you follow the steps on how to apply passport for students, the form that you must fill out is the same as a normal passport. Before you apply, you only have to decide whether you want to apply for a normal passport or a tatkal passport. A Tatkal passport is ideal for emergency situations and costs more than a normal passport.

Why should I buy travel insurance?

It is important to opt for student travel insurance if you are planning to visit another country either for the short term or long term. For starters, a lot of countries do require international travel insurance for you to apply for a visa. Also, a travel insurance policy will ensure that you are not stranded due to the loss of luggage or documents. The policy will also compensate for cancellations or delays. And most importantly, it covers medical emergencies as well. By paying a small premium for travel insurance, you can travel with complete peace of mind.

How do you Renew a Student Passport in India?

As a student, you should always keep your passport active and ready. If you have a study opportunity coming up, a lapsed passport should not hold you back. So, check the validity of your passport, and if it is valid for less than six months, start the renewal process. This is important because you cannot get travel insurance and travel unless your passport is valid. For students under 18 years of age, a 5-year passport is issued. For those above the age of 18, a 10-year passport is available. To renew your passport, you have to:

1. Fill out the passport renewal form on the Passport Seva website

2. Gather all the required documents such as:

◦ Your existing passport

◦ Self-attested photocopies of the first two, as well as, the last two pages of your existing passport

◦ Observation page

◦ ECR page

Once you submit the form, get an appointment slot and arrive for your appointment at the passport office, along with the documents to submit your passport renewal application. After you get your new passport, you can plan your travel again and also buy the best international travel insurance plan.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Student Passport?

Passport processing for students usually happens within a month. There are some tips that can help you to expedite the process. They include:

1. Timely action

First and foremost, you need to be proactive and alert. Do not wait for the passport to expire and lapse. Or, do not wait until the last minute before a trip. Rather, apply well in advance, so that you can complete the formalities on time and have the passport ready when you need it.

2. Correct documentation

A lot of passport applications are rejected because of improper documentation. This leads to re-submission and subsequently, a delay in receiving the passport. Hence, to ensure a quick delivery of your passport, ensure the paperwork is correct and proper.

3. Tatkal Scheme

If you are in a major rush, you can apply for your passport via the Tatkal Scheme. This is a fast-track option and your passport application is processed within 5 working days.

Now that you know how to apply for student passport, go ahead and get the job done, so that your passport is received quickly and smoothly.

Conclusion

You can use the above information to apply for a student passport. At the same time, it might be very sensible to buy international travel insurance, irrespective of whether the country that you are travelling to asks for one. It will safeguard your trip and stay.

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