India · long-stay visa routes and official sources
3 routes tracked · last reviewed · every route links to its official government source
Long-term visa difficulty for India: Hard (62/100, lower is easier). Most practical route: Student / employment visa.
Common questions
What is the most practical long-term visa route to India?
Based on our July 2026 review, the most practical route is usually: Student / employment visa. Overall difficulty is rated "Hard" (62/100, lower is easier).
Can I move to India without a local job offer?
Yes — 1 of the 3 tracked routes do not require a local employer: Student visa. Each has its own income, funds, or admission requirements.
For university, technical training, or long programs.
Typical timeline / duration: 1-3 months
Obtain admission to a recognised Indian educational institution for a structured, full-time course or other programme eligible for a Student Visa.
Provide the admission letter stating the course and duration, valid passport, completed visa application, photograph, and any student undertaking or institutional documents requested by the Indian mission.
Show evidence of tuition, living funds, and accommodation or other financial support when requested for the programme and nationality.
Apply through the applicable Indian mission or official online visa channel and follow any registration or extension instructions issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office.
Usually needs skilled/specialist work and employer documents.
Typical timeline / duration: 2-5 months
Have an appointment or employment contract with an Indian company, organisation, industry, or undertaking for a qualifying professional role.
Show that the role requires a highly skilled or qualified professional; ordinary routine, clerical, or secretarial work is generally not eligible for an Employment Visa.
Provide the appointment document, employment terms, qualification and experience evidence, passport, visa application, and employer documents required by the Indian mission.
Apply for the visa before starting the employment and complete any registration or extension steps required by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office after arrival.
Not an employment visa, but useful for real business activity.
Typical timeline / duration: 1-3 months
Have a genuine business purpose in India, such as establishing or exploring a business venture, attending business activity, or making an eligible investment.
Provide company or invitation letters and documents proving the bona fide purpose, proposed activity, financial standing, and relevant business expertise.
Submit the passport, visa application, photographs, and any company-registration, project, investment, or host-organisation evidence requested by the Indian mission.
Keep the activities within the Business Visa conditions and complete FRRO/FRO registration or extension formalities when the stay or category requires them.
Visa rules change frequently. Figures and requirements above were reviewed on the dates shown; always confirm against the linked official source before applying.