1. What Is Form I?
Form I is a solemn declaration required when applying for certain Indian passport services, particularly through VFS Global in Australia. The applicant must affirm several statements under oath, including:
- The applicant has neither lost, surrendered, nor been deprived of Indian citizenship.
- They owe allegiance to India’s sovereignty and integrity.
- They have not acquired or applied for citizenship of any other country.
- They have not sought asylum or refugee status.
- They will take utmost care of their passport if issued.
- In case of its loss or damage, the Government of India may take necessary action under the Passport Act, 1967.
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The form also contains spaces for the applicant’s details—such as place and date of birth—and requires a signature. If the applicant is a minor, both parents must sign. Additionally, the form must be notarized (or attested by a Justice of the Peace, depending on location) VFS Global+1.
2. When Is Form I Required?
Form I is generally required when certain attestations and legal affirmations are needed as part of a passport application:
- For document authenticity and legal confirmation, such as when you’re declaring key personal facts under oath (e.g., on loss, allegiance, citizenship status).
- It may also be part of comprehensive documentation checks, though not every scenario requires it—checklists like “Passport Application Checklist” for India (Australia) outline specific conditions. However, recent checklists reference Form V rather than Form I for lost or damaged passports VFS Global+15VFS Global+15VFS Global+15.
In short: Form I is a binding declaration used when explicit affirmation of citizenship status and integrity is required. It’s distinct from Form V, which addresses the specifics of lost/damaged passports.
3. How to Complete It
Here’s a breakdown of steps to complete Form I correctly:
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Download and Print | Access Form I via the VFS Global website (PDF format) VFS Global+1VFS Global+15VFS Global+15VFS Global+15. |
| 2. Fill in Personal Details | Provide place of birth, date, and necessary affirmations—ensuring all are truthful and accurate. |
| 3. Applicant Signature | Sign the form in the presence of a Notary Public (or Justice of Peace if applicable). If a minor, both parents must sign. |
| 4. Notarisation / Attestation | The form must be attested by a Notary Public (especially for NSW residents) or a JP, as required. A stamp and registration number must accompany this. VFS Global+1 |
| 5. Attach with Application | Submit Form I along with other required documents as specified in the VFS Global checklist relevant to your application type. |
4. Context: How Form I Compares with Form V
- Form I focuses on affirmations related to citizenship, allegiance, and safeguarding the passport.
- Form V is used when a passport is lost or damaged—it includes detailed information such as the circumstances of loss/damage, FIR reference, travel history, and declarations regarding the prior passport.
The passport application checklist for Australia outlines Form V as mandatory under conditions of lost or damaged passports, while Form I is less frequently mentioned in those contexts.
5. Why It Matters
- Legal Affirmation: Form I is a formal, legally binding declaration under the Passport Act of 1967.
- Transparency: It ensures applicants fully disclose the required personal and legal affirmations.
- Document Integrity: Including Form I where applicable strengthens the credibility of the passport application at consular or third-party service levels.
Summary
- Form I is a formal declaration form used in some Indian passport-related applications via VFS Global.
- It affirms key legal statements about Indian citizenship and passport usage.
- Requires accurate completion, signing, and notarization.
- Used differently from Form V, which targets lost/damaged passport situations.
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