Navigate India Work Visa
With Expert Guidance
India, a burgeoning hub for international businesses, offers diverse opportunities across various sectors, but navigating its Work Visa requirements can be complex. An Employment Visa is essential for foreign professionals aiming to contribute their skills to India's dynamic workforce whether you’re an individual seeking to work in India or a company looking to relocate employees.
All foreign nationals entering India are required to process a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa form and an Indian Mission/ Post or eVisa (Limited Categories) from the Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs.
General Requirements:
The general Requirements for obtaining any type of visa to India can vary depending on the specific visa category and the applicant's country of origin. However, there are some common requirements that typically apply to most visa types. Here are the general Requirements for obtaining a visa to India:
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Purpose of Visit and its valid Proof:
Provide documents that clearly state the Purpose of your visit to India, such as a letter of invitation, business meeting schedule, admission letter from an Indian educational institution, etc.
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Valid Passport:
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in India.
It should have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
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Visa Application Form:
Complete the appropriate visa application form accurately and honestly.
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Photograph:
Provide a recent passport-sized photograph that meets the specific requirements (usually 2x2 inches with a white background).
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Visa Fee:
Pay the applicable visa fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and your nationality.
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Proof of Financial Means:
Demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in India. This can be shown through bank statements, sponsorship letters, or other financial documents.
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Travel Itinerary:
Provide a detailed travel itinerary, including flight bookings, accommodation reservations, and planned activities in India.
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Accommodation:
Provide proof of accommodation arrangements in India, such as hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from a host.
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Return Ticket:
Provide proof of a return ticket or onward travel arrangements.
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Health Requirements:
Depending on your nationality and recent travel history, you may need to provide proof of certain vaccinations (such as yellow fever) or undergo a medical examination.
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Police Clearance Certificate:
For certain visa types, such as employment or long-term stay visas, you may need to provide a police clearance certificate to demonstrate a clean criminal record.
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Biometric Data:
Depending on your nationality and the type of visa, you may need to provide biometric data (such as fingerprints and a photograph) as part of the application process.
Main Types of Visas and Specific Requirements:
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There are two ways to get India Visas
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eVisa by the Bureau of Immigration
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Regular Paper visa by India mission ​​​​​​​
India Long-Term Visa
India offers several long-term visa categories for individuals wishing to stay in the country for extended periods for various Purposes such as work, study, family reunion, or investment. Here are the main long-term visa categories available for India:
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1. Employment Visa (E Visa)
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Purpose: For individuals who have a job offer from an Indian company.
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Duration: Up to 1 year initially, extendable in India.
2. Student Visa (S Visa)
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Purpose: For individuals who want to pursue full-time studies at an accredited Indian educational institution.
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Duration: The duration of the course is usually 5 years, and it is extendable in India.
3. Business Visa (B Visa)
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Purpose: For business people who want to establish or explore business opportunities in India.
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Duration: Up to 5 years with multiple entries, typically granted for shorter periods initially.
4. Entry Visa (X Visa)
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Purpose: For persons of Indian origin, spouses and children of Indian citizens or persons of Indian origin, and other specified categories.
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Duration: Typically up to 5 years, depending on the specific category and eligibility.
5. Medical Visa (M Visa)
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Purpose: For individuals seeking medical treatment in India.
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Duration: Up to 1 year or the Duration of the treatment, extendable in India.
6. Research Visa (R Visa)
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Purpose: For individuals who intend to conduct research in India.
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Duration: Up to 3 years or the Duration of the research project, whichever is less.
7. Journalist Visa (J Visa)
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Purpose: For professional journalists and media persons visiting India for work.
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Duration: Up to 1 year with multiple entries.
8. Intern Visa
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Purpose: For individuals intending to pursue an internship with an Indian company, educational institution, or NGO.
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Duration: Up to 1 year or the Duration of the internship, whichever is less.
9. Permanent Residency Status (PRS)
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Purpose: For foreign investors and persons of Indian origin who wish to reside in India permanently.
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Duration: Initially up to 10 years, renewable.
10. Project Visa
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Purpose: For skilled foreign workers employed in specific projects in the power and steel sectors.
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Duration: Duration of the project or up to 1 year, extendable.
11. Missionary Visa
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Purpose: For foreign missionaries wishing to carry out missionary work in India.
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Duration: Up to 5 years with multiple entries.
12. Conference Visa
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Purpose: For individuals attending international conferences, seminars, or workshops in India.
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Duration: Short-term, typically up to 6 months
​Other Consular Services
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Attestation of documents, Notarization, Legalization and Apostille.
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Police Clearance Certificate/PCC
IMPORTANT NOTE:- You can apply for said visa 180 days prior to your planned travel date. During the processing time of any Visa type application, respective Embassy/ Consulate holds a right to ask for any additional documents to justify the application purpose.