Type of Visa Required
In general, Entry or “X” visas for unpaid internships and employment visas for paid internships.
Validity
Varies depending on your case, but usually for the length of your internship contract.
Number of Entries
Depends on the type of visa you are issued. Multiple entry visas are the norm.
Nationalities that DO NOT need to apply for this visa
Nepalese and Bhutanese
Required documents
Because there are no internship visas as such, be sure to call your local consulate and explain your particular case so that you can find out exactly which documents you need to apply. Below is a list of documents you are likely to need.
- A completed application form
- Current passport valid at least 190 days from the date of the visa application, with at least two pages free for the visa sticker
- Two 2 inches x 2 inches passport photos
- Proof of address
- Payment for visa fees
- A sponsorship letter indicating the terms of your internship position
- Copy of birth certificate
- Proof of financial standing
Specific conditions
If you are visiting India for an internship, you need to apply for an Entry or “X” visa. The Entry “X” visa is essentially the “miscellaneous” Indian visa, so there are no clear guidelines on the process and restrictions for this type of visa.
However, the process will be similar to applying for an employment visa. Just be very careful about wording. If you have an unpaid internship, and your sponsorship letter uses the word “employee” instead of “intern,” you may be accused of applying for the wrong type of visa, i.e. suspected of trying to evade taxes.
If it is for a paid internship, then you might be issued an employment visa instead. Please see the section “You have a job and need to relocate.” Then check with your local Indian consulate for more information about your specific case.
Rights for Dependents
None, if given an entry visa, but dependents can apply for their own tourists visas to coincide with your trip. (Remember that tourist visas are limited to a maximum stay of 6 months.) If issued an employment visa, then dependents can follow on a co terminus basis.
How long does it take?
About one week, but allow a few weeks to be safe. Your local consulate can give you a good estimate, as the speed of processing depends on volume of applicants at the time.
How difficult is it to obtain?
This will depend on how straightforward your case is, but overall entry and employment visas are not very difficult to obtain.
Is it possible to change visa status within the country?
No. To change visa status, you’d need to return to your home country and apply for a new visa.
Application Form
Because application forms vary depending on each consulate’s location and jurisdiction, contact your local Consulate for an application, either a hard copy or a downloadable form.
Helpful Links and Information
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Mumbai
3rd Floor, Special Branch Bldg.,
Badruddin Tayabji Lane,
Behind St. Xaviers College,
Mumbai 400001
India
Phone: +91 99 022-2262-0446
Fax: +91 99 022-2262-0721
Student Visa FAQs on the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) website: https://www.mha.gov.in/
Foreigner’s Division of the MHA website: https://www.mha.gov.in/
