India has introduced two new visa categories designed to simplify the process for international students and their families. These visas aim to strengthen the Study in India (SII) program and attract more foreign students to pursue higher education in India.
The newly introduced e-student visa and e-student-x visa are part of efforts to streamline the enrollment process for students seeking education in India. These visas will help foreign students navigate the process more easily, starting with registration on the SII portal.
Details of the New Visa Categories
The e-student visa is available for foreign students who are registered on the SII portal. This portal serves as the main platform for students wishing to study in India. After registration, students will receive an SII ID and can use this to apply for their visa on the official Indian visa website (indianvisaonline.gov.in).
The e-student-x visa is specifically for the dependents of e-student visa holders.
To be eligible for these visas, international students must have an offer of admission from an Indian university. The SII program offers more than 8,000 courses across various fields, including administration, engineering, sciences, arts, and specialized areas such as Buddhist studies and yoga. These courses are available at the certification, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.
e-Visa Sub-Categories
In addition to the e-student visa, India also offers three sub-categories of e-visa:
e-Tourist Visa: For recreation, sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, and attending short-term yoga programs.
e-Business Visa: For business-related activities typically permitted under a regular business visa.
e-Medical Visa: For medical treatment, including those under traditional Indian medicine systems.
These e-visa categories provide a more efficient application process for international visitors and students, although certain restrictions apply to individuals with certain heritage or travel document types.
Conclusion
The introduction of the e-student visa and e-student-x visa is a significant step in making India a more attractive destination for international students. By simplifying the visa process, India hopes to draw more students from across the world to its academic institutions.
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