Business Visa - India Visa Requirements

A Business Visa is strictly given those who are doing business in India such as making sales or establishing contacts on behalf of a company outside of India. Business visas may be valid for one year or more with multiple entries. However, the period of stay in India (for each visit) under this category is limited to six months only. Business visas valid for ten years with multiple entries may be available to foreign businessmen who have set up or intend to set up joint ventures in India.

Applicants going for employment in projects/contracts in India should apply for an Employment visa and not a Business visa. If the applicant does not meet any other visa type standards, they should apply for an Entry visa. Please note the visa is valid beginning on the day it is issued. So, a 1 year visa issued on January 1 would be valid until December 31.

  1. Application: Complete the online India Visa Application. After the application has been completed, you must print and sign the application.
  2. Passport: Passport must have a minimum validity of six months from the date of application with at least two blank visa pages. Last 2 amendment pages are not acceptable. Must be the actual passport not a copy because your visa will be stamped in the actual passport.
  3. Photographs: 2 latest identical passport size photographs (black/white or color) depicting front pose against light background on photographic paper. No glasses are allowed to be worn in the photo. Follow the instructions on the India Visa Application on how to affix the photos to the application.
  4. Proof of Address: Applicants must submit a photocopy with proof of residence/address that matches the address on the visa application exactly. Photocopy of state issued ID (Driver License or ID), or major utility bill (Water, Gas, Electric, Sewage) must be submitted.
    The following items are not accepted: cell phone bill, credit card statement, bank statement or lease. The address cannot include a P.O. box.
  5. Minor Applicants: Minor applicants must have a copy of both parents passports.
  6. Copy of Birth Certificate: A photocopy of the birth certificate or any government issued document that shows parents name, date of birth and nationality. Depending on your nationality at birth, these are the documents that are accepted.
     
    • US Born: Only birth certificates are accepted for applicants born in the US.
    • Indian Born: Those born in India can use their birth certificate, old Indian passport or school leaving certificate.
    • All Others: Those not born in the US or India should submit a birth certificate or any government document from the country of origin that has parents name, date of birth and nationality.
      You should not send the originals - we cannot be responsible for original documents.
  7. Sponsor Letter From Organization in India: Include a letter from the sponsoring organization in India on company letterhead indicating the nature of applicant's business, probable duration of stay, the validity of visa applied for (1 Year, 5 Year or 10 Year), places and organizations to be visited, and a guarantee to meet maintenance expenses.
  8. Sponsor Letter From Parent Company in USA: Include a letter from the parent sponsoring organization in the United States on company letterhead indicating the nature of the applicant's business, probable duration of stay, validity of visa applied for (1 Year, 5 Year or 10 Year), places and organizations to be visited, and a guarantee to meet maintenance expenses
  9. Projects/Contracts in India: Applicants taking up employment in projects/contracts in India should apply for an Employment visa and not a Business visa.
  10. Work Visa FAQ: Please read the following FAQ to determine if a Business Visa or an Employment Visa is needed for your particular situation: https://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/pdf/Work_Visa_FAQ.pdf
  11. Green Card Holders: Applicants who are not Citizens of USA, but hold long term US visa or a Green Card should submit a copy of the visa or the Green Card. Do not send the original Permanent Residence Card/Green Card. Travisa Outsourcing cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to original Permanent Residence Card/Green Card (Non US Citizens - Permanent Resident/Green Card Holders Only)
  12. Short Term Visa Holders: Applicants who are not citizens/residents of the USA and hold a tourist or other short-term visa for the USA should normally apply for Indian visas in the country of their permanent residence. In case of emergency or special circumstance, an application could be made at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC or Consulates General of India in the USA. In addition to the relevant visa fee there is a reference fee of $20.00 for reference to be made to the country of their original residence. Such cases have a minimum processing time of one to two weeks, and some cases may take longer. (Non US Citizens - Short Term Visa Holders Only)
  13. US Advanced Technology Workers: Individuals working in designated U.S. agencies or technology areas (Conventional Munition; Nuclear Technology; Missile/Missile Technology; Aircraft and Missile Propulsion and Vehicular Systems; Navigation and Guidance Control; Chemical and Biotechnology Engineering; Remote Imaging and Reconnaissance; Advanced Computer Material; Advance Composite Material; Information Security; Laser and Directed Energy Systems; Sensors; Marine Technology (submarines etc); Robotics; Advanced Ceramics; High Performance Metals and Alloys and or with establishment engaged in Defense, Research, Nuclear, Space and Missile Technology) are required to submit their application at least two weeks in advance to enable timely process of their cases. In addition, the following form (https://www.indian-visa.com/pdf/Technical%20Additional%20Information.pdf) must be submitted along with the visa application.
  14. Special Pakistan Application: In addition to the requirements above, Special Visa application form (https://www.indian-visa.com/pdf/Pakistan.pdf) should be filled in by citizens of Pakistan (4 copies with 4 photos). (Pakistan Citizens Only)
  15. Special Bangladesh Application: In addition to the requirements above, Special Visa application form (https://www.indian-visa.com/pdf/Bangladesh.pdf) should be filled in by citizens of Bangladesh (2 copies with 2 photos). (Bangladesh Citizens Only)
  16. Persons of Indian Origin: Applicants born in India applying for the first time on ANY U.S. passport must submit their Indian passport and a completed renunciation form (https://www.indian-visa.com/pdf/renunciation.pdf) OR submit their expired US passport with a previously issued Indian visa if applicable. (United States Citizens Only)
  17. Dual Citizenship: Applicants who have dual citizenship with the US and another country must apply on their US passport if living in the US. (Non US Citizens Only)
  18. Processing Time:

    Non-US citizens and Naturalized US citizens

    US citizens who require a reference and all Non-US citizens have a minimum processing time of one to two weeks, and some cases may take longer. This time schedule applies whether applying in person or by mail. Pickup for in person applications is between 4:30pm and 6:00 pm.

    Non-refundable tickets or reservations should not be purchased until all visas and passports are secured and in your possession.