India - Business - 5 Year Service: Visa Requirements

1. Valid Passport

Provide your SIGNED passport. Your passport must be signed on the appropriate line. (For US citizens the line is located on the page following your information page). The passport must be valid with an expiration date greater than six (6) months from the date of entry for the visa you are applying for. Passport must have sufficient blank pages (at least 2 pages) for any visa stamps. These pages must say VISAS at the top of the page.  

If your passport does not meet the requirements, we can assist with renewing a US Passport or obtain a new US Passport from us prior to obtaining the visa.

(Important Note:  Keep a copy of your passport biographical information page for your records)

1. Completed India Visa Application

The Consulate of India requires that the visa application is completed online.  Click here to complete the Indian Visa Application Online.

Begin, by clicking the orange button labeled "Regular Visa Application" located at the top left of the webpage.

A successfully completed application must:

• display your name, date of birth, passport number, issue date and expiration date EXACTLY as displayed on your passport.
• Include answere to all questions/fields.
• Be signed in TWO places (on the first page under the photo AND on the second page).  Both signatures must match the signature in yoru passport.
• Be printed on single-sided sheets of paper.
• have all dates used in the DD/MM/YYYY format.

1. Two Passport-style Photographs

You must provide 2 passport photos. These passport photos must match the requirements of a standard US passport photo. They must be taken at an official passport photo provider (pharmacy, Costco, post office) and should not be taken and printed via a home photo printer. 

US Passport Photo Requirements:

- Your head must face the camera directly with full face in view.

- You must have a neutral facial expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open.

- Taken in clothing normally worn on a daily basis

- Taken in the last 6 months

- Use a plain white or off-white background

- Be sized correctly

• 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) 
• Head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 - 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head

- Printed in color on matte or glossy photo quality paper

- You cannot wear glasses.

• If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with application.

- You cannot wear a hat or head covering.

• If you wear a hat or head covering for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that verifies that the hat or head covering in your photo is part of recognized, traditional religious attire that is customarily or required to be worn continuously in public.
• If you wear a hat or head covering for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor's statement verifying the hat or head covering in your photo is used daily for medical purposes.
• Your full face must be visible and your hat or head covering cannot obscure your hairline or cast shadows on your face.

- You cannot wear headphones or wireless hands-free devices.

1. Sponsor Letter from Organization in India

Submit a letter from the sponsoring organization in India on company letterhead addressed to the "Consulate of India" indicating the nature of the applicant’s business, probable duration of stay, state of validity, visa applied for (1 year or 5 Year), places and organizations to be visited as well as a guarantee to meet maintenance expenses.

A scanned or faxed copy of the letter is acceptable.

1. Proof of Residence

Submit proof of your current residency (address) which exactly matches the present address listed on the Indian visa application.  Submit ONE of the following items:

• Clear copy of your state issued driver’s license
• Copy of state issued ID card
• Copy of major utility bill

1. Business Cover Letter

Submit a letter from the parent sponsoring organization in the United States on company letterhead indicating the nature of the applicants business, probable duration of stay, state the validity of the visa applied for (1 Year or 5 Year) places and organizations to be visited, and also a guarantee to make maintenance expenses.

1. Business Certificate of Incorporation

A copy of the inviting Indian company’s Certificate of Incorporation is required. A sample Certificate of Incorporation may be viewed HERE.

1. For Applicants of Indian/Bangladeshi/Ski Lankan Origin

Former Indian Citizen
The Indian government requires proof of renunciation of Indian citizenship; meaning, Indian nationals who obtain citizenship in another country must surrender their Indian citizenship prior to obtaining an Indian visa. Find out more about the required procedure for Renunciation of Indian Citizenship

Former Bangladesh Citizens
The Indian Government will require you to complete this Bangladesh Additional Form.

Former Sri Lanka Citizens. 
The Indian Government will require you to complete this Sri Lanka Additional Form.

1. Additional Particulars Form

Provide a signed and completed Additional Particular Form. India Additional Particular Form

1. Cox and Kings Disclaimer

Provide a signed and completed Cox and Kings Disclaimer Form. CKGS Disclaimer Form

2.1 Consular and Service Fees

India visa fees are as below :

3.1 Place the above documents in an Overnight Envelope

Enclose the documents from Section 1 (Gather Documents for your India  Visa) and a print out of your order confirmation in an Overnight Envelope (Fedex, UPS, etc).

3.2 Send the Application Materials to Us

Please Note: If you paid for an inbound shipping service your account manager will contact you to provide a FedEx shipping label via email to send us your completed application. 

Send the Overnight Envelope (Fedex, UPS, etc) to us at :