For highly skilled and qualified foreign professionals taking up employment in India. Requires a minimum salary of Rs 16.25 lakhs per annum (approx. USD 25,000). Not available for routine or clerical jobs, nor to Pakistani nationals.
Highly skilled and/or qualified professionals only. NOT for jobs for which qualified Indians are available. NOT for routine, ordinary, or secretarial/clerical jobs.
✅ Who Can Apply
Highly skilled and qualified professionals. Specific salary threshold applies.
❌ Not Eligible
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Min. Salary (General) | Rs 16.25 lakhs/year (~USD 25,000) |
| Min. Salary (IIT/IIM Faculty) | Rs 9.10 lakhs/year |
| IT Sector Duration | Up to 3 years or term of assignment |
| Other Employment | Up to 2 years or term of assignment |
| Extendable | Yes — up to 5 years total (year-to-year) |
| Change of Employer | Not permitted (exceptions for holding company/subsidiaries with MHA approval) |
| FRRO Registration | Within 14 days if visa valid more than 180 days |
| Pakistan Nationals | Not available |
| Code | Sub-Type Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | General Employment | All employment except intra-company transferees and NGO work. Min. salary Rs 16.25 lakhs/year. |
| E-2 | Intra-Company Transferees | Foreign nationals transferred within the same corporate group to an Indian entity. |
| E-3 | NGO Employment | Honorary work with registered NGOs. Honorarium ceiling: Rs 10,000/month. |
| E-4 | Power & Steel Projects | Executing specific projects in the power and steel sectors (overlaps with Project Visa category). |
| E-5 | SAU / Nalanda University | Staff and faculty of the South Asian University and Nalanda University. |
| E-1X / E-2X / E-3X / E-4X | Dependent Visas | For spouse and children of Employment Visa holders. Co-terminus with principal visa. |
Valid passport with 6+ months validity
Signed employment contract with the Indian company
Letter from Indian host company confirming employment and terms
Proof that gross salary exceeds Rs 16.25 lakhs per annum (salary slips, appointment letter)
Qualifications/credentials proving highly skilled status
FRRO registration within 14 days of arrival (if visa valid more than 180 days)
Eligible Nationalities / Applicants
Highly skilled and qualified professionals. Specific salary threshold applies.
Restrictions / Not Eligible
Passport Validity Required
Minimum 6 months beyond your travel date, plus at least 2 blank pages
Apply How Far in Advance
e-Visa: 4–7 days minimum · Embassy visa: 4–6 weeks before travel
Prior India Visit Required?
No — first-time applicants are eligible under all standard categories
Number of Entries
Multiple — each entry allowed only at designated ports
Verify Eligibility
Check that your nationality qualifies for Employment Visa. Review any bilateral restrictions between your home country and India. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from India.
Compile Your Documents
Collect all required documents: valid passport, passport-size photographs, completed application form, and purpose-specific supporting documents such as employment letter, conference invitation, admission letter, or hospital documents, plus proof of financial means.
Fill the Application Form
Download the Indian visa application form from the Indian Mission's website or via indianvisaonline.gov.in. Complete the form in BLOCK LETTERS. Ensure all details precisely match your passport. Date and sign as instructed.
Book Appointment or Submit via VAC
Book an appointment at the nearest Indian Embassy, High Commission, or authorised Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country. Check the specific Mission website for current procedures, fees, and processing times.
Biometrics & Interview
Some categories require biometric capture (fingerprints and photograph) at the VAC. A personal interview at the Mission may be required for first-time applicants or certain nationalities. Attend with originals and copies of all documents.
Collect Visa & Verify
Collect your passport with the visa sticker from the Mission or VAC. Immediately verify your name, passport number, visa validity, and number of entries on the sticker. Report any discrepancies before leaving the counter.
No Visa Conversion Inside India
You cannot change your visa category after entering India. If you need a different type, exit India and apply at an Indian Mission abroad.
FRRO Registration for Long Stays
If your stay exceeds 180 days, you must register with the FRRO/FRO within 14 days of crossing that threshold. Registration is done online at ivfrt.gov.in.
Overstaying is a Serious Offence
Overstaying your authorised period results in fines, detention, deportation, and potential bans on future India travel. Always depart on or before the last day of your authorised stay.
Always Carry Your Visa Document
e-Visa holders should carry a printed colour copy of the ETA throughout the trip. Sticker-visa holders must present their passport at all checkpoints. Always keep copies of supporting documents.
FRRO Helpline for Issues Inside India
For visa queries while inside India, call the FRRO helpdesk at +91-11-26711443 or email foreigners.india@gov.in. Online services at ivfrt.gov.in.
⚠️ This information is sourced from official Indian government documents (MHA, December 2025). Visa rules change — always verify at indianvisaonline.gov.in.