How to Get X Visa Extension in India?

What is an X Visa?

X Visa, also referred to as an entry visa, is a type of visa granted by the Government of India. It is designed for specific categories of individuals who meet the eligibility criteria set by the government.

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X Visa Eligibility

The following are the main eligibility criteria for obtaining an X visa: 

  1. Spouses or Children of a Foreigner of Indian Origin: This category includes individuals who are married to or children of a foreign national of Indian origin. They are eligible to apply for the India X visa to visit India. 
  2. Persons of Indian Origin: Individuals who have Indian ancestry or have Indian roots but hold foreign citizenship can apply for an India X visa. This category is suitable for those who wish to visit India for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or other purposes. 
  1. Dependents of Foreigners: Dependents of foreigners who are visiting India on various visa types such as business, student, research, or employment visas can also apply for an India X visa. This allows them to accompany the primary visa holder during their stay in India. 

It's important to note that holders of the India X visa are not permitted to engage in any employment activities while in India. The visa is solely for the purpose of visiting, tourism, or accompanying a primary visa holder. 

India X Visa Types

  1. X-1 Visa: This visa is granted to Persons of Indian Origin who do not possess an OCI card. It allows a stay of up to five years with multiple entries. 
  2. X-2 Visa: Spouses and children of Indian citizens or PIO/OCI cardholders (excluding registered OCI cardholders) can obtain this visa. It has a validity of up to five years with multiple entries. 
  1. X-3 Visa: This visa is issued to foreign nationals joining specific organizations. It includes: 
  • Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry: Valid for one year with multiple entries. 
  • Auroville Foundation: Valid for five years with three entries (long duration visa), one year with three entries (short duration visa), or three months with a single entry (short duration visa for volunteers).    
  • Missionaries of Charity, Kolkata: Multiple-entry visa granted for an appropriate duration. 
  • Temples for spiritual training: Multiple-entry visa granted for an appropriate duration. 
  • Buddhist Monasteries and organizations: Valid for one year with multiple entries. 
  1. X-4 Visa: Foreign nationals who own property in India can apply for this visa, which allows multiple entries and has a validity of one year. 
  2. X-5 Visa: Diplomats and officials on personal visits to India are eligible for this visa. The duration of the visa depends on the purpose of the visit. 
  3. X-5D Visa: Dependents of diplomats and officials assigned to India (including those in the UN and non-UN international organizations) can obtain this visa. The validity is determined based on the individual circumstances. 
  4. X-SP Visa: Participants in international sports events and their accompanying officials (excluding those engaged in commercial sports events in India with remuneration) can apply for this visa. The duration is based on the event and purpose of visit. 
  1. X-Misc Visa: If the purpose of visit does not fit any specific visa category, foreign nationals can apply for an X-Misc visa. This is a single-entry visa granted for an appropriate duration. 

How to Apply for X Visa

To apply for an India X visa, please follow these steps: 

Step 1: Fill out the application form for each applicant separately, providing all the requested details. 

Step 2: From the Visa Type dropdown, select ‘Entry Visa’ and submit the form. 

Step 3: Make note of the generated application ID, as it will be used for future communications. 

Step 4: If you prefer to book your appointment online, select ‘Yes’ when prompted and choose a date and time slot at the relevant Indian mission. Confirm your appointment. 

Step 5: If online appointment booking is not available or you prefer to book in person, visit the Indian mission in person and submit a printed copy of the completed application form along with the required supporting documents. 

Step 6: If an e-payment option is available, the system will calculate the visa fee, service charge, etc., and proceed with the electronic payment. 

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Guidelines for X Visa Holders in India

The Government of India has come up with a number of details all foreign visitors on X Visa need know about. Here are a few important pointers:

  • To begin with, foreigners visiting India on long term (X) visa need not register themselves with Foreign Regional Registration Offices (FRRO)/ Foreign Registration Office (FRO) as long as their visit does not exceed more than 180 days on a single visit. However, if they intend to stay in the country for more than 180 days, they should get themselves registered in one of the two aforementioned offices before the expiry of the 180 days.
  • Foreigners visiting the country need to follow the Special Endorsement made on the visa by the Indian mission.
  • At the time of registration, every foreigner need to provide all the information asked for by the officer. Provided the information is satisfactory, they will receive a certificate of registration in Part III of Form A.
  • Registration facilities are only available at the FRROs or FROs (District Superintendents of Police).
  • A applicant is required to be physically present if they are looking to get registered or solve any visa related issues.

 X Visa Validity

The validity of an X entry visa extension in India is typically granted on a yearly basis, with a maximum extension period of up to five years. If an individual desires to extend the visa beyond the initial five-year period, they must submit a proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The MHA will review the proposal, and if approved, the extension can be granted. It's important to note that the approval of the extension is subject to the discretion of the MH 

What are the Documents Required for an X Visa Extension?

  • Duly filled visa extension form: The application form for the visa extension must be completed accurately and signed by the applicant.  
  • Original passport: The original passport containing the current X entry visa and other relevant immigration stamps should be submitted.  
  • Copy of passport/VISA/registration certificate: Copies of the passport pages containing personal information, the current visa, and the registration certificate (if applicable) should be provided.  
  • Proof of residence: Documents proving the applicant's residential address in India must be provided. This can include a notarized copy of the lease or rent agreement, a copy of the C-Form from the hotel (if staying in a hotel), or a recent electricity/telephone bill accompanied by a letter from the landlord.  
  • Recent passport-size photographs: Recent, colored passport-size photographs of the applicant should be included.  
  • Copy of marriage certificate and Indemnity Bond: If applicable, a copy of the marriage certificate and an Indemnity Bond may be required to verify the relationship status of the applicant.  
  • Copy of birth certificate with a copy of either parent's Indian passport: In the case of dependent children, a copy of the birth certificate along with a copy of either parent's Indian passport needs to be submitted.  

It's important to note that additional documents may be required based on the specific circumstances of the applicant. It is recommended to check with the relevant authorities or the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for the most up-to-date and accurate list of documents required for the X entry visa extension in India. 

X Visa Extension Fees

The fees for an X visa extension in India can vary depending on the country from which the application is being made. It is advisable to visit the official website of the Indian embassy or consulate in your country or contact them directly to obtain the accurate and up-to-date information regarding the visa extension fees. The embassy or consulate will be able to provide you with the specific fee structure applicable to your country of application. 

X Visa Extension Process

The Indian X Visa Extension process through the FRRO (Foreign Regional Registration Office) or FRO (Foreign Registration Office) involves the following steps: 

Step 1: Determine the duration of stay: If your visit is within 180 days, no registration is required. For stays exceeding 180 days, proceed with the registration process. 

Step 2: Visit FRRO or FRO: Before 180 days, go to the nearest FRRO or FRO in India. 

Step 3: Complete registration form: Fill out the necessary visa extension form provided by the FRRO or FRO, providing accurate information. 

Step 4: Submit required documents: Along with the completed form, submit your original passport, copies of passport/visa/registration certificate, proof of residence, recent passport-size photographs, and any additional documents as specified. 

Step 5: Pay fees: Pay the applicable visa extension fees, which vary based on your country of application. Check the official website of the Indian embassy or consulate for accurate fee information. 

Step 6: Verification and processing: The FRRO or FRO will verify your documents and process your visa extension application, including background checks if necessary. 

Step 7: Certificate of registration: If approved, you will receive a certificate of registration (Part III of Form A) as proof of your extended visa. 

FAQs on X Visa

  • What activities can be undertaken by an X Visa holder?

    To begin with, an X Visa holder cannot conduct any form of business in India. However, the rule is slightly different in case of minors or dependent children of Indian origin, as such children are allowed to study till their 12th standard.

  • Is the Indian X visa also referred to as an Entry Visa?

    Yes, the Indian X visa is commonly known as an Entry Visa.

  • What is the maximum duration of stay on an X visa in India?

    A foreigner can stay up to 180 days on an X visa. For longer stays, registration with the FRRO or FRO is required. The X visa can be extended annually for up to five years, subject to approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

  • Who is eligible for an X visa to visit India?

    Spouses, dependents, and children of foreigners or persons of Indian origin are eligible for an X visa. 

  • Can an X Visa holder apply for employment?

    Under the statutes established by the Government of India, an X Visa holder can only indulge in travel and cannot apply for any form of employment. 

  • Who is eligible to convert their tourist visa to an X visa?

    Not all individuals with a tourist visa can convert it to an X visa. However, under specific circumstances, conversion may be possible. 

  • Can registration be done only at FRRO or FRO offices?

    Yes, registration can only be done at the FRRO or FRO offices. 

  • What is the usual turnaround time for processing an India X visa application?

    The typical processing time for an India X visa application is around 3 to 7 business days. 

  • Is physical presence necessary for registration?

    Yes, the applicant must be physically present for the registration process. 

  • Can an X Visa be provided for foreign parents of foreign students in India?

    No. For foreign parents of foreign students to visit India, they need to get a Tourist (T) visa, which will be valid for a period of 6 months. 

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