Immigration Request Template for India

An Immigration Request is a formal application that foreign nationals submit to enter, work, or stay in India. This process typically involves filing documents with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or the Bureau of Immigration, depending on the type of visa and intended duration of stay.

These requests come in various forms - from business visas and employment permits to student visas and permanent residence applications. The Indian government requires specific supporting documents, including passport details, purpose of visit, financial proof, and sponsorship letters. Processing times vary based on the request type and local FRRO office workload.

File an Immigration Request when planning to enter India for work, study, business, or long-term stay. Common situations include accepting a job offer from an Indian company, enrolling in an Indian university, starting a business venture, or joining family members who reside in India.

The timing is crucial - submit your Immigration Request at least 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date. For employment visas, start the process as soon as you receive your job offer letter. Tech professionals heading to IT hubs like Bangalore or Hyderabad, medical practitioners, and international students must apply well in advance due to additional verification requirements.

• Entry Visa Request: Basic short-term entry permit for tourism, family visits, or conferences lasting up to 180 days
• Employment Visa Request: For skilled professionals with job offers from Indian companies, typically valid for 1-5 years
• Business Visa Request: Designed for entrepreneurs, investors, and business travelers engaging in trade activities
• Student Visa Request: Specifically for international students enrolled in recognized Indian educational institutions
• Research Visa Request: Required for scholars and scientists conducting research at Indian institutions, with enhanced security clearance

• Foreign Applicants: Submit Immigration Requests for entry, work, or study permits in India, providing required documentation and personal information
• Immigration Officers: Review and process requests at FRRO offices, verify documents, and make approval decisions
• Indian Employers: Sponsor employment visas, provide supporting documents, and ensure compliance with labor regulations
• Educational Institutions: Issue acceptance letters and assist international students with visa documentation
• Immigration Consultants: Guide applicants through the process, ensure proper documentation, and liaise with authorities

• Personal Documents: Gather valid passport, recent photographs, proof of residence, and financial statements
• Purpose Proof: Collect job offer letters, university admission documents, or business registration papers
• Supporting Evidence: Prepare travel itinerary, accommodation details, and invitation letters from Indian contacts
• Form Completion: Fill out the appropriate visa application form accurately, ensuring all mandatory fields are complete
• Document Translation: Get non-English documents translated by authorized translators with notarization
• Final Review: Double-check all details match across documents before submission to avoid processing delays

• Personal Information: Full legal name, date of birth, nationality, passport details with validity dates
• Purpose Declaration: Clear statement of visit purpose, intended duration, and specific activities in India
• Contact Details: Current address, Indian reference contact, and local accommodation information
• Financial Declaration: Proof of sufficient funds, sponsorship details, or employment terms
• Background Information: Previous visits to India, visa rejections, and criminal record disclosure
• Compliance Statement: Declaration of adherence to Indian immigration laws and visa conditions

An Immigration Request differs significantly from an Immigration Form in several key aspects. While both documents relate to immigration processes, they serve distinct purposes in India's legal framework.

• Purpose and Timing: An Immigration Request initiates the visa application process, serving as the formal expression of intent to enter India. An Immigration Form, however, is completed after arrival for registration with local authorities.
• Legal Status: Immigration Requests are preliminary documents that start the approval process, while Immigration Forms are mandatory compliance documents that maintain legal residency status.
• Processing Authority: Requests typically go through Indian missions abroad or the Ministry of External Affairs, while Forms are handled by local FRRO offices within India.
• Documentation Requirements: Requests need extensive supporting documents proving eligibility, while Forms focus on current residence and activity details in India.