India Student Visas
Indian immigration law requires all foreign nationals to apply for an
Indian visa in order to enter the country. All candidates who wish to
relocate to India for any length of time, whether for a short visit or
to immigrate to India on a permanent basis will need to apply for an
Indian visa to do so.
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.
Further
information: http: //www.india.visahq.com
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