India Visas
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.
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