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IMPACT – HIGH
What is the change? India has made sweeping changes to key visa programs, introducing new visa subcategories and instituting changed application procedures, registration rules and salary minimums.
What does the change mean? The changes will ease visa procedures for many applicants. While the subcategories will force some applicants to be more specific about their travel intentions, other changes will allow applicants to apply for visas in any country, obtain a short-term visa without cancelling a previously issued long-term visa, and make it easier for visa holders to travel shortly after arriving in India
Key information: India recently introduced new sub-categories for many visas, including Tourist Visas, Business Visas, Employment Visas, Intern Visas, Film Visas, Student Visas, Conference Visas and Entry Visas. Key subcategories for these visas are as follows:
Foreign nationals (other than Pakistani nationals) coming to India on any type of visa will be allowed to conduct activities that are permitted on Tourist Visas. Previously introduced e-visa subcategories for tourists, business travelers and medical visitors will also remain in place. Authorities recently stated that foreign nationals traveling to India on e-business visas may conduct any activity permitted under normal Business Visas. Visit this site for more information on the visa subcategories.
Authorities recently implemented other key changes, touching on:
BAL Analysis: Employers are encouraged to become familiar with the new visa subcategories and other changes. The changes were introduced in recent weeks and the interpretation and implementation at different embassies, consulates, high commissions, FRROs and FROs may vary. BAL is able to work with employers in determining which visa option is best for their employees and can help applicants through the application process.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in India. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2018 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? Applicants for United States visas in India may experience wait times of more than 30 days for visa interview appointments.
What does the change mean? The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi expects the increased wait times to continue for the next few months during the summer travel season. The embassy is encouraging individuals to apply early if they plan to travel to the U.S.
Background: According to the U.S. Embassy, the nonimmigrant visa workload in India is one of the largest in the world with more than 1 million visas processed a year, and the demand for visas to travel to the U.S. has increased by more than 60 percent in the last five years.
BAL Analysis: Visa applicants in India are encouraged to apply for U.S. visas as early as possible to factor in the increasing wait times during this peak period. Applicants are also reminded to avoid scams that promise faster processing times or guaranteed visas in exchange for a fee.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
What is the change? India has increased the availability of online services that eliminate the need for in-person visits available at Foreign Regional Registration Offices.
What does the change mean? The e-services (e-FRROs) are now available at FRROs in Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Cochin, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Puducherry and Thiruvananthapuram. They were previously only available in Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai.
Background: India’s e-FRRO service was launched in February in Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai. The online portal allows foreign residents to submit visa applications, registrations and extensions electronically. Users may pay online and receive their registration or visa extension at their address. Text messages and email alerts with status updates are also available through e-Services. When the program was launched, officials said they would expand it if it was successful. They have now done so, as described above.
BAL Analysis: The expansion of e-FRRO is a welcome development that will streamline services for a growing number of foreign residents.
What is the change? Visa applicants at the German Consulate in Bangalore are experiencing delays due to an increased number of visa applications.
What does the change mean? The German Consulate alerted applicants that wait times for visa appointments at the consulate could exceed four weeks. Currently, visa appointments appear to be booked through June. Visa applicants at the consulate should expect delays and plan accordingly.
BAL Analysis: Those in need of visa services should expect delays as described above. Applicants are encouraged to plan their travel well in advance to accommodate the extended wait times.
What is the change? The Indian government has expanded the list of activities that are allowed on e-business visas.
What does the change mean? Foreign nationals traveling to India on e-business visas may now conduct any activity permitted under normal business visas issued through a consulate.
Background: India introduced e-visa subcategories for tourists, business travelers and medical visits to its e-visa program in April 2017. Initially, e-business visas holders could only conduct a limited number of activities. That has changed, however, and e-business visas may now be used for any business activities traditionally allowed on normal business visas issued through a consulate.
India’s e-visa program is open to nationals of more than 150 countries and territories. The permissible duration of stay is 60 days, with double entry permitted on e-tourist and e-business visas and triple entry permitted on e-medical visas.
BAL Analysis: The change will make business travel to India easier, especially for those with urgent travel needs.
What is the change? India’s Bureau of Immigration is introducing online services that will eliminate the need for in-person visits to the Foreign Regional Registration Office for foreign nationals.
What does the change mean? On Monday, e-Services were launched by the Foreign Regional Registration Offices in Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai. If successful, the service is expected to be expanded to other locations.
Background: The online portal will allow foreign residents to submit visa applications, registrations and extensions electronically. They may pay online and receive their registration or visa extension at their address. Text messages and email alerts with status updates are also available through e-Services.
BAL Analysis: The e-Services are a welcome development that is intended to streamline services for foreign residents and to provide a “faceless, cashless and paperless” process.
What is the change? The government has extended the deadline for individuals to link Aadhar cards to their bank accounts to March 31. The original deadline was Dec. 31, 2017.
What does the change mean? Foreign residents who need banking services will need to obtain an Aadhar card and furnish the 12-digit biometric ID number on the card to their financial institution.
Background: In November, BAL reported that Indian financial institutions had begun linking customer’s bank accounts to Aadhar cards. A Dec. 31, 2017 deadline was set for linking accounts that were opened before Oct. 25, but the government said it decided to extend the deadline “after considering various representation received and inputs received from banks.”
A case in India’s Supreme Court alleges that the linking of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) number with bank accounts and mobile numbers is unconstitutional.
BAL Analysis: Foreign residents needing banking services should be aware of the extended deadline if they have not already linked their Aadhar card’s biometrics ID number to their bank accounts.
The Ministry of Tourism has issued an advisory reminding e-visa applicants to only apply for e-visas through the official Government of India website. The notice is in response to reports of false e-visa websites that compromise personal information and seek false payment for e-visa services.
Key points:
Background: India introduced visa subcategories for tourists, business travelers and medical visits to its e-visa program in April of 2017. While these changes may have made the e-visa program a more attractive option, travelers must be sure that their specific activities are permitted on the visa on which they are traveling. Those with any questions about their travel to India should contact their BAL attorney about what their best options are before traveling or applying for a visa.
BAL Analysis: Foreign nationals who believe they have been targeted by a scam should contact their BAL professional or the the Visa Support Centre at: 011-22560198, 011-22560199.
What is the change? Visa applicants at the Australian High Commission in India are experiencing delays due to high seasonal demand.
What does the change mean? Those submitting business and tourist or visa applications at the High Commission should expect delays and plan accordingly.
BAL Analysis: The delays at the Australian High Commission have been attributed to high seasonal demand and are expected to continue for the next two or three months. Those in need of visa services should expect delays as described above. The High Commission does not offer any type of expedited visa processing, so planning ahead is essential.
Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
What is the change? Applicants for Nigerian visas in India are now required to submit their applications in person and to enroll their biometric information. The Nigerian High Commission ordered the mandated biometric process Nov. 27.
What does the change mean? Applicants must now submit their visa applications in person and enroll their fingerprints and facial image at Online Integrated Solutions (OIS) centers in New Delhi and Mumbai. The change applies to all visa categories.
BAL Analysis: The new biometrics requirement adds another step to the application process for Nigerian visas submitted in India. Applicants should be sure to leave enough time in their schedules to book an appointment to submit their application in person and provide biometrics. Biometrics enrollment is a mandatory process to be completed when the visa application is submitted.
Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman& Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.