Stages of the visa application process
If you have all the necessary documents, the process of applying for an Indian student visa is simple and efficient. You will just need to follow the following steps:
- Apply to an Indian University: Get an official letter of admission from your institution and pay all admission fees.
- Fill out the online visa application form: be sure to fill in all the requested personal data, otherwise your application will be rejected.
- Upload a digital photo: You must attach your passport size photo to the online application.
- Pay Online: You will be prompted to make an electronic payment to the Government of India. The price depends on your nationality.
- Submit an online application: You will not be able to edit your application once submitted, so please take the time to proofread before submitting.
- Print a copy of your online application: You will need to submit this document to the Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or later.
- Make an appointment at the nearest IVAC or representative office: don't forget to bring a copy of your online application and the specified supporting documents. A complete list of documents can be found in the section below.
- Wait for the decision: in case of a positive decision, you can receive the visa by mail or pick it up at the IVAC or representative office.
Necessary documents
You will be asked to bring the following to the IVAC or representative office:
- Passport with at least two blank pages and valid for more than 180 days
- Two passport size photos
- A photocopy of your passport
- Proof of where you will live in India
- A printed version of your online application
- Official letter of enrollment from your university
- Confirmation of financial resources to cover living expenses in India.
There is no standard processing time for an Indian student visa, but most students receive a decision within two weeks of submitting their application.
Although visas can be processed quickly, it is a good idea to start applying for a visa as soon as you receive your acceptance letter.
Any problems or delays with your application may result in you not receiving your visa on time. Don't ruin your plans by leaving your visa application until the last minute.
Can your family join you in India?
If you have a spouse or children under the age of 18, they may be granted a dependent visa. A separate application must be submitted for each family member.
Dependent visas are usually approved for the same period as a student visa. However, this is decided on a case-by-case basis and some dependent visas are only valid for a short period.
Are you allowed to work in India?
As an international student, you will not be allowed to work part-time in parallel with your studies. Therefore, you should have enough money to cover the costs of education, accommodation, food, hobbies and other necessary things throughout the duration of your studies.
An internship visa is issued under the following conditions:
- A foreign citizen, including a citizen of Ukraine, must comply with all legal requirements, such as payment of tax liabilities, etc.
- The documents belonging to the proposed intern will be carefully checked to decide on the category of visa that can be issued to you.
- The name of the sponsoring employer/organization must be clearly indicated on the visa sticker.
- The Indian organization/entity that sponsors the intern visa does not necessarily have to be the legal employer of the person.
- The intern must submit a letter from the relevant Indian company/educational institution/NGO sponsoring the foreign national for the internship program, clearly stating the period of the internship. The letter must be on company letterhead, signed and stamped.
- A letter of commitment is required from the company in India, confirming that the company/educational institution/NGO will ensure the departure of the foreign national after the internship.
- This letter must be on company letterhead, signed and stamped.
- The trainee must provide a letter from a company in India that assumes responsibility for the applicant's activities and behavior during his/her stay in India and repatriation, if required. This letter must be on company letterhead, signed and stamped.
- In the case of a paid intern, remuneration documents must be attached, indicating the amount and confirming that tax will be paid in accordance with the guidelines adopted by the Government of India. This document must be drawn up on company letterhead, signed and stamped.
- The intern is required to provide a current diploma of graduation/ postgraduate certificate.
The period between graduation and the start of the internship should not exceed 1 year.
Internship - charity/non-profit organization
- An applicant for an internship visa who intends to perform volunteer work for charitable or non-profit organizations must attach a letter from the sponsoring organization in India on letterhead stating the nature and duration of the visit and the place of work.
- The same letter must be signed by an authorized person.
- The letter from the sponsoring organization should indicate whether the applicant will be a paid or unpaid intern.