To obtain a visa to India, you must complete the following documents:

1. Application Forms:
   You must complete the application online. After the application has been completed, you must print and sign the application. This form is bar coded and will store your information securely for faster processing.
   
   Handwritten forms or downloaded fillable forms are NOT acceptable.
   
   Name and other relevant information should be filled in as per details in the passport in expanded form.
   
   Incomplete or illegible applications will not be processed.
   
   Special application forms for certain Nationals:
   Pakistan: Fill out  Special Visa Application Form. Submit 4 copies.
   Bangladesh: Fill out  Special Visa Application Form. Submit 2 copies.
   
   
2. Passports:
   Passports must have a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of application with at least two blank visa pages. The last two amendment pages are not acceptable. You must submit an original passport, not a copy.
   
   
3. Photographs:
   Two recent identical passport-size photographs (black/white or color) depicting front pose against a light background.
   More details
   
   Exception: Citizens of Pakistan must submit 4 photos.
   
   
4. Supporting documents:
   
   • Transit Visa:
     None
     
     
   • Business Visa:
     Sponsor Letter: A letter from the sponsoring organization indicating nature of applicant's business, probable duration of stay, validity of visa, places and organizations to be visited, as well as a guarantee to meet maintenance expenses, etc.
     
     
   • Conference Visa:
     Invitation Letter: Letters of invitation from the organizer of the conference in India, as well as the organization in the USA that nominated the applicant to attend the conference.
     
     
   • Employment Visa:
     Appointment Letter: An employment appointment letter.
     
     Contract Letter: An employment contract letter.
     
     Resume: The applicant's resume.
     
     Organization Registration: Proof that the organization is registered in India.
     
     
   • Entry Visa:
     Generally none.
     Exception: Members of the family of a person employed in India are also eligible for entry visa. In these cases, documents establishing the employment of the spouse along with a copy of his/her employment visa must be attached.
     
   • Journalist Visa:
     None.
     
     
   • Missionary Visa:
     Sponsor Letter: Three copies of the letter from the sponsoring organization indicating intended destination in India, expected length of stay, and nature of work to be discharged should be attached along with a guarantee for applicant's maintenance while in India.
     
     
   • Research Visa:
     Department of Education Approval: Approval of Ministry of Human Resources Development (Department of Education), New Delhi, should accompany the visa application.
     
     
   • Student Visa:
     Admission Letter: A letter confirming admission from a recognized institution along with evidence of financial arrangements for stay in India.
     
     Medical or Paramedical Courses: In cases of admission in medical or paramedical courses in India, a letter of approval or a no objection certificate from the Ministry of Health, Government of India, is required.
     
     Engineering/Technical Graduate Courses: For admission to graduate (bachelor's) or post-graduate (master's) courses in engineering/technical institutions in India, a letter of approval or a no objection certificate from the Ministry of Human Resources Development (Department of Education) is required.
     
     
   • Transfer of Visa:
     Old Passport: The old passport with the Indian visa. Must be the original passport, not a copy.
     
     
   • Transit Visa:
     Airline Ticket: Confirmed airline ticket for onward journey.
     Valid Visa: Valid visa for final destination.
   
   
5. Fees
   
   
6. Persons of Indian Origin:
   Persons of Indian origin applying for a visa for the FIRST time on a US passport must submit their Indian passport and a completed Renunciation Form along with the application form for cancellation and return. The second page of the form needs to be filled out and signed by anyone other than the applicant and then it needs to be notarized.
   
   
7. Proof of Address:
   A photocopy of proof of residence/address. Photocopy of driver's license or utility bill is acceptable. For minor children, a parent's or guardian's proof of address may be submitted instead.
   
   
8. Additional Requirements for Non-US Citizens:
   
   • Applicants who are not US citizens, but hold long term US visa or green card, should submit a copy of the visa or the green card.
     
     
   • Applicants who are not citizens/residents of the USA and hold a tourist or other short-term USA visa should normally apply for Indian visas in the country of their permanent residence. In case of emergency or special circumstances, an application can be made at the Indian Embassy/Consulate in USA. In addition to the relevant visa fee, there is a reference fee of $20.00 for reference to be made to the country of their original residence. The processing time in such cases is usually 5-7 working days.