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Introduction
An Employment Visa is conferred upon individuals intending to relocate to India for employment, particularly those joining multinational corporations to fulfill roles within their Indian branches. This visa is also extended to professionals overseeing projects or engaged as consultants in the Iron and Steel industries, or the Power sector.
Additionally, individuals working in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in India may obtain an Employment Visa, provided they receive a minimum monthly salary of 10,000 INR.
Applicants for work visas in India are presented with the choice between a Single-Entry Visa and a Multiple Entry Visa. The latter permits individuals to depart and re-enter India during their stay, facilitating flexibility for both work-related and personal obligations.
Moreover, the work visa application process in India accommodates the option for extension, managed by the Bureau of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs. This allows individuals to prolong their stay in the country, subject to the necessary procedures and approvals.
SOME OTHER PERMITS REQUIRED DURING A PERSON’S STAY IN INDIA ON A WORK VISA
- Foreigners Registration
All individuals from foreign countries, including those of Indian origin, are required to register if their intended stay in India exceeds six months. For foreign nationals holding a work permit in India, this registration is a mandatory step, the necessity of which is contingent on the duration of their stay. The responsibility for the registration of such individuals lies with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (“FRRO”) or the Foreigners Registration Officer (“FRO”) in designated districts, including New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Trivandrum.
In districts where a Registration Officer is not appointed, the process falls under the jurisdiction of District Superintendents of Police.
For those applying for an Employment Visa with a stay period exceeding 180 days, mandatory registration is required. Similarly, individuals entering India on a Business Visa will need to register if their aggregate stay in a calendar year exceeds 180 days. This registration process must be initiated within 14 days of the individual’s arrival in India. While no registration charge is applicable during the first 14 days, a penalty fee is imposed for late registration. Additionally, penalties exist for overstaying and non-registration.
- Residential Permit:
Foreign nationals residing in India on a prolonged visa are also required to submit an application for a Resident Permit at the designated Registration Office.
REQUIREMENTS OF AN EMPLOYMENT VISA
A foreigner’s eligibility for a work permit in India is contingent upon the pre-existence of the employer’s company registration in the country. The initiation of an Employment Visa application necessitates the existence of a registered branch in India, particularly for multinational corporations. Additionally, to qualify for an Employment Visa, the foreign worker’s annual salary should be a minimum of USD 25,000.
Employment Visas are exclusively granted to senior management employees or highly skilled technical professionals intending to migrate for work in India. The High Commission/Embassy of India requires the following documents for Employment Visa applications:
- Passport with a one-year validity
- Passport-size photographs with a white background
- Documentary proof of employment with the company or NGO in India
- Documentary proof of professional expertise and educational qualification
- Registration documents of the company where the employee will work
When applying at the FRRO, the required documents for an Employment Visa are:
- Four photographs
- Visa and passport with proof of immigration stamp
- Residence proof in India
- Employment contract specifying duration and remuneration
- Request letter for registration from the company
- Letter of undertaking from the company, signed by an authorized Indian signatory
If the individual plans to stay in India for over a year, a medical report, including an HIV test from an authorized WHO centre, is also required.
APPLICATION PROCESSING TIME FOR INDIAN EMPLOYMENT VISA
The processing time for work visa applications to enter India varies among countries and is also influenced by the type of visa and the intended duration of stay. Consequently, individuals should initiate the application process well in advance to account for any potential discrepancies or additional requirements that may be stipulated by the Consulate.
COST OF AN INDIAN EMPLOYMENT VISA
The cost of an Employment Visa can range from 120 USD to 560 USD, contingent on the applicant’s country of origin and the intended duration of stay. For precise and up-to-date information on application fees, individuals are encouraged to contact the High Commission of India in their respective countries to obtain accurate details for their specific applications.
Similarly, the cost of an Indian work visa is variable and not fixed. Depending on the applicant’s country and the currency used, the application fee for a Business Visa can vary between 120 USD and 230 USD.
CONCLUSION
Obtaining an Indian Employment Visa involves thorough documentation, including proof of employment, educational qualifications, and company registration. The visa caters to individuals joining multinational corporations, working in NGOs, or engaged in specific sectors. Registration and permit requirements during the stay are mandatory, with penalties for non-compliance. The application process duration varies, necessitating early initiation. The cost of an Employment Visa ranges, contingent on the applicant’s origin and stay duration. Applicants must stay informed and contact the High Commission for precise details. Overall, the process demands careful adherence to procedures for a successful and compliant stay in India.
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