F.A.Q relating to Research Visa

F.A.Q relating to Research Visa

1. Who is the competent authority to issue Research Visa? 

i) All Indian Missions/Posts abroad have been delegated powers to issue Research visa

ii) Local FRRO/FRO is competent to convert Student ‘S’ visa into Research ‘R’ visa  (except prior reference cases) subject to furnishing of documentary proof of admission in a research programme and of adequate financial resources.  In such cases, the conversion from ‘S’ into ‘R’ will be allowed only if the foreigners has pursued a regular three years degree course/Post Graduate course from a recognised University.

2. What Information/documents  are required to be furnished alongwith  the applicant in the prescribed application form ? 

a) Subject/topic of the research project.
b) Details of places to be visited in India during the project period.
c) Details of previous visits to India.
d) Letter of admission and Certificate of Affiliation in original from the recognised Indian University/Institution in token of having secured admission for the research purpose.

e) Evidence of financial resources to meet the expenses to meet the stay in India.
f) In case the research proposal  relates to the applicant’s own country a brief synopsis (150 words) and justification for doing research in India should also be submitted alongwith the application.
g) No columns in the application form must be left blank by the applicant.

3. What is the duration of the Research visa ? 
 Visa will be issued for a period of three years or for the duration of the research project whichever is earlier.  The total period of the visa will be restricted to the duration  of the project approved by the University/Institute of affiliation or five years which ever is less. If required extension for an additional period of not more than 06 months as the last & final extension even after the completion of the project may be
given to enable the research scholar  to complete the final formalities of the research project.

4. Who is the competent authority for Extension of the visa? 

       FRRO/FRO are competent to extend Research Visa of foreign research scholars staying in India subject to the production of :-

i) Valid Research Visa.
ii) Bonafide Certificate from the University/Institute of affiliation about his/her pursuing the research project
indicating the duration of the research project.
iii) Evidence of financial resources to meet the expenses for stay of the foreigner and for the Research work.

5. Whether OCI/PIO Card holders can carry out Research work?      
      OCI/PIO Card does not entitle the  card holder to do research work in India without special permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.  OCI/PIO card holders can carry out research in India after taking special permission from Ministry of Home Affairs.

Source: http://mha.nic.in/pdfs/FAQs-ResearchVisa.pdf