Types Of Indian Visas You Need To Know About

The Indian government has already introduced some significant changes to the Indian visa types, which has been effective since April 1st, 2017. So, before you start looking for visas for a trip to India, the land of culture, it is vital to be more used to the types of Indian permits available. Not all visas are meant for everyone. There are certain special visas dedicated to some particular groups of people. You can visit the Ministry of Home Affairs website website to learn more about the visa categories and get details on each one. But before any of that, let’s just delve right into the types you can get your hands on right now.

Going for the necessary tourist visa:

As understood from the name itself, a tourist visa is mainly issued to those people willing to visit India to go sightseeing, visit someone residing in India and attend some of the short-term yoga programs. It is one the safest and most natural forms of Indian visa you can access. Even though tourist visas are granted for 6 months, based on the applicant's nationality, it is not possible to remain in this country for longer than the designated 6 months at one time with the tourist visa.

In late 2009, India started introducing new rules to curb the misuse of this visa. It became a law that a minimum of two months must pass between visits to India.

This requirement was removed in late November 2012. However, some exceptions remain, and they are as good as new!

Also, remember that if you apply for another tourist visa within a month of the expiration of the old one, the processing might take longer, like 45 days. This is mainly because the approval must now be procured from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

India now has a popular e-visa scheme designed for citizens of most countries. Under this scheme, visitors apply for electronic travel authorisation only online and procure a visa stamp upon arrival. This type of service is valid for 860 days and allows up to three entries.

Your visa scope under this program can be widened to include some of the short-term medical treatments and also incorporate yoga courses. It can also be associated with casual business visits and even some conferences. For many countries, you can now check your visa eligibility online; for example, you can check Kosovo visa eligibility at Kosovo e visa. 

Previously, this visa form was used to add separate business, medical or student visas. If you plan to tour India on a cruise ship, an e-visa might help you in the long run.

Entry of the X Visa for you:

Is this your first time ever hearing about X Visa? It is mainly used to issue to people who do not clearly fall into the other categories of current visa applicants, just like volunteers. However, since mid-2010, X Visa has only been designated for a few people. They are a foreigner of Indian origin, children and spouses of foreigners of Indian origin or Indian citizens, dependent children and spouses of foreigners visiting India on long-term business or employment visas.

This visa form is also designed for foreigners willing to join specified ashrams or spiritual communities, such as Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, Missions of Charities in Kolkata, or Buddhist monasteries. You can now get these X visas for foreigners willing to participate in professional international sporting events.

If you are planning to work in India, you can’t do that with an X Visa in your pocket. On the other hand, X-visas can also be extended in India, and you don’t have any time limit, like 6 months, as associated with tourist visas. However, suppose you plan to stay for over 6 months in India for one period. In that case, you might have to register your name at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office to mark your stay in India.

Running towards employment visa:

This permit form is issued to foreigners working in India for an organization registered with the Indian government. Foreigners associated with long-term volunteer work in India can now be granted employment visas, which was different from X Visas beforehand.

Some highly skilled foreigners visiting India to work in the steel and power sectors are issued special project visas.

Employment visas are designed to last a year or as per the contract term. If needed, they can be extended to India.

You will always need proof of employment with an organisation or company in India to apply for these visas. For example, you can take a contract stating essential terms and conditions.

One rule, effective April 1st, 2017, clearly stipulates that applicants must earn 17 lakh rupees annually or more. The threshold for allowing foreigners to teach in some of the Central Higher Educational Institutes has been lowered.

Other exceptions are made for ethnic cooks, volunteers, translators, non-English language teachers, and even some members of embassies and foreign high commissions.

Intern of the I Visa:

Before the rules were made on April 1st, 2017, it was mandatory for foreigners pursuing an internship in an Indian organization to procure an employment visa. However, foreigners who meet some conditions can now easily apply for the “I” or Intern visa. The gap between graduation and the commencement of the internship must not exceed one year. The validity of such a visa is only restricted to the duration of the internship program or just one year.

Be sure to get these types covered first and then apply for the visa you want. It will be a much easier task then!