Indian Medical Visa

In India, medical visas allow their holders to enter the country for a period of up to one year, extendable by a further twelve month period in some circumstances.

The visit must be undertaken with the sole purpose of receiving treatment at a recognised medical institution.

Benefits

Indian medical or 'M' visas provide a temporary immigration service and are not intended as a route to settlement in India. 

However, medical visas for India provide a useful means of gaining entry clearance for the specific purpose of receiving medical attention.

Unlike an Indian visit visa which is granted for a maximum of six months, a successful medical visa application may result in a grant of leave to remain in India for up to one year. The duration of this visa is determined by the length of time required to perform the medical treatment concerned.

However, a period of up to 12 months may be permitted, with the facility to extend this by a further 12 months where necessary.

Extensions will only be granted on the production of a medical certificate or advice from the appropriate treatment centre.

Whilst visas for medical treatment allow up to three entries, a fourth may be permitted in certain circumstances.

Eligibility

In India, medical visa applications are specifically intended for the purposes outlined above and as such, they will be scrutinised to ensure that they match the requirements of this type of Indian visa service.

Whilst the system is a useful one, it is important to ensure that those temporarily immigrating to India are genuinely doing so in order to receive treatment.

As a result, Indian immigration authorities will require the following criteria to be satisfied.

• It must be demonstrated that the applicant has sought preliminary medical guidance in their country of residence and that they have been advised to pursue specialist treatment.
• The applicant must demonstrate that they are seeking medical attention in a recognised institution which specialises in the treatment of the condition.
• In India, immigration authorities will give priority to 'M' visa applications which relate to certain medical conditions. Serious ailments such as heart problems, organ transplants, ophthalmic disorders and neuro-surgery will be given primary consideration.
• Foreign nationals entering the country through this Indian visa service will be required to register their arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days.

Spouse immigration and Dependent Immigration

A successful medical visa applicant may be accompanied by up to two blood relatives for the duration of their stay in India.

These relatives will be granted an 'MX' visa valid for the same length of time as the primary visa holder's grant of leave.

'MX' visa applicants will need to register their arrival with the local FRRO within 14 days.

Registration for Pakistani and Bangladeshi Nationals

In India, visas for medical treatment are available to all foreign nationals; however applications submitted by Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals will be treated in accordance with India's current policy in respect to these nations. Find out further information on our Indian Work Permit page.

A Global Visas Indian migration consultant will be able to advise you further.

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