Republic of India visas
India regulates the entry and stay of foreign nationals through the Bureau of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with visas issued via the Indian Visa Online portal and Indian missions abroad. Headline routes for foreigners include the Employment Visa for skilled professionals, the Business Visa, the electronic e-Visa (e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical and e-Conference subtypes), and the lifelong Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status for people of Indian origin.
7 routes · 3 without a sponsor · 1 lead to settlement
Official portal
Primary source
Indian Visa Online ↗ · Bureau of Immigration / Ministry of Home Affairs (India)
Link last verified:
Regulators of immigration advice
- Bar Council of India (BCI) — Statutory body regulating legal practice and the admission of advocates in India.
Visa routes (7)
India Employment Visa
Visa for highly skilled foreign professionals engaged by an Indian or foreign company to work in India.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 22 June 2026
India Business Visa
Visa for foreign nationals visiting India for business, trade and commercial activity short of taking up employment.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 9 July 2026
India e-Visa
Electronic visa applied for online for tourism, business, medical and conference visits under defined sub-categories.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 9 July 2026
India Project Visa
Sector-specific work visa for foreign nationals executing projects in the power and steel sectors.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 12 July 2026
India Intern Visa
Visa for foreign nationals undertaking an internship with an Indian company, institution, NGO or media organisation.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 9 July 2026
India Student Visa
Visa for foreign nationals pursuing full-time study or internships at recognised institutions in India.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 22 June 2026
Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card
Lifelong multiple-entry status for foreign nationals of Indian origin and their eligible relatives.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 9 July 2026
Frequently asked questions
How many visa routes does Republic of India have?+
We cover 7 Republic of India visa routes in these categories: sponsored work, visitor and short business, youth mobility, study, and general residence. Each one links to its primary government source and carries a last-reviewed date.
Which Republic of India visas do not need an employer sponsor?+
3 of the 7 Republic of India routes we cover can be pursued without an employer sponsor, which helps if you do not have a job offer yet. The remaining 4 are employer-sponsored.
Which Republic of India visas lead to permanent residence?+
1 of the 7 routes can lead to settlement or permanent residence; the others are temporary. Open each route for its settlement detail and qualifying period.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in India