Work Visa Requirements for India

Who Needs a Work Visa?

• Any individual who will be working in a country in which she does not hold citizenship will need a work visa. Work visas are also required by minors where a permit to work is required.

  In India, a work visa is needed by all foreigners entering the country. Nationals of Bhutan and Nepal do not need a work visa to enter India.

Stipulations of the Work Visa

• Possessing a work visa does not give that individual any rights beyond entering the country and remaining in India for purposes of employment.

  When the individual enters the country, the legitimacy of the work visa is still subject to permission of an immigration official.

Requirements

• Work visas in India are issued in two situations: to a skilled individual, or to an individual immigrating to India for a specific position within a company.

  Obtaining a work visa in India requires the following:

  A passport that is valid for at least 190 days.
  At least two blank pages in the passport.
  The correct amount of money for the visa fee.
  Two recent passport size photographs.
  An application form for the work visa.
  A signed letter from the Indian company inviting the individual to come for employment.

Exceptions

• Individuals possessing a Pakistani passport will experience some exceptions to requirements to obtaining a work visa in India. If you are a Pakistani national possessing a Pakistani passport you will also need to provide:

  Five sets of specific application forms, each with one identical photo.
  A notarized invitation from the Indian company with which you are to be employed.
  A copy of the employer's letter or a copy of the accountant's certificate if you are to be self-employed.

Other Exceptions

• An individual possessing a British passport of Pakistani origin will also experience some exceptions to requirements for individuals from Britain and individuals who hold a British passport of Pakistani origin:

  The general application form must be filled out.
  The individual must supply a copy of the employer's letter or a copy of the accountant's certificate if the individual is to be self-employed.
  Three months' bank statements must also be presented by an individual British passport holder of Pakistani origin.