Indian Immigration

Although extended stays in India are possible for visitors on student and employment visas, the main path to long-term residence in India is through the entry (X) visa. The two options for permanent immigration to India are the PIO Card and the OCI Card.

The entry (X) visa

This is granted on a year-by-year basis, up to a maximum of five years. After this period, further extensions can be considered by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Foreign nationals on an entry visa may not undertake employment or take part in business activities. Extensions of this visa can only be considered where:

• The applicant is of Indian origin and previously held an Indian passport.
• The applicant’s parents, grandparents or great grandparents were born in and permanently resident in India.
• The applicant is the spouse of an Indian or someone who is of Indian origin. In these cases, the application for extension would have to be accompanied by the relevant passport, birth certificate or marriage certificate.

India immigration through the PIO Card

The PIO (Persons of Indian Origin) Card scheme applies to all foreign nationals of Indian origin who hold a passport for any country except those classified as ineligible by the Indian Government. The card is valid for 15 years and entitles the holder to enter India without a visa. It also allows the holder to study or take up employment in India without the need for further visas. Registration is required for any single visit longer than 180 days.

India immigration through the OCI Card

Under this arrangement foreign nationals of Indian origin whose country permits dual citizenship may be able to claim the status as an Overseas Citizen of India. The scheme does not cover nationals of Pakistan or Bangladesh. Holders of an OCI Card are effectively granted a multi-entry, multiple-purpose visa for life and are exempt from registration.

Indian immigration through Global Visas

Immigration advisers at Global Visas have the expertise to help you find the best path to long-term Indian immigration. They can explain the conditions that must be fulfilled to obtain a PIO or an OCI Card and what privileges they would confer. The easiest way to get in touch with a Global Visas consultant is to take the free assessment by clicking on the link below. You will hear back from us within 24 hours.