India Introduces New E-Student Visas for International Students

The new visa alternatives, ‘e-student visa’ and ‘e-student-x visa,’ are exclusively accessible to individuals applying through the government’s ‘Study in India’ portal. International students signed up on the SII portal can apply for the e-student visa. Furthermore, dependents of e-student visa holders are eligible to obtain an e-student-x visa.

This initiative aimed at simplifying and streamlining the admission process, requires that all visa applications be handled via the SII portal. To continue with a visa application, students need to obtain an admission offer from one of the SII partner schools first. The e-student visa is accessible to international students participating in full-time undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, or other official academic courses at accredited institutions in India.

These visas can be valid for as long as five years, based on the course duration, and may be extended if necessary. Visa holders are permitted to enter India via any immigration entry point.

Providing more than 8,000 courses across fields such as engineering, management, sciences, arts, law, paramedical sciences, and specialized areas like Yoga and Buddhist Studies, the portal serves as a centralized platform for admissions.

Applicants can apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in, where their SII ID will serve to verify their admission and visa applications.