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FAQs Relating To Tourist Visa
As per the extant instructions of the Government of India, a Tourist Visa can only be granted to a foreigner:
(i) whose sole objective of visiting India is recreation, sightseeing, casual visit to meet friends or relatives, attending a short term yoga programme, short duration medical treatment including treatment under Indian systems of medicine, short term courses on local languages, music, dance, arts & crafts, cooking, medicine etc. which should not be a formal or structured course/ programme (courses not exceeding 6 months duration and not issued with a qualifying certificate/ diploma etc.), and voluntary work of short duration (for a maximum period of one month, which do not involve any monetary payment or consideration of any kind in return). etc. and no other purpose/ activity;
Note: - Short term yoga programme means a yoga programme not exceeding 6 months duration and not issued with a qualifying certificate/ diploma etc.
(ii) Who does not have a residence or occupation in India;
(iii) who holds a passport with at least six months validity at the time of making application for grant of visa and re-entry permit, if that is required under the law of the country of nationality of the applicant (The passport should have two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer);
FAQs Relating To Work Related Visas Issued By India
Introduction
It is clarified that basically there are two (2) types of work related Visas, namely:
1. Business Visa designated as 'B' Visa
2. Employment Visa designated as ‘E' Visa
Frequently asked questions with regard to the above issues and replies thereto are outlined below for information, guidance and compliance of all concerned:-
Business Visa
Q.1: |
What is a Business Visa? |
Ans.: |
Business Visa is granted to a foreign national who wants to visit India to establish an industrial/business venture or to explore possibilities to set up industrial/business venture, or wants to purchase/sell industrial products in India. This Visa is granted subject to following conditions:-
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Q.2: |
Who are eligible for a Business Visa? |
Ans.: |
Following are eligible for Business Visa:-
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Q.3: |
What is the duration of a Business Visa? |
Ans.: |
A Business Visa with multiple entry facilities is granted for a period upto 5 years or for a shorter duration as per the requirement. A stay stipulation may be prescribed for each visit by the concerned Indian Mission. |
Q.4: |
What documents are required to be submitted along with application for a Business Visa? |
Ans.: |
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Employment Visa
Q.5: |
What is an Employment Visa? |
Ans.: |
Employment Visa is granted to foreigners desiring to come to India for purpose of employment, subject to following conditions:-
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Q.6: |
Who are eligible for Employment Visa? |
Ans.: |
Subject to the conditions enumerated in Question 85 above, the following will be eligible for Employment Visa:-
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Q.7: |
What is the duration of an Employment Visa? |
Ans.: |
A foreign national coming to India for employment may initially be granted an Employment Visa by the Indian Missions abroad upto one year. The first extension, if necessary, would be granted by MHA. Further extensions, if required, can be granted by concerned State Government/FRO upto maximum period of five years from the date of issue of the Visa. Foreigners coming on Employment Visa are required to register with concerned FRRO/FRO within two weeks from the date of arrival. |
Q.8: |
What documents are required to be submitted alongwith application for Employment Visa? |
Ans.: |
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Q.9: |
Can foreign nationals coming to execute projects in India be granted Business Visas? |
Ans.: |
No. A foreign national coming for executing projects/contracts will have to come only on an Employment Visa. |
Q.10: |
Can foreign nationals already in India for executing projects on Business Visas be allowed to convert their Business Visas to Employment Visas without leaving the country? |
Ans.: |
No. |
Q.11: |
Which category of Visa will be granted to family members of foreign nationals coming to India on Business Visas? |
Ans.: |
Indian Missions may grant an 'X' Visa [i.e. a Dependent Visa] to the family members of a foreign national granted a Business Visa at their discretion, subject to usual security checks provided the family members are otherwise eligible for grant of such a Visa. |
Q.12: |
Which category of Visa will be granted to family members of foreign nationals coming to India on Employment? |
Ans.: |
In respect of family members of a foreign national who is granted 'E' Visa, Indian Missions may grant an 'X' Visa [i.e. Dependent Visa]. The validity of the 'X' Visa could be co-terminus with the validity of the Visa of the principal Visa holder or for such shorter duration as may be considered necessary by the Indian Mission, subject to usual security checks provided the family members are otherwise eligible for grant of such a Visa. |
Q.13: |
Whether a foreign company/organization that does not have any Project Office/subsidiary/joint venture/branch office in .India can sponsor a foreign national/employee of a foreign company for Employment Visa? |
Ans.: |
No. |
Q.14: |
Whether an Indian company/organization which has awarded a contract for execution of a project to a foreign company that does not have any base in India, can sponsor employee of foreign company for Employment Visa? |
Ans.: |
Yes. |
Q.15: |
If the Indian organization/entity sponsors an Employment Visa, does this mean that the Indian organization/entity has to necessarily be the legal employer of the person? |
Ans.: |
No. |
Q.16: |
Which category of Visa will be granted to the foreign language teachers and interpreters? |
Ans.: |
Employment Visa. |
Q.17: |
Which category of Visa will be granted to the foreign specialist Chefs? |
Ans.: |
Employment Visa. |
Q.18: |
Which type of Visa would be granted to senior management personnel and/or specialists employed by foreign firms who are relocated to India to work on specific project/management assignment? |
Ans.: |
Employment Visa. |
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