•  Visa Categories 

Overview of Visa Types

For detailed information on all Visa Types, Eligibility Criteria, Document Checklist, Fees, and Processing Time, please visit: VFS Global Website (www.vfsglobal.com/India/UK) 

1) Business Visa - (i) B-1 is issued for all business activities and (ii) B-2 for sports persons/coaches on contract.  Note: International sports events require clearances from Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Ministry of External Affairs. (iii) B-3 for those participating in cultural/ commercial performances or concerts. (iv) B-5 Conference Visa is granted for international conferences, seminars, or workshops. Prior MHA clearance is required for participants from specific countries (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Sudan, etc.) or for visits to Protected / Restricted areas. (v) B-6 Film Visa is issued for cast and crew shooting feature films, TV shows, or web series. Approval must first be obtained from the Film Facilitation Office (FFO) via www.ffo.gov.in.

Family members of B-1 and B-2 can apply for Family visas.

2) Miscellaneous Visa - (i) X-1 For Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), foreign spouses/children of Indian citizens/OCI holders. (ii) X-2 For those joining approved organizations like Auroville Foundation or Missionaries of Charity. (iii) X-Misc. For purposes not covered by any other visa category.

3) Work Visa - (i) E-1 For highly skilled professionals with a gross salary exceeding Rs. 16.25 lakhs per annum (exemptions apply to ethnic cooks, language teachers, artists, and sports coaches). (ii) E-2 For Employment with NGOs. (iii) E-3 is issued to Missionary/ Religious worker of approved organizations not involving preaching. Family members are granted Family visas. 

4) Journalist Visa - (i) J-1 For journalists accredited in India and to journalists visiting India for any purpose, including tourism and conferences. (ii) J-2 For shooting of advertisement/ documentary films etc.  Documentary filming requires prior authorization from the Indian Government. Press Office Contact: First Secretary (Press & Information), High Commission of India, Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA.

5) Medical Visa - (i) M-1 Individuals seeking treatment in recognized specialized hospitals in India. (ii) M-2 Attendants of M-1. (iii) M-3 Foreign nationals coming for treatment under Ayush systems. (iv) M-4 Attendants of M-3 

6) Student Visa - For school education and full-time courses in recognized institutions. Includes research scholars and those under the Study in India (SII) program. Study in India (SII): All foreign students must register at studyinindia.gov.in to generate a unique SII-ID before applying for the visa.

7) Transit Visa- For travelling through India to a destination outside India. Valid for 15 days from issue for a single journey. Not required if staying within the airport precincts during direct transit.

8) Tourist Visa (i) T-1 is issued for recreation, sightseeing, or casual visits to friends/relatives. Non-extendable and non-convertible. (ii) T-2 is Mountaineering Visa and applicant must contact the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, C/O Ministry of Defense, New Delhi.

9) Visa to Afghan Nationals Special category: e-Emergency X-Misc. Visa. All previous physical visas stand invalidated. Applicants must register with FRRO/FRO within 7 days of arrival.

10) Visa for Diplomatic / Official / UN Passport holders. Applications are accepted directly at the Consulate General of India, Birmingham (10:00 - 12:30 hrs) without appointment. Requires an Official Note Verbale.