Pursuing internships programs in India have always fascinated many foreign students from across the world. The extensive and diverse internship opportunities in India offer an exciting and profound learning experience. In the recent times, with the aim to foster international education and trade, the Indian government is taking steps to simplify the immigration process.
Earlier it was imperative for the foreigners to obtain an Employment visa or Business visa (depending upon the case) for pursuing internship in India, but since the 1st April 2017 the procedure for internship has been simplified. Interested foreigners can easily apply for internship visa provided they meet the set conditions. The internship visa is the new addition to the group of Indian visas, especially designed to help foreigners intending to pursue internships in educational institutes, corporations and even NGOs.
The validity of the internship visa is restricted to one year or estimated duration of the internship program, whichever is less.
Conditions of the internship visa for India
The internship visa is granted after the completion of graduation/post-graduation. There should not be more than one year's time gap between the completion of your course and the commencement of the internship program. If you are still studying, not planning to start an internship within one year of your graduation or have been employed even for a short period of time, then you cannot apply for an internship visa.
In case the internship program is more than 180 days, then you are required to get registered with the Foreigner's Registration Office within 14 days of arrival. The intern will have the provision of single/double and even multiple entry visa during the stated time period. The internship visa cannot be extended or converted into any other visa.
There is certain fixed minimum remuneration that an intern should be receiving from the sponsored company in order to be eligible for the intern visa. Corporate internships have a minimum annual salary cap of INR 780,000. However, foreign nationals pursuing internships in educational institutions and NGOs are exempted from the minimum salary requirement. Any income earned during the internship will be subjected to income tax regulations. If the company sponsoring your internship visa does not offer you the minimum required salary, then you cannot apply for intern visa. Instead, you may apply for an employment visa or business visa.
A quota of 50 Intern Visas per year has been fixed for each Indian Mission. In countries where the population of foreign nationals of Indian origin is more than 1 million, the quota has been capped at 100 visas per year. There are some countries that have not yet adopted the internship visa like Russia, Egypt and Spain.
Procedure
The very first step you need to take is to find an internship program available online. There are several websites and social networks that can help you find internship programs. You can also send spontaneous internship applications to large international and multinational companies operating across India. You can find a list of such companies in yellow pages or with foreign Chambers of Commerce in the country.
It is important to note that you must be in possession of an internship agreement signed between your university and the company that is offering you the internship program. Do not hesitate to seek help from your university during your internship search.
Once you have your internship offer with a company, educational institute or NGO, you will need to apply for the internship visa. This can be done online.
You will be required to submit the following documents for applying the visa:
- A letter from the company, institute or NGO that will be sponsoring your internship. The letter should include the period of internship.
- A letter from your home institution and a financial guarantee from your parent or bank.
- A resident proof of your home country.
Once the application form is submitted, you will need to provide a physical copy of application form and your passport at the respective Indian Visa Application Center. You can also submit the same to the Indian mission office on the scheduled date of interview. Make sure you carry all the documents including the aforesaid documents. You can check the status of visa online.
To complete your visa application you will be required to upload your digital photo. There are certain requirements that need to be met for your photo to be successfully accepted.
The visa fees may vary depending upon different factors. So, make sure you find out the exact amount at the time of application.
After the receipt of the application, it takes minimum of 3 to 5 working days to process the visa. However, the time it takes to be issued may vary depending upon the nationality of the applicant.
Useful links:
Indian Visa Online - Online visa application
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