Migration Certificate Online Application 2025: Your Step-by-Step Guide
In India, a migration certificate is a key document for students who transfer from one academic institution to another across boards, universities, states, or even countries. Whether you’re applying to a college in another state, pursuing higher education overseas, or submitting documents for visa processing, this certificate proves that you’ve officially cleared dues and exited your previous institution.
It is commonly required for college admissions, study abroad, attestation for UAE/Canada, and government verification.
What Is a Migration Certificate?
A migration certificate is an official document issued by your last educational institution (school board or university) to certify that you have completed your studies and have no outstanding obligations. It is required when you transfer from one board or university to another for higher education, essentially permitting you to “migrate” to a new institution.
- Purpose: To enable admission into a new university or board.
- Issuer: Your previous board (like CBSE) or university.
- When It’s Needed: During the admission process for a new course at a different institution.
- CBSE Process: As of 2025, CBSE issues migration certificates digitally via DigiLocker. Hard copies are only provided in exceptional cases upon request. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are instructed to accept the digital version.
Unlike a Transfer Certificate (TC), which allows a move between schools under the same board, a migration certificate enables transfers across boards, universities, and countries.
Migration Certificate vs. Transfer Certificate: The Key Difference
Understanding the distinction between these two documents is the first step to a smooth application. They are not interchangeable.
- A Transfer Certificate (TC) is issued by your last attended school or college. It’s proof that you have left that specific institution.
- Usage Rule: You need a TC to move from one school/college to another, even if they are under the same university or board.
- A Migration Certificate is issued by your university or education board (like CBSE or ICSE). It certifies that the board has no objection to you joining a different educational jurisdiction.
- Usage Rule: You need a Migration Certificate only when you change your university or board (e.g., moving from CBSE to a state board, or from the University of Mumbai to the University of Delhi).
Who Needs a Migration Certificate?
- CBSE, ICSE, and state board students joining a different board
- College graduates moving to a different university
- Students applying for foreign education programs
- Applicants needing academic certificate attestation
- Students submitting educational documents for visa or immigration
When You Do NOT Need a Migration Certificate
You don’t always need this document. Here are common scenarios where it’s not required:
- Internal University Transfers: If you are a graduate of the University of Delhi and are taking admission in a postgraduate course at the University of Delhi itself, you do not need a migration certificate. This applies to most universities for internal admissions.
- Changing Schools Under the Same Board: When moving from one CBSE-affiliated school to another, you only need a Transfer Certificate (TC).
- Taking a Gap Year: A migration certificate is not required for taking a break in your studies unless you are enrolling in a new university after the gap.
Where to Apply: Quick Links Table
Get Your Migration Certificate Attested in 3 Simple Steps
Step 1: Document Submission
Start by uploading a clear scan of your migration certificate and passport through our secure online portal. You can also opt for our free, insured document pickup service from your home or office.
Step 2: We Handle the Verification
Our experts take over. We manage every stage of the complex verification process: university confirmation, Notary, State Home Department/HRD, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and final embassy stamping. You can track the progress 24/7 online.
Step 3: Secure Worldwide Delivery
Once attestation is complete, we deliver your valuable documents back to you safely via a trusted courier service, anywhere in the world.
Migration Certificate Attestation for International Use
Planning to use your migration certificate abroad (e.g., UAE, Canada, UK, Australia)? It must be attested for legal acceptance.
Attestation Steps:
- Notary Attestation (if required)
- State Education Department Attestation
- MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) Attestation
- Embassy Attestation of destination country
- MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) in the destination country
This process is essential for student visas, employment, or residency purposes abroad.
For Hague Convention Countries (e.g., USA, UK, Australia, Germany)
Countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention require an Apostille. This is a single, standardized sticker from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India, that is accepted in all member countries.
- Process:
- State-Level Attestation: First, the document must be authenticated by the designated authority of the state where it was issued (usually the Home Department or Human Resource Department – HRD).
- MEA Apostille: After state authentication, the document is submitted to the MEA for the final Apostille sticker.
- How to Apply: We are here to assist you with migration certificate attestation. We provide attestation services in India all types of educational documents for local and international use. For documents stored in a digital repository (like CBSE certificates via DigiLocker), you can use the government’s e-Sanad portal for a streamlined online process.
For the UAE and Other Non-Hague Countries
Countries not part of the Hague Convention, like the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, require a multi-step process called Consular Attestation.
- Process:
- State-Level Attestation: Similar to the apostille process, your migration certificate must first be authenticated by the State HRD/Home Department.
- MEA Attestation: The document is then attested by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi.
- UAE Embassy Attestation (in India): After MEA attestation, the document must be submitted to the UAE Embassy in New Delhi or Consulate in Mumbai for their stamp.
- MOFA Attestation (in UAE): Finally, once you are in the UAE, the document must be attested by the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to be considered valid for official use (e.g., for visas or university admissions).
This multi-level verification ensures your document is recognized as genuine by the UAE government. Always start this process well in advance, as it can take several weeks to complete.
How to Apply: Board and University-Specific Guides
Here are the precise steps, fees, and timelines for major Indian educational bodies.
CBSE (Class 10 & 12)
As of 2025, CBSE issues digital migration certificates only. Hard copies have been discontinued, and all higher education institutions are directed to accept the digital version from DigiLocker.
- Processing Time: Instant
- Official Portal: DigiLocker
- Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Log in to DigiLocker: Use the website or mobile app. Sign up with your Aadhaar-linked mobile number if you are a new user.
- Access Your Account: You will use a 6-digit access code issued to schools for DigiLocker activation.
- Fetch Documents: Navigate to the “Issued Documents” section and select “Central Board of Secondary Education.”
- Download: Your Migration Certificate will be available as a digitally signed PDF. Download and save it for your applications.
ICSE/ISC (CISCE)
The process for CISCE boards is managed online through the school.
- Fee: Varies (paid through the school)
- Processing Time: Varies (coordinated by the school)
- Official Portal: CISCE Careers Portal (for schools)
- Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Contact Your School: Inform your school’s administration that you require a migration certificate.
- School Initiates Request: The school will initiate an online request on your behalf through the CISCE Careers portal.
- Certificate Issuance: The board processes the request and issues the certificate, which is then provided to you by the school.
University of Delhi (DU)
DU follows a hybrid (online + offline) process.
- Fee: ₹500
- Processing Time: Approx. 10 working days after hard copy submission
- Official Portal: DU Examination Portal
- Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Fill Online Form: Complete the application on the official DU portal.
- Upload & Pay: Upload your photo, signature, and final marksheet. Pay the ₹500 fee online.
- Print and Certify: Take a printout of the submitted form. This printout must be certified (signed and stamped) by the Principal of your last attended DU college.
- Submit Hard Copy: Submit the certified form along with self-attested copies of your marksheet and ID proof to the university’s examination branch, either by hand or by post.
University of Mumbai (MU)
The MU process is fully online but depends on your college’s verification speed.
- Fee: ₹500 + Shipping Charges
- Processing Time: Approx. 6 working weeks
- Official Portal: University of Mumbai Migration Portal
- Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Register Online: Create an account on the MU migration portal.
- Upload Documents: Upload all required documents, including your Transfer Certificate and PRN Status Report.
- College Verification: After you submit, the request is sent to your college for approval. This is the longest step. You can follow up with your college to expedite it.
- Track Status: Use the portal to track your application. The certificate will be dispatched after college verification and university processing.
AP SSC (Andhra Pradesh Board – Class 10)
The Andhra Pradesh board offers an instant digital download for a nominal fee.
- Fee: ₹80
- Processing Time: Instant
- Official Portal: BSEAP Website
- Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Visit Portal: Go to the BSEAP website and find the link for “Online Application for Migration certificate.”
- Enter Details: Fill in your SSC Roll Number, Year of Passing, and other required details.
- Pay Fee: Pay the ₹80 fee online. Note the CFMS Transaction ID.
- Download Certificate: You will be redirected to a download page. The certificate is available for download for 30 days from the date of payment.
TN DGE (Tamil Nadu Board)
The Tamil Nadu board process typically involves a physical application form.
- Fee: ₹505
- Processing Time: Varies
- Official Portal: TN DGE Website (for forms and info)
- Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Download Form: Download the migration certificate application form from the DGE website.
- Fill Form: Complete the form with your details.
- Get Demand Draft (DD): Obtain a Demand Draft for ₹505 in favor of the “Director of Government Examinations, Chennai.”
- Submit: Submit the filled form, DD, and required documents (like marksheet copies) as per the instructions, usually at the office of the District Educational Officer or as directed.
Maharashtra State Board
The process is online and managed through the Aaple Sarkar Portal.
- Fee: Varies
- Processing Time: Varies
- Official Portal: Aaple Sarkar Portal
- Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Log in/Register: Go to the Aaple Sarkar Portal and log in or register.
- Apply for Certificate: Search for “migration certificate” and fill out the online application form with your details.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your marksheet, leaving certificate, and other required documents.
- Pay Fee: Pay the fee online.
- Track & Download: Track the status of your application on the portal. Once approved, you can download the certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q1: What should I do if my migration certificate is lost?
- A: You must apply for a duplicate certificate from the same issuing authority. This usually requires filing an FIR, submitting a notarized affidavit, and paying a higher fee.
- Q2: Can I use one migration certificate for multiple universities?
- A: No. A migration certificate is a one-time use document. You must submit the original to the university where you secure final admission.
- Q3: What are common reasons for application rejection?
- A: Common reasons include uploading unclear documents, mismatching names between documents, and incorrect payment details. For DU, failure to submit the certified hard copy is a primary reason for rejection.
- Q4: Do I need to get my migration certificate attested for use abroad (e.g., UAE, Canada)?
- A: Yes. For use in foreign countries, the migration certificate usually needs to be Apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India. You should check the specific requirements of the country and university you are applying to.
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