General Information on Employment Visa

The Employment Visa is granted to qualified foreign professionals seeking employment in India, or individuals undertaking honorary work with registered NGOs without receiving a salary. This visa also covers specialized professions, consultants, performers, coaches, and foreign staff deputed by international companies for assignments in India.

Applicants must apply strictly in accordance with the intended purpose of their visit. Any deviation may lead to legal consequences or visa cancellation.

Who Can Apply for an Employment Visa?
The Employment Visa is suitable for:

• Foreign professionals offered employment or consultancy contracts by Indian companies or organizations.
• Self-employed specialists providing engineering, medical, legal, or technical services in India.
• Voluntary workers with Indian NGOs or charitable trusts (unpaid or with honorarium).
• Foreign artists employed for regular performances at clubs, hotels, or other venues.
• Foreign chefs, language teachers, interpreters, and subject-specific instructors.
• Technicians and engineers installing equipment under contract terms.
• Sports coaches and players contracted by Indian teams or clubs (excluding commercial leagues like IPL).
• Foreign journalists employed by Indian media (non-journalistic roles apply here, otherwise use Journalist Visa).
• Employees posted for technical support, training, or knowledge transfer under international contracts.
  
  

Key Guidelines
Minimum salary requirement:

• USD 25,000 per year (approx. INR 16.25 lakhs) for most applicants
• INR 3.6 lakhs/year for Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), their spouses, and children
• Exemptions apply to: ethnic cooks (non-commercial), language teachers, NGO volunteers, and certain academic staff.
  
  

Visa validity:
Granted based on the contract but may be limited initially; extensions up to 5 years possible through FRRO in India.

Dependent Visa:
Spouse and children may apply. Their visa duration will correspond to the main applicant’s visa validity.

Mandatory registration:
For stays exceeding 180 days, registration with the FRRO/FRO within 14 days of arrival is required.

Visa validity begins from the date of issue, not from the travel date.

Document Checklist

Checklist & Application Forms

Before applying, please refer to the relevant checklist for your visa category. The checklist outlines the specific forms and supporting documents required for your application. In some cases, multiple forms may be needed.

Instructions:

• A separate application form must be completed for each individual applicant
• Refer to the checklist to ensure all required documents are prepared and attached
• All forms must be accurately filled and signed where applicable
  
  

Important Documents:

• Employment Visa Checklist.
• Employment (Project) Visa Checklist
• Common Documents for Indian Visa
• Application Guidelines & Upload List
• Application Form for Bangladeshi Nationals
• Photograph Requirements

Additional Requirements for Chinese Passport Holders:

All applicants holding a Chinese passport must also submit:

• A copy of their E-ticket to India
• A bank balance certificate
  These are in addition to the documents listed in the general checklist above.

Fees Details

• Other nationals may refer to the attached PDF for details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who qualifies for an Employment Visa to India?
   Foreign nationals offered skilled employment or consultancy roles with Indian entities, voluntary NGO workers, foreign faculty, sports professionals, chefs, interpreters, and other specialists.
2. Is there a salary requirement?
   Yes. Most applicants must earn a minimum of USD 25,000 per year. Exceptions include language teachers, NGO volunteers, and certain special categories like academic staff at South Asian University/Nalanda University.
3. Can I take up a job in an NGO?
   Yes. Honorary work is allowed under this visa. You may receive an honorarium up to INR 10,000/month, but no formal salary.
4. Can I work with multiple employers on one visa?
   No. Employment Visa is granted only for the organization mentioned in your application. Work for other entities is not permitted.
5. Can I bring my family on this visa?
   Yes. Your spouse and children can apply for a Dependent Visa, valid for the same duration as your Employment Visa.
6. What documents are required for application?
   
   • Valid passport (min. 6 months)
   • Visa application form
   • Contract/offer letter from the Indian employer
   • Justification of role and salary
   • Passport-size photos
   • Supporting documents as per checklist.

7. Do I need to register in India after arrival?
   Yes, if your stay is more than 180 days. You must register with the FRRO/FRO within 14 days of your arrival.
8. Can I apply without an appointment?
   No. Submission must be done by prior appointment at the authorized DU Digital Global Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC).
9. When should I apply?
   It is advised to apply well in advance of your intended travel date, allowing time for document review, interview (if needed), and processing.