India Visas

We also assist with long-term options for permanent settlement in India and assist with applications for Indian citizenship as well as the Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) scheme and the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) programme.

Our specialist team of qualified immigration lawyers, ex immigration-officials and Indian immigration consultants is equipped to manage and monitor your Indian visa application throughout the process, providing guidance and support at every stage.

Visit the Global Visas online Indian visa assessment area now to get your application moving today. Our assessment forms take moments to complete, and a Global Visas migration consultant will respond to your enquiry.

Types of Visa for India

Indian Tourist Visas

An Indian Tourist visa is usually granted for up to six months. Holders of this type of travel visa, or visit visa as they are often known, may not work during their stay in India and cannot extend their stay.

India also offers a transit visa, which permits applicants to transfer through India for a period of up to fifteen days en route to another, final destination.

Indian Business Visas

An Indian business visa can be valid for between three months and five years and requires a letter from a sponsoring Indian company to be submitted along with an introductory letter from the employer in the applicant's country of residence.

Business visas can be granted as a single or multiple entry variant and are designed to allow applicants to travel to India in order to pursue business activities, excluding employment, such as attending meetings and business conferences.

Indian Work Permit

In India, work permits, or Indian employment visas as they are sometimes known, may be issued to skilled professionals or to applicants filling a specific role.

The requirements for working permits are loosely defined and remain a subjective area of Indian visa services, however in order to live and work in India all candidates must secure one.

Although work permits may be obtained by either the employer or employee, the 'usual' route is normally employer led.

Indian Student Visa

Indian Student visas can be issued either for the duration of the applicant's course or for a maximum of five years. Study visa applications require an unconditional offer from a recognized Indian educational institute.

Medical Visas

Indian medical visas, often known as 'M' visas allow those travelling to India for medical treatment to enter the country.

Medical visas are granted for up to one year; however, they can be extended as necessary if medical evidence can be given to show that this is necessary.

Like tourist visas, medical visas are strictly a temporary route and will not provide a means to permanent residency in India.

Indian Permanent Residency Options

Persons of Indian Origin (PIO Card)

The PIO scheme applies to people of Indian origin, defined through their birth or residency, or that of their parents or grandparents and offers a long-term Indian visa solution.

PIO cards are granted for a period of fifteen years, and allow their holders to enjoy visa free travel in and out of India.

PIO cards allow their holders to freely engage in work or study in India and after the minimum seven-year residency requirement the option to apply for Indian citizenship is available.

Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Overseas citizenship of India allows Persons of Indian Origin who have obtained citizenship of another nation, to acquire long-term leave to remain in India.

Although often referred to as Indian 'Dual Citizenship' it is important to note that India itself does not support dual citizenship and that OCI, whilst offering many benefits, is not a full grant of citizenship.

If, after 5 years, an OCI holder wishes to apply for full Indian citizenship, they must renounce their citizenship of any other country.

OCI cards are granted for life and offer many of the benefits of a PIO card with the advantage that holders do not have to register their presence in India, however long their stay may be. However, unlike a PIO card, the spouse of an OCI applicant is not automatically eligible.

Processing Times and Fees

In India, visas vary significantly both in terms of fees and the time taken to process visa applications. Fees and processing times are both subject to change and will differ considerably depending upon the type of Indian entry clearance being sought, and the nationality of the applicant.

You can find out whether you qualify and begin your application now by visiting our online assessment area.

India Visa Service

Full Visa Services for India

If you haven’t travelled to India before, you may be surprised by the range of visas available for students, journalists, tourists and those requiring medical treatment. Our experts can also explain how to apply for an entry (X) Visa and under what circumstances this can be extended or renewed. For applicants considering long-term immigration, Global Visas has experience with both the PIO (Persons of Indian Origin) Card scheme and the OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) Card. To get the full picture, take the Global Visas free assessment today.

Reliable India Visa Information

Many people make the Global Visas website their first stop before travelling abroad. But because every case is different we always recommend that you speak to one of our advisers as soon as possible. They’ll give you information that is clear, up-to-date and relevant to your needs. Once we know about your plans and where you’re travelling from, we’ll be able to advise you on the right visa. Don’t delay: take the Global Visas free assessment today.

Choose Global Visas for India Visa Services

Consulting Global Visas for all your India visa requirements can save you time and make the whole process seem less stressful. With years of expertise behind us, we understand all the issues. Let us help you with all your queries about costs, timings and whether you can fill out an India visa online application. Start your application today by clicking below to take the Global Visas free assessment.

Global Visas offers relocation services for detinations all over the world. Find out about our most popular destinations by visiting our pages Australian visa, visa to Canada, New Zealand immigration, immigration to UK, immigration to USA. Find out further information on our Indian Immigration page.

Indian Immigration

Although extended stays in India are possible for visitors on student and employment visas, the main path to long-term residence in India is through the entry (X) visa. The two options for permanent immigration to India are the PIO Card and the OCI Card.

The entry (X) visa

This is granted on a year-by-year basis, up to a maximum of five years. After this period, further extensions can be considered by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Foreign nationals on an entry visa may not undertake employment or take part in business activities. Extensions of this visa can only be considered where:

• The applicant is of Indian origin and previously held an Indian passport.
• The applicant’s parents, grandparents or great grandparents were born in and permanently resident in India.
• The applicant is the spouse of an Indian or someone who is of Indian origin. In these cases, the application for extension would have to be accompanied by the relevant passport, birth certificate or marriage certificate.

India immigration through the PIO Card

The PIO (Persons of Indian Origin) Card scheme applies to all foreign nationals of Indian origin who hold a passport for any country except those classified as ineligible by the Indian Government. The card is valid for 15 years and entitles the holder to enter India without a visa. It also allows the holder to study or take up employment in India without the need for further visas. Registration is required for any single visit longer than 180 days.

India immigration through the OCI Card

Under this arrangement foreign nationals of Indian origin whose country permits dual citizenship may be able to claim the status as an Overseas Citizen of India. The scheme does not cover nationals of Pakistan or Bangladesh. Holders of an OCI Card are effectively granted a multi-entry, multiple-purpose visa for life and are exempt from registration.

Indian immigration through Global Visas

Immigration advisers at Global Visas have the expertise to help you find the best path to long-term Indian immigration. They can explain the conditions that must be fulfilled to obtain a PIO or an OCI Card and what privileges they would confer. The easiest way to get in touch with a Global Visas consultant is to take the free assessment by clicking on the link below. You will hear back from us within 24 hours.

Indian Medical Visa

In India, medical visas allow their holders to enter the country for a period of up to one year, extendable by a further twelve month period in some circumstances.

The visit must be undertaken with the sole purpose of receiving treatment at a recognised medical institution.

Benefits

Indian medical or 'M' visas provide a temporary immigration service and are not intended as a route to settlement in India. 

However, medical visas for India provide a useful means of gaining entry clearance for the specific purpose of receiving medical attention.

Unlike an Indian visit visa which is granted for a maximum of six months, a successful medical visa application may result in a grant of leave to remain in India for up to one year. The duration of this visa is determined by the length of time required to perform the medical treatment concerned.

However, a period of up to 12 months may be permitted, with the facility to extend this by a further 12 months where necessary.

Extensions will only be granted on the production of a medical certificate or advice from the appropriate treatment centre.

Whilst visas for medical treatment allow up to three entries, a fourth may be permitted in certain circumstances.

Eligibility

In India, medical visa applications are specifically intended for the purposes outlined above and as such, they will be scrutinised to ensure that they match the requirements of this type of Indian visa service.

Whilst the system is a useful one, it is important to ensure that those temporarily immigrating to India are genuinely doing so in order to receive treatment.

As a result, Indian immigration authorities will require the following criteria to be satisfied.

• It must be demonstrated that the applicant has sought preliminary medical guidance in their country of residence and that they have been advised to pursue specialist treatment.
• The applicant must demonstrate that they are seeking medical attention in a recognised institution which specialises in the treatment of the condition.
• In India, immigration authorities will give priority to 'M' visa applications which relate to certain medical conditions. Serious ailments such as heart problems, organ transplants, ophthalmic disorders and neuro-surgery will be given primary consideration.
• Foreign nationals entering the country through this Indian visa service will be required to register their arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days.

Spouse immigration and Dependent Immigration

A successful medical visa applicant may be accompanied by up to two blood relatives for the duration of their stay in India.

These relatives will be granted an 'MX' visa valid for the same length of time as the primary visa holder's grant of leave.

'MX' visa applicants will need to register their arrival with the local FRRO within 14 days.

Registration for Pakistani and Bangladeshi Nationals

In India, visas for medical treatment are available to all foreign nationals; however applications submitted by Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals will be treated in accordance with India's current policy in respect to these nations. Find out further information on our Indian Work Permit page.

A Global Visas Indian migration consultant will be able to advise you further.

Our online assessment form is quick and easy to use. Simply spend a few minutes completing the form and a Global Visas consultant will respond to you shortly.

Indian Work Permit

Working permits in India are less defined than work permits in many other countries in that the Indian immigration structure does not present detailed requirements for obtaining one.

Work permits are a very subjective area of Indian visa services, however in order to live and work in India all candidates must secure one.

Benefits

The key benefit of an Indian employment visa is that it permits a foreign national to live and work in India.

Unlike an Indian business visa which permits a range of business activities but excludes the right to undertake employment, a successful work permit application offers the right to begin living and working in India upon arrival.

In addition, unlike short-term India visa services such as a tourist visa, Indian work permits can be extended in increments of one year as required.

Eligibility

In India, work permit applications can be submitted through one of two routes.

• The applicant may apply to the Indian Embassy or High Commission in his or her country of residence, or as is more often the case,
• An Indian company offering a position of employment can begin the application process in India on behalf of the candidate. Like a UK work permit application, this employer led route is the usual route to obtaining an Indian work permit.

In cases where a firm offer of employment from an Indian company is in place, applications will need to be supported by a range of documentation including a completed application form and a current valid passport with recent passport photographs.

In addition, it will be necessary to offer proof of residence and employment, along with documentation to confirm the Indian position of employment is being offered.

Intra Company Transfer

In India, visas can be applied for by employees of a foreign company who need to transfer to an Indian branch of the same organisation.

The Intra Company Transfer is designed to allow the movement of crucial employees between international branches of a company.

The guidelines for this type of Indian visa are more loosely defined that in other countries, but in general, it is preferred that candidates possess a four-year university degree.

Intra company transfers or 'E' visas are granted on a case by case basis at the discretion of the Indian migration officer and will, as with work permits in general, take into account the availability of native Indian workers.

Spouse Immigration and Dependent Immigration

In India, work permits are commonly a long-term immigration solution, therefore immediate family members will be permitted to join the main applicant in India.

Immigration law requires any such dependents who wish to engage in employment to secure their own permit for working in India. Find out further information on our Indian Student Visa page.

Visit our online Indian visas assessment area today to assess your eligibility and to begin your application. A Global Visas migration consultant will respond to you shortly.

Indian Student Visa

You can get started on your Indian visa application now by visiting our online assessment area. Simply fill in the online form to find out whether you qualify for an Indian study visa.

The essential requirement for a study visa is an unconditional offer of admission to a recognised Indian educational institute.

Indian study visas only permit their holders to change either their course or institution with specific permission from the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office).

Benefits

In India, visas for study allow a foreign national to study in India for up to five years. Just like the Canadian study visa

Whilst the duration granted is based upon the length of the course, there is no limit to the amount of consecutive courses of study that can be undertaken under a single grant.

However, the collective time in India must not exceed the five year maximum. Study visas issued for less than five years can be extended with the permission of the local FRRO and similarly, the course of study and/or the educational institution may be changed  if circumstances are deemed sufficient.

A study visa is normally valid for a single or multiple entries to India, although it is possible to obtain a permit for further entries if required.

Eligibility

As outlined above, the main requirement for an Indian student visa is that the applicant is  offered a place in a bone fide course of study from a recognised educational institution in India.

As part of the application, the details of the course and the place of study must be included.

In cases where a letter of admission from the educational institution is not available, a provisional student visa will be issued. However, admission must be confirmed within a period of three months, otherwise the candidate will not be permitted to remain in India.

Immigration law in India does not allow a provisional visa of this kind to be extended.

Applications must also include a range of other supporting documentation including a current and valid passport from the country of residence, with a minimum of six months validity and at least two blank pages.

Where applicants will be attending a medical course of study, a letter of approval, or no objection certificate must be obtained from the Ministry of Health in India.

For applicants attending courses in engineering or at technical institutions in India, a similar authorisation form the Department of Education will be required.

Spouse and dependent Immigration

Indian student visas may be granted for up to five years and as such may result in a long-term period of residency in India.

With this in mind, the spouse and/or dependents of a study visa applicant may apply to join them in India for the same duration as that awarded to the main applicant.

Additional Indian Student Visa Information

Student visas cannot be obtained by those already in the country on a tourist visa or another visa type.

As is the case with all Indian visas for long or short-term temporary visits, all student visas issued for a period of 180 days or more will require the applicant to register with the local FRRO within 14 days of arrival. Find out further information on our Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) page.

Using the Global Visas online India study visa assessment form couldn't be easier. Simply fill in a few straightforward questions now and a Global Visa immigration consultant will respond to your enquiry.

Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)

The scheme also applies to the spouse of any qualifying applicant as defined above.

The PIO scheme functions as a long-term Indian visa, affording many of the same rights as Indian citizens, with the exception of the right to vote.

The scheme is available to all persons of Indian origin as defined by the eligibility criteria living in most destinations across the world; however, the scheme is not available to applicants resident in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Nepal, Pakistan or Sri Lanka.

Global Visas specialise in Indian immigration and visa services from short-term visit visas through to long-term solutions including the Overseas Citizenship of India scheme (OCI) and Indian Citizenship. 

Our unique team of immigration lawyers and ex-immigration officials manage and monitor your Indian visa application from your initial enquiry through to the successful grant of your visa, and will be on hand to offer guidance and support throughout.

To begin your Indian visa application today, visit our online assessment form now.

Benefits

Unlike India's other long-term immigration service for Indians living overseas, the Overseas Citizenship of India (OIC) scheme, the PIO scheme is not granted for indefinite use although successful applicants may pursue Indian citizenship after 7 years of  residing in India.

The PIO scheme is also much quicker to process, taking around 2-4 weeks, rather than several months, as is the case with OIC.

PIO cards are issued for a period of fifteen years and are only valid when accompanied by a valid passport.

A PIO card removes the need to apply for any other Indian visa and allows for hassle free travel to and from India, on unlimited occasions.

PIO holders are also exempt from the need to register their presence in India with Foreigners Regional Registration Officer / Foreigners Registration Officer (FRRO/FRO) so long as no single visit exceeds 180 days.

Eligibility

The key requirement for this long term Indian immigration service is that candidates have a qualifying link to India through their own birth or passport status or through a member of their family.

This Indian immigration route is aimed specifically at those who can demonstrate a link to the country.

Where PIO cards were issued under the previous version of the scheme in 1999, these cards will continue to be valid and will have their duration extended by ten years.

In some circumstances, a 'Gratis' PIO card may be granted to a person of Indian origin who is seen to have performed an important role in strengthening relations between Indian and their adopted country.

Spouse Immigration and Dependent Immigration

In India, immigration through a PIO card is intended as a long-term service.

Although not granted for life, PIO cards are issued for more than a decade at a time, and as such, provisions are made for the immediate family members of a qualifying applicant to relocate to Indian with them. Find out further information on our Tourist Visa page.

Visit the Global Visas online assessment area now to get your application started. Simply complete a few straightforward questions and a Global Visas migration consultant will contact you.

Tourist Visa for India

A successful Indian tourist visa will usually result in a maximum stay in India of up to six months. However, this is not a fixed duration and the validity of Indian visas of this kind may vary according to the nationality of the applicant. 

Tourist visas, often known as a travel visa, visit visa or visitor visa, may be granted to an individual or, where groups of more than four people are travelling together, a collective tourist visa may be issued.

As with visit visas in other destinations, India visa holders are not permitted to work during their time in India and permits of this kind cannot be extended or converted.

Global Visas' dedicated team of immigration lawyers and migration consultants manage your Indian visa application from your initial enquiry through to the successful grant of entry clearance for India.

Visas are monitored throughout the application process and a Global Visas immigration consultant will be able to respond to any queries or concerns you may have.

To find out whether you qualify for an Indian tourist visa and to begin your application, visit our online assessment area now.

Benefits

As with short-term visit visas for many destinations including Australia and the United Kingdom, the key benefit of an Indian tourist visa is that the requirements on the part of the applicant are few.

In India, tourist visa applications are specifically designed as a temporary immigration service; beyond the basic requirements that the candidate will return to their country of residence and that they can support themselves financially for the duration of their stay, no further assessment is necessary.

Eligibility

In India, immigration authorities require tourist visa applications to be supported by the appropriate paperwork.

In addition to the requirements outlined above, applications for Indian travel visas must also fulfil the following criteria:

• Applicants must provide a current passport valid for a minimum of six months. The passport must also contain at least two blank pages.
• A fully completed and signed application form must be accompanied by the appropriate fee and two passport sized photos with the exception of applicants from Pakistan who will require five photographs and may need to undergo an interview.

Indian Transit Visas

For applicants who only need to travel to India en route to another final destination, an Indian Transit visa is also available.

This allows applicants to enter India for up to fifteen days in order to transfer through the country. To successfully apply for an Indian visa of this kind, it will be necessary to provide evidence of onward travel i.e. tickets.

Spouse Immigration and Dependent Immigration

In India, tourist visa applications are intended strictly for those who wish to visit the country on a temporary basis and they do not constitute an Indian immigration route.

As such they do not make provision for family members of the main applicant to travel to India.

Visa applications for relatives or other individuals wishing to join the main applicant will need to be submitted individually. Find out further information on our Overseas Citizenship of India page.

Our online assessment form takes just a few minutes to complete, simply answer a few straightforward questions and a Global Visas migration consultant will contact you.

Overseas Citizenship of India

Although often referred to as 'Dual Citizenship' this is not in fact what OCI constitutes. For OCI to be granted, the country whose citizenship the applicant possesses must permit dual citizenship.

However, India does not support dual citizenship itself. As a result, OCI offers rights to its holders but not at the same extend as full Indian citizenship.

In addition, while OCI holders can apply for full citizenship after the minimum residency requirement of five years, they will need to surrender their citizenship of the foreign country.

Benefits

As outlined above, OCI does not constitute full Indian citizenship. Holders do not receive an Indian passport, they cannot hold employment in the Indian government, and they will not be granted the right to vote.

However, despite these restrictions, OCI does offer a wealth of benefits to successful applicants.

Unlike the Persons of Indian Origin Card or PIO, discussed elsewhere in this section, OIC is granted for life and again unlike the PIO card, OIC holders do not have to register their presence with the Indian Police Authorities, even if a single visit exceed 180 days.

The OIC route offers its holder the right to travel to and from India, visa free for life with the freedom to study or to seek and undertake employment.

Overseas citizens receive parity with Indian residents in terms of economic, educational, and financial fields, and after 5 years, with one year spent residing in India, if they choose, they may apply for full Indian citizenship.

However, it is important to note that this would mean surrendering citizenship of the other country.

UK Immigration, Canada Immigration and Australia Immigration allow dual nationality so there are ways to tackle this.

Eligibility

Eligibility for Overseas Citizenship of India like the PIO scheme, is based entirely on the Indian origin of the applicant or that of qualifying members of their family.

OCI is open to anyone who, after January 26th 1950, was either born in India, was an Indian citizen, or was eligible to become one.

It also applies to those candidates with a parent or grandparent who matches the description above. However, in all cases, the applicant's country of residence must allow dual citizenship, otherwise OCI cannot be applied for.

The scheme applies to citizens of any Indian territories and to minors, however, candidates are not eligible to apply if they have ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh.

Spouse Immigration and Dependent Immigration

Unlike the Persons of Indian Origin scheme, OCI does not apply to the spouse of a successful applicant unless they qualify in their own right. A foreign national who is not eligible will not be granted based on being married to someone who is eligible for OCI.

Foreign-born children of a Person of Indian Origin may be eligible, so long as one of their parents is also eligible. This is an important point to note, as the foreign-born child of two Indian citizens would NOT be eligible.

Since Indian citizens are by definition not eligible to apply for overseas citizenship, this would make the foreign-born child ineligible to. However, in such a situation, the child could apply for a PIO card. Find out further information on our Business Visa page.

You can begin your application today by visiting our online assessment area and completing one of our forms. Our assessment forms are simple to use, just answer a few straightforward questions and a consultant will be in touch.

Business Visa for India

All candidates who wish to relocate to India for any length of time will need to apply for an Indian visa to do so.

Indian business visas, like business visit visas in many other countries, are designed to allow foreign nationals temporary immigration to India for a short period in order to partake in business related activities.

This visa does not permit holders to engage in employment during their time in the country. In order to live and work in India for any length of time an Indian work permit application must be submitted.

As specialist Indian immigration consultants, Global Visas offer advice and guidance throughout your application from your initial enquiry through to the successful grant of your visa to India.

Visa status monitoring is available at every stage and a Global Visas migration consultant will be able to respond to any queries or concerns.

You can find out whether you qualify and begin your application by visiting our Indian visas online assessment area now.

Benefits

An Indian business visa can be granted for up to five years.

Business visas provide an ideal solution for those who wish to visit India in order to engage in a variety of business-related activities.

Business visas allow their holders to attend conferences, engage in negotiations and undertake fact finding missions with regard to potential buyers and suppliers.

Unlike Indian employment visas, no job offer from an Indian company is required to secure Indian entry clearance and no skills assessment is necessary.  This is the same as the UK Immigration system.

However, business visas do not permit candidates to undertake any form of employment.

Eligibility

In India, visas of this kind are granted for a duration of up to five years and may be valid for a single or multiple entry.

Immigration law requires candidates to fulfil the following criteria:

• All applications must include a current passport with a minimum of six months validity. The passport must also contain at least two blank pages.
• A fully completed and signed application form must be submitted, accompanied by the appropriate fee and two passport sized photos. Where applications are being made by Pakistani nationals five photographs will be required and it may be necessary to undergo an interview.
• Applications must include a letter from a sponsoring Indian company as well as an introductory letter from the employer in the applicant's country of residence. This letter must give details of the purpose, location and projected duration of the visit. The company in question must take responsibility for expenses incurred by the applicant.

Spouse Immigration and Dependent Immigration

In India, business visa applications do not constitute a route to permanent settlement in India and are intended only for those who wish to visit the country for a short period, returning on the expiry of their visa.

With this in mind, Indian business visit visas do not cater for family members of the main applicant who wish to accompany them to India. Visa applications for such relatives or individuals must be submitted individually.

Our online assessment form is quick and easy to complete, just answer a few simple questions and a Global Visas immigration consultant will respond to your enquiry.