Visa Rules in India

All foreigners are required to have a valid visa, passport and travel documents before entering India. However, Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens are not required yet still need to provide documents for their identification. Visitors are subject to immigration check upon arrival at either airport or authorized check post.

Foreign nationals who possess a valid visa for less than one (1) year and wish to convert it to a visa valid for a longer period of time should report to the Ministry of Home Affairs for visa extension or conversion. Employment visas and work permits can be extended. Foreign nationals who wish to stay in India longer than the indicated period in their visas should apply for stay extension ninety (90) days before the residential permit expires. FROs or Foreign Registration Officers have been granted limited powers by the Central Government to grant stay extension to foreigners.

Obtaining a work visa in India is a highly subjective process as Indian immigration law does not specify requirements for a work visa. Nonetheless, once you have signed your teaching contract, your school should help you secure a work permit. In order to apply initially, you get the job offer in writing from your future employer, along with copies of his business registration and Ministry of Education documents. You can then convert your tourist visa to a Business Visa or you may leave the country and go to the nearest Indian consulate. Most people go to Singapore and Thailand (Bangkok) it takes 4 days to 6 days to collect your Business visa that you use to come back into India. It is then converted to a work permit after a considerable amount of paperwork is completed.

Work visas are required for spouses intending to start and run their own businesses, consultancy, or internet-based business. Visas are generally valid for one year, and are renewable on a yearly basis.