India introduces special e-Visas for international students

India has launched two exclusive e-visas, the e-student visa and the e-student-x visa, to facilitate international students seeking higher education in the country.

These visas, introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, streamline the application process through the Study in India portal, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Education.

The e-student visa is available to eligible foreign students who register on the SII portal and gain admission to recognised Indian educational institutions.

The e-student-x visa caters to the dependents of e-student visa holders, ensuring family members can accompany students during their stay in India.

The SII portal simplifies the admission process for international students, offering a wide range of over 8,000 courses across 600+ partner institutions.

Students can explore disciplines like engineering, management, sciences, arts, Buddhist studies, and yoga at undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and certificate levels.

Applicants must first register on the SII portal to receive a unique SII ID, a mandatory requirement for tracking admissions, visas, and other processes.

Admission applications are submitted directly through the portal, followed by a visa application via the official visa website. Only students with an SII ID can proceed with the application.

The e-student visa is issued to students admitted to full-time undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD programs at institutions recognised by statutory bodies in India.

These visas are valid for up to five years, with extensions available. Additionally, visa holders can enter India through any immigration port.

The streamlined system allows students to select courses and institutions based on their interests.

Registration involves providing basic information and making the onboarding process user-friendly and accessible.

This initiative reflects India’s commitment to attracting international talent. In addition, it also aims to offer world-class education and promote cultural exchange through academic opportunities.

Prospective students can begin their journey by visiting the SII portal and registering today.

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Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:India_e-Tourist_Visa_Entry_Stamp.jpg