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Have plans to study in India? So international students who wish to study in India need to obtain the India student eVisa, introduced by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs in early January 2025 to make it convenient for students to take admission and study at a recognized educational institution.
What is the Indian Student eVisa?
Great news is that this visa is granted to foreign students solely for the purpose of studying in India, but to apply for this eVisa they have to be first accepted by the Indian educational institution. Those educational institutions which are accepted are:
- Accredited research institutions
- Colleges
- Universities
- Vocational and technical training institutions
- Recognized language schools
Key Features to know
Visa Type: Student electronic visa
Validity: Duration offered in this visa depends on the course time period or maximum 5 years. It is renewable depending on the course.
Single or Multiple Entry: Generally in this visa type, expect multiple entries.
Extension: For study stays longer than 180 days, students must register with the FRRO, possible only if you submit your application through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for extension, at least 15 days to one-month before your visa expiry date.
Who is eligible to apply for the Indian Student eVisa, what conditions must they meet?
Foreign nationals are eligible to apply for the Indian Student eVisa, if only they meet the conditions stated by the government of India, which are mentioned below for a better understanding of the requirement.
1. Valid Passport
The student applying must possess a valid passport for the entire duration of your course, application with passports which are about to expire will be rejected.
2. Admission to “Study in India” SII‑partnered institution + SII ID
- Only for international students who have secured admission at a “Study in India” (SII) portal, partner institution.
- The international student must first register on the SII portal to obtain a unique SII ID, so that their admission to a government recognized institution is verified.
3. Admission to a Recognized Educational Institution
The student must have taken admission to a full-time course in India at:
- Accredited research institutions
- Recognized Colleges
- Recognized Universities
- Vocational and technical training institutions
- Language school
- Recognized language schools
- Government of India recognized institutions
What type of courses?
Courses selected may be language programs (like Hindi or Sanskrit), academic degrees (Bachelors, Masters, PhD) or technical and skill development courses.
4. Financial Capability
The student must show proof that he has sufficient money for his stay and course, for example his:
- Living expenses that include lodging, fooding, etc.
- Tuition fees, i.e. the course fee, to be paid semester wise, monthly or yearly
- Travel and other costs
- Sponsorship letters
- Bank statements
- Scholarship certificates, etc.
5. Course Duration
- The course that the student has applied to can be a minimum 3 months up to 5 years.
- It doesn’t have a fixed “minimum duration,” it covers the full duration of your academic program as specified by your institution, maximum up to 5 years.
6. No Objection Certificate (NOC)
There are some special case scenarios, for example if the course is related to a sensitive field or you are a national of a certain country, then it is mandatory to furnish the No Objection Certificate from relevant Indian ministries.
7. Health & Character Requirements
The student applying for the Indian Student eVisa will have to undergo:
- Required to furnish medical documents, thorough Medical examination (based on the nationality or duration of stay have opted for)
- Background verification checks
- Must provide Police clearance docs
8. Special Categories
- Those students who have opted for religious or theological studies, for them it is obligatory to furnish additional approval docs.
- Also, foreign children of Indian nationals or OCI holders are required to apply through this visa, if they are planning to study in India full-time.
What are the requirements and must-have documents to apply for the Indian student visa?
1. Valid Passport
- The student applying must possess a valid passport for the entire duration of your course, application with passports which are about to expire will be rejected.
- Also ensure the passport has blank pages for visa stamps, minimum two pages.
2. Academic Records
The student must furnish copies of your:- Educational certificates for your past qualifications
- Transcripts or mark sheets as proof that you have passed
3. Proof of Admission
- Have secured admission at a Study in India (SII) portal-partner institution
- Furnish a formal letter of admission from a government of India recognized institution, as a proof that you have already taken admission.
- The letter must contain the following information like course title, duration, and confirmation of enrollment.
4. Completed Indian Student eVisa Application Form
- The applicants are required to visit the site, Indian Visa Online Portal, fill the application form online. Do have SII ID as it is used to validate the application
5. Evidence that they have Financial Support
- Need to furnish evidence that you will be able to finance yourself for your studies in India.
- In case you got a Scholarship offer, show the Scholarship offer letter
- Last 3-6 months bank statements and need to have funds in their account.
6. Passport-Sized Photographs
- 2 recent photos (front face, 2×2 inches, white background, colored) required.
- Photo requirements as stated by the embassy should be strictly followed.
7. Health and Medical Documents (if required)
- Required to furnish medical documents, thorough Medical examination in which it is shown that you are medical fit
- Vaccination records (this is needed is you are coming for yellow fever nation, depending on country of origin)
8. Visa Fee Payment
- You are required to pay the student e-visa application fee (varies according to the country you belong to and the course duration you have opted for).
- The mode of payment is online, and if you have applied through our website you have the privilege of one of the 135+ currencies available.
- The visa fee varies from one country to another, duration of the course, etc.
9. No Objection Certificate (NOC) (if applicable)
There are some special case scenarios, for example if you are a national of a certain country or if the course is related to a sensitive field like defense, nuclear, or sensitive technologies, then it is mandatory to furnish the No Objection Certificate from relevant Indian ministries.10. Police Clearance Certificate (for some nationalities or courses)
- Applicants must furnish a certificate proving that he/she does not have any criminal record or have been convicted for any crime.
What are the essential steps to follow to apply for the Indian student visa?
Step 1: Foremost Requirement is to Secure Admission to a Recognized Indian Institution
- The foremost thing to do before applying for the student e-visa is to apply to a government recognized Indian university, college, or educational institution.
- Furnish a formal letter of admission from a government of India recognized institution, as a proof that you have already taken admission. The letter must contain the following information like course title, duration, and confirmation of enrollment.
Step 2: Complete the Online Visa Application
- Since you have secure admission, go to the Indian eVisa portal to apply for the student e-visa
- Select Student Visa as your visa type and click on the application form.
- You are required to fill personal info, travel details and about your course, all error-free
- If prompted upload scanned copy of the passport’s bio page your passport photo
Step 3: Gather Prerequisite Documents
- Have taken Admission in a Recognized Indian Institution
- Have secured admission at a Study in India (SII) portal, partner institution.
- Have registered on the SII portal to obtain a unique SII ID, so that their admission to a government recognized institution is verified.
- Recently clicked Passport-Sized colored Photographs
- Valid passport
- Previous academic records (transcripts, diplomas)
- Complete the Online Student Visa Application
- Financial Support
- Proof of permanent residence address in your home country
- Police Clearance Certificate (for some nationalities or courses)
- Health and Medical Documents (if required)
Step 4: Wait for Visa Processing
- Usually 3 to10 business days, but can take longer, varies from one application to another
- When your student visa is ready, you will be emailed by the email ID you have provided.
Step 5: Receive Your eVisa by Email
- When your student e-visa is ready, you will receive the Student eVisa by email.
- Check if everything is correctly mentioned on your visa, your name, passport number, course duration, and entry type (mostly multiple-entry offered).
Step 6: Travel to India
- Get ready to travel to India for your studies, but ensure to keep your admission letter and visa documents handy for immigration check
- On arriving in India, if you want to extend your stay you have to register with FRRO/e-FRRO before your visa expires, here is the link to it https://indianfrro.gov.in.
How much time is required to process the Indian student visa?
The standard time taken to process the Indian Student eVisa is 3 to 10 business days after submitting your application and documents, however it differs from one application to another, country of origin from where you are applying from, and ensuring that you have provided all the documents.
Factors That May Affect Processing Time
Your nationality: Due to additional security clearance, applicants from certain countries (e.g., Pakistan, Afghanistan) may face longer processing time.
Peak seasons: During admission months (May to August or December to January), time taken to process is longer due to higher volumes.
Type of course or institution: If you have applied for a sensitive course (defense, nuclear, or sensitive technologies), it requires special approval.
Incomplete documentation: Not genuine information, incorrect details filled, documents missing, etc can lead to delays or rejection.
Tip: Apply Early
Students are requested to apply for the Indian Student eVisa at least 4 to 6 weeks before their intended travel dates, this will allow them enough time for the following:
- For getting Visa approval
- For Travel booking
- To register for FRRO planning (if required after arrival)
What is the validity period offered in the Indian student visa?
Students must be happy to know that the Indian student visa validity depends on the duration of your course, and sometimes some other factors as well.
General Validity
The general validity period offered in the Indian Student eVisa is for the full duration of the course or maximum 5 years, so it entirely depends on the course duration.
For example:
- For a 2-year course, you’ll typically get a 2 year visa.
- Those who have opted for a 5-year degree course, the visa will likely be valid for 5-years.
- Those whose courses are longer than 5 years (although it happens rarely), they will have to apply for visa extensions through FRRO.
Entry Type
Depending on the duration of the course, Indian Student eVisa holders are granted multiple-entries, allowing them to leave and re-enter India.
Extension of Visa
In case the course is extended or you need more time to complete your course, you can apply for extension by registering through FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office), but you need to furnish the following:
- Provide a letterhead from the institution that your course has been extended
- Proof of academic progress, passed from one semester to the next.
- Or provide any valid reasons for extension with proof
Would you like any help regarding your visa application, if so you can get in touch with our helpdesk.