An employment visa is issued to anyone who wants to work in India and volunteer. The duration of a work visa is valid for a period of work/voluntary work, which usually does not exceed one year at a time. Work visas are also issued to those performing or participating in an event, as well as to all artists. Anyone traveling to India to volunteer with a non-governmental organization (NGO) must apply for a work visa. Spouses and dependent family members accompanying the applicant must apply for an entry visa (NOT a tourist visa) that coincides with the main visa holder's period.

Who can Apply?

  • Candidates coming to India as contract consultants are paid by the Indian company a fixed fee (this must not be in the form of a monthly salary).
  • Candidates come to India to work as coaches of prestigious national/state teams or sports clubs.
  • Candidates who have received a temporary contract from an Indian club/organization.
  • Self-employed foreigners come to India to provide technical, medical, accounting, legal or other skilled services.
  • Foreign language teacher/translator.
  • foreign chef.
  • Foreign engineers/technicians coming to India to install and commission equipment/machinery/equipment under contract for supply of said equipment/machinery/equipment.
  • Foreign company executives and/or professionals who are transferred to India to work on certain projects/management.
  • Candidates come to India to carry out projects/contracts.
  • Candidates come to India to train employees of Indian companies.
  • Those traveling to India to Volunteer with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

It is important to note that an Indian Employment Visa is issued for a specific period, and the visa holder must comply with the Indian immigration laws and regulations. The visa holder must also adhere to the terms and conditions specified in the employment contract and must not engage in any activities outside the scope of the employment contract.

An Indian Employment Visa is granted under the following conditions:

  • The applicant must have a valid job offer from an Indian company or organization. The job offer must specify the job title, duration, and remuneration.
  • The applicant must possess the required qualifications and experience for the job as per the Indian employer's requirements.
  • The Indian employer must obtain prior approval from the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs or Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for the employment of the foreign national.
  • The Indian employment of the foreign national should not have any adverse impact on employment opportunities for Indian citizens.
  • The applicant must not be visiting India for any business or commercial activities other than those specified in the employment contract.
  • The applicant should not be engaged in any of the Taboo Occupations listed in the Indian visa guidelines.
  • The applicant must clear the security clearance procedure by the Indian authorities.
  • The applicant must not have any criminal record or convictions in their home country or any other country.
  • The applicant must meet the health requirements and undergo the medical examination as specified by the Indian authorities.

The documents required for an Indian Employment Visa application are:

  • A valid passport with a minimum validity of six months from the date of arrival in India.
  • A completed visa application form.
  • Two passport-sized photographs.
  • A copy of the employment contract.
  • A letter from the Indian employer confirming the job offer and salary.
  • Educational and professional qualifications certificates.
  • Proof of payment of the visa fee.

Duration and validity of Indian Employment Visa

  • Regardless of the length of the contract or working conditions, an Indian Embassy or Consulate can issue a one year work visa. If the visa validity period needs to be extended, you can apply to the FRRO/MHA of the relevant state of India for an extension of up to 5 years.
  • Foreign technicians can obtain a multiple-entry work visa valid for 5 years or for the duration of a bilateral agreement between the Indian and foreign governments.
  • Foreign skilled workers employed in the IT or ITES industry can have an approved multiple-entry work visa for up to 3 years or for the duration of the contract/pledge.
  • Foreign professionals whose contribution cannot be ascertained but are employed on a regular basis or under a contract may be granted an approved multiple-entry work visa for a period of 2 years or for the duration of the contract/employment.

Indian employment visa Processing Time

The processing time for an Indian Employment Visa can vary depending on various factors such as the applicant's nationality, the Indian Embassy/Consulate where the application is submitted, and the volume of applications received. Generally, the processing time for an Indian Employment Visa is between 5 to 21 working days.

The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs or Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) must approve the employment of foreign nationals. This approval process can take several weeks, and the Indian employer must initiate the process well in advance of the foreign national's intended date of arrival in India.

After the approval is obtained, the applicant can submit the employment visa application to the Indian Embassy/Consulate in their home country. The processing time for the visa application can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the factors mentioned above.

To ensure a smooth and timely processing of the Indian Employment Visa application, it is recommended that applicants provide all required documents and information accurately and in a timely manner. Applicants must also allow sufficient time for processing and avoid making travel arrangements until they have received the visa.

Indian employment visa fees

The Indian Employment Visa fee varies based on the applicant's nationality and the duration of the visa. It is recommended to check the Indian Embassy/Consulate website in the applicant's home country for the exact fee structure.

In addition to the visa fee, there may be additional service charges or processing fees charged by the Indian Embassy/Consulate or the outsourcing agency handling the visa application process. It is essential to check these fees and any other requirements before submitting the application to avoid delays or rejections.