India introduces two special visas for international students – the ‘e-student visa’ and ‘e-student-x visa.’ Learn how to apply through the SII portal and start your education journey in India.
India Introduces Two New Visa Options for International Students
India has introduced two special visa options for international students: the ‘e-student visa’ and the ‘e-student-x visa’. These visas, launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), are designed to simplify the visa application process for students looking to pursue higher education in India.
The e-student visa is aimed at eligible foreign students, while the e-student-x visa is specifically for their dependents. To apply for these visas, students and their families must use the Study in India (SII) portal, which is the central platform for admission to higher education institutions across the country.
How to Apply for the e-Student Visa and e-Student-X Visa?
Applying for the e-student visa or e-student-x visa begins on the Study in India portal. Students need to first register on the portal, providing essential information such as name, country of origin, date of birth, email, and phone number. Once registered, students will receive a unique SII ID, which will be used to track their application status and manage the entire admission and visa process.
Steps to Apply for an e-Student Visa:
- Register on the SII Portal: Create an account by filling in personal details and selecting your desired course.
- Receive Admission Offer: After selecting a course, wait for an admission offer from one of the partner institutions listed on the SII portal.
- Apply for the e-Student Visa: Once you receive the offer, use your SII ID to apply for the e-student visa through the official visa application website.
- Visa Approval: The visa will be issued for up to five years, depending on the course duration, and can be extended once in India.
How to Apply for the e-Student-X Visa (For Dependents):
The e-student-x visa is available for dependents of those holding the e-student visa. To apply, dependents must also use the SII portal, linked to the primary applicant’s visa application. They will need to provide necessary documents and confirm their relationship to the main applicant.
Benefits of the e-Student Visa Program
The e-student visa allows foreign students to study in India at top educational institutions across various fields, such as engineering, technology, medicine, arts, and more. Students enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD programs at recognized Indian institutions are eligible for this visa. The visa is valid for the duration of the course and can be extended.
Moreover, the SII program partners with over 600 institutes across India, offering more than 8,000 courses in diverse disciplines. This broad range of options ensures that international students have ample opportunities to find courses that suit their academic and career aspirations.
Explore Diverse Academic Opportunities in India
India’s Study in India (SII) program provides international students access to a wealth of high-quality educational options in top institutions. Students can pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various fields such as engineering, technology, management, law, and Buddhist Studies, among others.
Students applying through the SII portal can explore various courses and apply directly to their chosen institutions. This streamlined process allows students to quickly move through the application steps without any hassle.
The launch of the e-student visa and e-student-x visa marks a significant step towards simplifying the visa application process for international students. By leveraging the Study in India portal, students can easily apply for higher education opportunities in India, while also bringing along their dependents under the new e-student-x visa. With a wide array of academic programs available, these visa options are an excellent opportunity for students seeking quality education in one of the world’s most diverse and vibrant educational landscapes.
