The emotional journey of becoming parents through surrogacy is overwhelming, and the document process is a labyrinth for NRI parents. At Ekmi Fertility, we have taken hundreds of non-resident Indian couples down this timeline and here’s what you could do to make it less painful.
Timeline of Documentation for NRI Parents
The paperwork begins long before your baby arrives and doesn’t end until you’re safely back home. What most NRI parents do not realize is the amount of time this takes. Budget for 3 to 4 months of intense documentation work once the baby arrives (and that’s assuming everything goes smoothly).
Pre-Surrogacy Documentation Phase
Before you even go for the treatment, such materials as:
Legal eligibility documents
Photocopies of the first and last pages of the parents’ valid Indian passport
Marriage certificate (at least 5 years in marriage)
Certificate of infertility from registered medical practitioner
Essentiality and eligibility certificate from concerned authority
Surrogate mother insurance provisions
Timeline: 2-3 months to collect and authenticate all documents
The thing is: don’t wait until the very end. Depending on the country where you live, some certificates may require notarization, apostille stamps or consular authentication. Begin saving these items as soon as you choose surrogacy.
During Pregnancy Documentation
Once your surrogate is pregnant, the paperwork doesn’t end:
Periodic medical data and ultrasound films and slides
Consent forms at various stages
Legal agreements reviewed and updated
Hospital registration documents
Timeline: Throughout the 9-month pregnancy
To know more Call 9319737070 or email us at info@ekmifertility.com
Post-Birth Documentation Rush
This is what confuses most NRI parents. After delivery, you’re managing:
Immediate Requirements (First 2 weeks)
Birth certificate from municipal authority
Discharge summary from hospital
DNA test results (compulsory in surrogacy cases)
Parentage certificate from surrogacy clinic
Passport and Travel Papers (Weeks 2-8)
Apply for newborn passport at regional passport office
Police verification clearance
Departure permit from FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office)
Passport if parents are foreign nationals
Timeline: 6-12 weeks, with potentially longer wait times at busy times of the year
Timeline for NRI Parents Residing Outside India to Document in US
Or, if you are stationed in the US, UK, Canada or elsewhere, do this:
Registration with the embassy or consulate in India of your own country
Obtaining certificate of registration of birth abroad
How to apply for an entry visa or citizenship certificate of your baby
Working with the immigration officials in your host and home countries
Timeline: Additional 4-6 weeks minimum
To know more Call 9319737070 or email us at info@ekmifertility.com
Smart Tips from Ekmi Fertility
Start Early
Initiate document collection 6 months prior to expected due date. Some certifications are time-sensitive, so timing counts.
Hire a Consultant
NRI surrogacy legal documentation experts can reduce your timeline by 50%. We collaborate with reliable partners that know what office to go to at exactly which time.
Keep Multiple Copies
Everything should be photocopied, scanned, and stored digitally. You’ll submit originals in multiple places.
Stay in India Longer
Try to stick around for at least 10-12 weeks after the baby is born. Attempting to hurry the documentation schedule for NRI parents usually end up with delays and rejection.
Why Documentation Timelines Matter
Failing to meet deadlines, or submitting incomplete paperwork, does more than delay your travel. It may influence the citizenship status of your baby, whether your legal parentage is recognized, and future documentation requirements.
Ekmi Fertility has a team of professionals who work together with legal attorneys, embassies and affiliates in government departments to ensure that your documentation is up to date. We have encountered every conceivable complication, and what to do about it.
FAQs
How long does the complete documentation process take for NRI parents?
Recovery It will take 3-4 months after the birth to complete all paperwork, passport, and exit permits. International citizenship processes – additional 4-6 weeks.
Can I begin documentation before the baby is born?
There is some paperwork that can be prepared in advance, but the official birth-related documents start only after the delivery has occurred and DNA confirmation is made.
Are both NRI parents required to be in India at the time of documentation?
Yes, parents are required to be in India for the most important steps – passport application, DNA testing and embassy registrations.
What if I can’t complete the documentation by the deadline?
Delays could result in you spending more time than planned and might necessitate extending your visa. Mitigating these risks are ensuring that IP work with established infertility clinics and legal counsel.
To know more Call 9319737070 or email us at info@ekmifertility.com