Type of Visa Required
Employment Visa, applied for in your home country
Validity
Two years or length of employment contract, whichever is shorter, annual extensions are possible. See “Visa Extensions.”
Number of Entries
Multiple
Nationalities that DO NOT need to apply for this visa
Nepalese and Bhutanese
Required documents
- A completed visa 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, such as a utility bill, which must match the address on the application form
- Employment appointment letter containing salary information
- Employment contract
- Resume
- Proof that your employer’s organization is registered in India
- Payment for visa fees
- Copy of your birth certificate
Specific conditions
For your first Indian employment visa, you’ll probably need to arrange for an interview at the consulate, so call your local consulate to check and to book an appointment. Your employment visa will be valid from the date it is issued, not from the date you enter in India. Within two weeks of your arrival in India, you, your spouse, and your dependents must register at the FRRO office in Mumbai. See the “Registration” section. You cannot change employers in India without getting a new employment visa. To start working for a new employer, you must return to your home country and apply for a new employment visa.
Rights for Dependents
Your spouse and dependents can apply to join you. They will most likely receive Entry or “X” visas due to expire on the same date as your employment visa.
How long does it take?
About one week, though it can even be issued on the spot at the consulate after your interview. 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?
If you have all the required documents, then it is not difficult to obtain an employment visa.
Is it possible to change visa status within the country?
An employment visa cannot be converted. If you require a different type of visa once in India, you’ll have to leave the country and apply for a new visa in your home country.
Application Form
You can obtain an application form from your local Indian consulate. Check your consulate’s website for downloadable forms.
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 99 022-2262-1169
Fax: +91 99 022-2262-0721
ELSI Relo – Expatriate Logistic Services India
302 Sunshine Building T-39, Opposite Shastri
Nagar, Lokhandwala Road
Andheri (W), India
Website: http://www.elsirelo.com
Foreigner’s Division of the MHA website: http://mha.nic.in/ForeigDiv/ForeigHome.html
