A Complete Guide to Work Visa in India – Steps to Apply

work permit visa — (source: immigration-residency)

In the current world, cross-border travelling for work has become a common trend. It enables people to explore new opportunities and get exposed to various working conditions worldwide. However, individuals must possess a work permit visa to travel across different parts of India for employment purposes.

Are you wondering how to secure a work visa in India? Find out all about it in this article.

What Is a Work Visa?

There is still confusion regarding what a work visa is. It is a form of visa mandatory for individuals planning to move to India for work purposes. Usually, it is temporary, but the owner can renew it with valid reasons and evidence. Its duration depends on the amount of work or contract period you have in a foreign country. Sometimes, work permit visas allow individuals to gain residence status in India after a considerable period.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Getting a Work Visa in India?

Before starting the application process for a work visa, you must find out if you are eligible for it. The following are the eligibility conditions that individuals must meet for visa approval in India.

Applicants need to show evidence of financial stability to support their stay.
They should not have any criminal records.
Certificates of good health will also be required.
Applicants must not take any other job during this period apart from the one they mention in the application.
They must be willing to return once the visa expires.

How to Apply for a Work Visa in India?

apply for work permit visa — (source: tripsavvy)

The process is similar to applying for a regular visa. First, you need to check the eligibility, gather all the required documents and start applying from the official immigration website of the concerned country.

The following section lists the steps to apply for a work visa.

Step 1: Visit the official website of Indian Visa Online. Click on “For Regular / Paper visa by Indian Mission / Post, Apply here”.

Step 2: It will redirect you to a new page. Scroll down and click on “Instructions for Regular Visa Application” before starting the application.

Step 3: Return to the previous page and click on “REGULAR/PAPER VISA APPLICATION”. Fill out this online form carefully.

Step 4: Enter and upload all details and documents. Finally, pay the processing fee and click on the final submit button.

If you cannot apply for a work visa online, you can go for the offline method. For this, download the visa form and take a printout. Then, fill out the form and submit it along with the documents and fees to the concerned immigration office.

What Are the Documents Required for a Work Visa in India?

Before starting the application procedure, you must be aware of the requirement of a work visa in India. The following documents must be handy and presented as per requirements while getting a work permit visa.

Passport
Driver’s licence
Photographs
Copies of academic qualifications and mark sheets
Employment certificate
Work experience evidence
Reference letter from the employer in the concerned country
Signed contract (if any)

What Is the Processing Time and Fees to Apply for Work Visa in India?

The process of applying for a work visa is not simple. The processing time for a work visa can be a long one. Therefore, applicants are advised to apply at least 120 days before their expected arrival date in India. On the other hand, the application fee is about ₹ 15104.94 for a US citizen. Applicants from other nationalities must pay ₹ 11801.51 as the cost of a work visa for a one-year stay.

What Are the Reasons for Denial of a Work Visa?

Now that you know how to obtain a work visa, you must try your best to receive approval for the application. However, some silly mistakes can cause rejection. The following points will give you an idea of the common reasons a work visa can be denied. It will also help you avoid making these mistakes.

Data mismatch: Immigration experts are likely to investigate your case and verify your documents. If they find any data mismatch in your application, they might deny your work visa. Therefore, you need to be careful while gathering and submitting your documents. You should enter the correct data while filling out your application form.
Insufficient evidence for stay: Applicants must provide sufficient proof to show their purpose for visiting the country. This includes proof of employment or a signed contract. If they cannot provide these, the immigration experts will reject their work permit visa applications.
Financial stability: Applicants have to prove that they will be able to take care of their financial needs while living and working in a foreign country. However, if the immigration experts feel a shortage of funds, they might reject such applications. Hence, you must have sufficient savings and no outstanding bills.
Criminal history: It is often difficult to secure a work visa with a stable criminal history. When immigration excerpts investigate, they might reject your application based on recent or severe criminal records. Thus, try to abide by the laws to avoid committing crimes.
Passport status and validity: A valid passport is mandatory for applicants hoping to secure a work permit visa. If your visa shows an expired validity, your application might be rejected. Hence, make sure to update your passport before applying.

Therefore, as this article observed, getting a work permit or visa is mandatory if you plan to move abroad to join new employment. You can extend it if your contract requires so. To get such a visa, you must meet the required eligibility conditions and produce the required documents to the immigration experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the validity of a work visa in India?

Work visas are temporary and are primarily approved for one year. However, one can extend the validity of a work visa to five years based on the employment requirements.

What is the difference between a work permit and a work visa?

A work permit only refers to an employment letter that your employer issues inviting you to work for them. On the other hand, a work visa is a document you need to travel across borders and work in a foreign country.