Employment (E) visas are available for foreigners who are employed or volunteering for an India-registered organisation. E visas are valid for one year in most cases. After the completion of the year, Employment visas can be extended in India for another year or till the termination of the employment contract.

Entry (X) visas are issued to dependents and spouses of foreigners who hold Employment or Business visas and will stay for a long term in India. These run concurrently with the main applicant’s visa and can be renewed in India.

Foreign nationals looking to travel to India for the purpose of sightseeing or vacation must obtain a Tourist Visa from their home country prior to travel. These usually last no longer than six months. They cannot be extended. A new one can be obtained in the home country after waiting two months.

Business (B) visas are available for businessmen/ entrepreneurs engaging in economic ventures in India. Maximum duration of B visas is 5 years but usually issued for 6 months.

Student visas are issued to students registered with recognised institutions in India and are valid for the period of study. Research professors, interns and participants in conferences / seminars / workshops.

Intern visas are issued to students registered with recognised organization in India to serve them as intern for a short period of time

Medical visas are issued to individuals seeking medical assistance from reputed and recognised hospitals / treatment centres. Two blood relatives can accompany the applicant and are eligible for separate Medical Attendant visas.

All foreign nationals arriving in India, intending to stay for more than 180 days, must register with the nearest Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO) authority within 14 days from the date of arriving in India. There are various services to be handled with the FRRO authority for an expat in regard to Visa Registration, Visa Extension, Residence Permit Extension, Visa Conversion, Police Clearance Certificate, Exit Permit, OCI Card Process, Change of Address, Change of Passport and various other services for an expat of any national present in India.