Renewal or extension of the visa for India
If you are a foreign national visiting India and your travel plans change, you may need to extend your visa to stay there longer than your current visa allows. However, developing your visa depends on your visa type, as not all visas can be renewed.
For temporary visitors, obtaining a new visa is usually necessary, and this can be done quickly and easily online.
Extending Tourist e-Visa in India
Unfortunately, it is impossible if you travel to India on a tourist e-Visa and wish to extend your stay. The e-Visa is valid only for the duration mentioned during the application process. This duration can be for 30-day stays, 90-day stays, or 180-day stays.
To stay longer in India, you must exit the country before your visa expires and apply for a new e-Visa to re-enter. Applying for a new e-Visa is usually quicker and more straightforward than applying for an extension of a different type of visa.
Types of Indian Visas that can be Renewed or Extended
While e-Visas cannot be renewed, long-term visas in India can be extended. If you have any of the following types of visas, you can apply for an extension from within India:
Work Visa
If you have a work visa and must stay in India beyond its expiration date, you can apply for an extension. The extension process typically requires documentation from your employer and an application to the relevant authorities.
Residence Permit
If you hold a residence permit in India, you can apply for an extension before it expires. The extension process usually involves submitting relevant documents to the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or the Foreigners' Registration Office (FRO).
Student Visa
If you are studying in India on a student visa and need to extend your stay, you can apply for an extension. You must provide proof of enrollment, academic progress, and financial support.
How to Apply for an India Visa Extension
To apply for an India visa extension, visit the nearest Foreigner Registration Office (FRO) or Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in India. In some cases, it may be possible to apply for an extension online.
Here are the general steps to apply for an India visa extension:
Visit the FRO or FRRO: Go to the nearest Foreigner Registration Office or Foreigner Regional Registration Office in India. You may need to make an appointment in advance.
Gather the required documents: Collect all the necessary supporting documents for the type of visa you are extending. This typically includes your passport, current visa, and other documents such as proof of residency, an invitation letter, and contracts.
Submit your application: Submit your application, along with the required documents and fees, to the FRO or FRRO. You may be required to provide biometric information as well.
Note that electronic visas cannot be extended. Once you enter India on an e-Visa, it is valid for the duration indicated on the visa. You must apply for a new visa if you need to stay longer.
To renew an Indian e-Visa, you must apply online for a new one. The renewal process is like the initial e-Visa application process, and you will need to provide all the necessary documents and pay the relevant fees.
Note that the extension process can take time, and it's important to plan accordingly. It's also essential to avoid legal issues and apply for an extension before your visa expires.
When to Renew Your India Visa
The duration and validity of your Indian visa will depend on your visa type. Here are some guidelines for when you may need to renew your visa:
E-Tourist Visa, E-Business Visa, and E-Medical Visa: If you have a 1-month tourist e-Visa, you must leave India within 30 days. After this, you may reapply online for a new one. For those with a 1-year tourist e-Visa, you may make multiple trips to India and stay for up to 90 or 180 days, depending on your nationality. Once the year is up, the visa will expire. You can apply for a new visa via the online system in both cases.
Work Visa, Residence Permit, and Student Visa: If you are living in India on a work visa, residence permit, or student visa, you will need to renew your visa before it expires. You should apply at least 60 days before your visa expires. You can visit the nearest Foreigner Registration Office (FRO) or Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in India.
The renewal process for electronic visas involves reapplying online for a new visa. In contrast, the extension process for long-term visas requires visiting the FRO or FRRO in person and submitting the necessary documentation.
Planning and applying for your visa renewal or extension on time is essential to avoid any issues.
Changing Your India Visa Type
If you have already entered India and want to change your visa type, depending on your current visa, the visa you want, and your circumstances.
For example, if you briefly visit India on a tourist e-Visa, it may be easier to leave the country, apply for a new visa online, and then return.
However, changing your visa type may be worth considering if you plan to stay in India longer. This could involve converting your current visa to a different type, such as a work visa, student visa, or residence permit.
You must apply for the new visa type at the nearest Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or Foreigners' Registration Office (FRO) in India. You must provide the relevant supporting documents and pay the necessary fees.
Remember that changing your visa type can be complex, and it's essential to seek advice from the relevant authorities or a qualified immigration lawyer.
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Get answers to the most common questions about the requirements, important information and documents required to travel to the India. Read more at Frequently Asked Questions.
If your intention for travelling to India relates to a commercial or business purpose, then you are eligible to apply for Indian Business Visa Online (Indian Visa Online or eVisa India for Business). If you are planning to go to India as a medical visitor for medical reason, consulting doctor or for surgery or for your health, Government of India has made Indian Medical Visa Online available for your needs (Indian Visa Online or eVisa India for Medical purposes). Indian Tourist Visa Online (Indian Visa Online or eVisa India for Tourist) can be utilised for meeting friends, meeting relatives in India, attending courses like Yoga, or for sight-seeing and tourism.