General Information on Research Visa
The Research Visa (R Visa) is granted to foreign academicians, scholars, professors, and research professionals who intend to conduct research work, academic collaboration, or participate in research-based exchange programs in India. This visa facilitates long-term academic and cultural engagement between foreign nationals and Indian institutions.
The visa may be granted for up to 3 years or for the duration of the research project, whichever is shorter.
Who Can Apply for a Research Visa?
You are eligible to apply for a Research Visa if you are:
- A professor, academician, or scholar affiliated with a recognized university or research institution.
- A research fellow joining a collaborative academic or research project in India.
- An individual invited to participate in field-based studies (botanical, anthropological, scientific, archaeological, etc.).
- A Ph.D. candidate looking to pursue or collaborate on research as part of an academic program.
Note:
Individuals intending to pursue regular full-time studies in India should apply for a Student Visa, not a Research Visa.
Key Guidelines
- The visa is valid for a maximum of 3 years or the duration of the research, whichever is less.
- FRRO/FRO registration is mandatory within 14 days of arrival if the stay exceeds 180 days.
- The research project must be pre-approved by the concerned authorities in India.
- Applicants must submit:
- A detailed synopsis of their research project
- A letter of admission or invitation from a recognized Indian institution
- Proof of academic credentials and previous research experience
- Visa is non-convertible and non-extendable beyond the approved duration unless authorized by the Indian authorities.
- A security clearance from the Government of India may be required in sensitive research areas.
- The passport must be:
- Valid for at least 6 months
- In good condition with at least 3 blank pages
How To Apply
- Create an Account: Register on the Du Digital Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) website.
Click here to register. - Fill Out the Government Application Form: Click here to access the form.
- Book an Appointment: Schedule your visit to Du Digital ICAC by choosing a suitable date and time.
Click here to book your appointment - Prepare Your Documents: Carry your passport, photographs, and all supporting documents as listed in the Documents Checklist section.
- Visit Du Digital ICAC: Visit the designated ICAC. The address and location will be mentioned in your appointment letter. Ensure you arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time.
- Submit Your Application & Pay Fees: Submit your documents and pay the applicable fees at ICAC. Refer to the Fee Details section for exact charges.
- Enroll for Biometrics (if required): Complete biometric enrollment if applicable.
- Application Submission Complete: You’ve successfully submitted your visa application.
- Track Your Application: Monitor your application’s status online.
Click here to track your application
Research Visa Requirements
- Duly filled Visa Application Form
- Photo 2 inch x 2 inch (white background) – 2 photos
- Copy of passport first page – 2 copies
- Copy of old passport first page and old India visa – 1 copy (if available)
- Copy of ID card – 1 set
- Copy of house registration of applicant – 1 copy
- Copy of identity card of monk/nun – 1 set
- Copy of birth certificate (translated and certified by the Translation Centre with Thai language copy)
- Copy of name change documents (if any), translated and certified by the Translation Centre with Thai language copy
- Original documents from the Indian College:
- Research Project Approval Form
- Bonafide Certificate
- University Affiliation Letter
- Ph.D. Joining Report
- Library card (if available)
- Please bring all documents with the staff
- Research Itinerary (Specify topics, timeline, and storage location in detail – not included in synopsis)
- Synopsis
- Educational Certificates
- Transcript of Master’s Degree (in English)
- Sponsor Letter
- Sponsor’s Bank Statement (savings account – last 6 months, updated within 3 working days before submission)
- If there is a name change for father, mother, or applicant, the name change documents must be translated and certified by the Translation Centre with Thai language copy
- For relatives as sponsor – additional documents required:
- Translated house registration of parents/relatives with Thai and English versions certified by Translation Centre
- Marriage certificate of sponsor (translated and certified with Thai version)
- Name change documents for applicant/parents/sponsor (translated and certified with Thai version)
- Flight reservation to India / Address document / PR copy (if any)
- All documents must be copied and signed by the applicant on every page – 1 set
- For old researchers / Researchers of Bihar University (MAKOT) – documents must be sent to the Embassy for verification. Interview may follow. Additional documents may be required.
- Visa approval timeline depends on the Embassy’s decision post interview and document verification
Fees Details
| VISA CATEGORY | VISA FEE | ICWF FEE | SERVICE FEE | TOTAL FEES |
| Up to 6 months/Single or Multiple Entry | ฿ 2800 | ฿ 102 | ฿ 11 | ฿ 2913 |
| More than 6 months/ and up to 1 year/ Multiple Entry | ฿ 4100 | ฿ 102 | ฿ 11 | ฿ 4213 |
| More than 1 year and up to 5 years/ Multiple Entry | ฿ 6800 | ฿ 102 | ฿ 11 | ฿ 6913 |
- Other nationals may refer to the attached PDF for details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the maximum validity of a Research Visa?
The visa can be granted for up to 3 years or the duration of the research project, whichever is shorter. - Can I extend my Research Visa?
In most cases, the visa is not extendable. Any extension must be justified and approved by the concerned Indian authorities. - Do I need FRRO registration?
Yes, if your visa is for more than 180 days, FRRO/FRO registration within 14 days of arrival is mandatory. - Can I pursue a Ph.D. on this visa?
Yes, if you are conducting independent or collaborative doctoral research with a recognized Indian institution. - What kind of institutions can sponsor a Research Visa?
- Government-approved universities
- Accredited colleges and research institutes
- Think tanks, museums, archives, and field research organizations
- Is this visa suitable for field research like anthropology or botany?
Yes, but you may require prior approval or a special permit if working in sensitive or restricted areas. - Can I convert this visa into a work or employment visa?
No. The Research Visa is non-convertible to any other visa category during your stay in India. - Do I need security clearance for my research?
Only for projects in sensitive areas or subjects. The Indian Embassy/Consulate may advise you to seek prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs. - Where can I apply for a Research Visa?
You must apply through the DU Digital Global Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) assigned to your jurisdiction. Prior appointment is mandatory.
