The Indian Visa allows visitors entry into India for a period relevant to the type and nature of the visa held. The e-Visa allows double entries for a stay of up to 60 days from the first entry date into India. The regular Indian visa permits multiple visits to India and is typically valid for a stay of up to 90 days. Where the length of stay is envisaged to extend longer than the duration permitted on the visa, the application must be made for India Visa Renewal.
INDIAN VISA THAT CAN BE RENEWED
The most popular visas will be outlined, and the Tourist Visa Renewal is similar to these, but these visas can also be renewed and require the same basic documents: Medical, Journalist, Conference, Project, and Missionary Visas.
Student Visa
Renewal of Student visa is possible from within India either on the website of the Bureau of the immigration department or at the registration office. It is strongly advised to make application 60 days prior to the expiration of the existing visa. To renew an India visa, applicants must produce:
- university or educational institution at which enrolled.
Employment Visa
Employment visa may be renewed from within India either on the website of the Bureau of the immigration department or at the registration office. The application should ideally be made 60 days prior to the expiration of the existing visa. To renew, applicants must produce:
Business Visa
An India business visa may be extended to up to 5 years under the following circumstances:
- Where related annual turnover or gross sales exceeds Rs. 1-crore;
- The Ministry of Home Affairs grants the first extension of the Indian Business Visa;
- Subsequent extensions may be granted on year by year basis by FRRS, FROs, the State government, or UT administrations dependent on good conduct and absence of adverse input and/or security issues, with these supporting documents:
- Photo
- Passport & Visa
- Proof of residence
- Contract Paper
- Request Letter
- Income Tax paper
- Letter of undertaking from the company signed by Indian host or authorized signatory with name and contact
- Permission letter from RBI/ GOI/Incorporation letter
- Proof of turnover of business: Balance sheet
Entry Visa
To renew, applicants must produce:
- Photo
- Passport & Visa
- Proof of residence
- Registration Certificate/Residential Permit
- Passport of Principal Visa Holder
- Request letter
- Undertaking letter
- Registration Certificate/Residential Permit
Research Visa
To renew, applicants must produce:
- Photo
- Passport & Visa
- Proof of residence
- Bona-fide Certificate
- Registration Certificate/Residential Permit
- Request letter
- Proof of Financial Resources
- Registration Certificate/Residential Permit
WHERE TO RENEW YOUR INDIAN VISA
While applicants for renewals who wish to extend their visas to stay in India longer have various options, the most convenient seems to be the Registration Offices. It is at the Registration Offices where foreigners’ details can be easily accessed, making the verification process simpler. Perhaps more convenient, however, is applying online in the comfort of one’s own home or from one’s place of business, which is also currently an option. The online renewal allows the applicant to track the progress of the application. The Bureau of Immigration department’s website offers foreigners a visa renewal service.
Up until recently an Indian tourist visa extension or Visitor Visa renewal was not possible, but e-Visas may now be extended online. The e-Visa commences upon entry into India and remains valid for the specified duration. Indian tourist visa extension can only be implemented under certain conditions, such as medical emergencies and accidents, or in the event, the passport or personal travel documents are stolen or lost while abroad. The Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO) will assist in this regard. Extensions are typically granted for 14 days. The following documents are required to apply for an extension:
- two passport photos;
- passport (or travel document where a passport is stolen);
- letter from the hospital (for medical emergency).
Renewing Indian visa in USA is much the same as anywhere else. Indian visa renewal for US citizens and Indian visa renewal in USA cannot be granted from within India and can only be processed at an Indian Visa Application Center or Indian Consulate in the U.S. It is, therefore, easier, simpler and quicker to renew a visa timeously rather than apply for a new one. The renewal process is not lengthy and should be complete within days provided all the necessary information is provided.