Republic of India · youth mobility
India Intern Visa
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Visa for foreign nationals undertaking an internship with an Indian company, institution, NGO or media organisation.
- Processing time
- Indicative only. Apply through an Indian mission or the Indian Visa Online portal; confirm current timelines on the official page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only. Fees vary by nationality and duration; refer to the official Indian Visa Online portal.
- Typical duration
- For the period of the internship; the foreign national must exit before visa expiry.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
The Intern (I) Visa is granted to foreign nationals coming to India to pursue an internship, including the I-1 sub-category for internships with NGOs and educational institutions (such as AIESEC-sponsored placements) and the I-4 sub-category for internships with media organisations. The sponsoring organisation must give an undertaking ensuring the intern departs on completion, and interns must observe registration formalities after arrival.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Applicant has a confirmed internship with a qualifying Indian company, institution, NGO or media organisation.Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
- ✓The sponsoring organisation provides an undertaking on the intern departure.Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
- ✓The internship is genuine and time-limited.Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
- ✓The applicant is not a national barred from the category.Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
Common blockers
- !Applicant is a national of Pakistan, who cannot be granted an Intern Visa.Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
- !No genuine internship offer from a qualifying organisation.Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
- !Intending to take up regular paid employment rather than an internship.Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Internship offer or invitation letter from the host organisation.Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
- ·Undertaking from the organisation regarding the intern departure.Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
- ·Passport valid for the required period with blank pages.Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
Application pathway
Secure an internship offer
Obtain a confirmed internship with a qualifying Indian organisation and its departure undertaking.
Apply for the Intern Visa
Submit the application via the Indian Visa Online portal and the relevant Indian mission.
Travel to India
Enter within the visa validity carrying the internship documents.
Complete registration and exit on time
Observe FRRO/FRO registration formalities and leave India before the visa expires.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official India Intern Visa route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for India Intern Visa.
Ministry of Home Affairs (India) · verified
Also explored by
Compare Republic of India with
Related routes
Frequently asked questions
Who can sponsor an India Intern Visa?+
NGOs, educational institutions (including AIESEC-sponsored placements under I-1) and media organisations (under I-4) can host internships, and the organisation must undertake to ensure the intern departs on completion.
Can a Pakistani national get an India Intern Visa?+
No. The Intern Visa is not granted to nationals of Pakistan.
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 →