Do you need to renew your Indian Visa? look no further! This guide is designed to simplify the India Visa renewal process, ensuring a hassle-free experience for you. Whether you’re renovating for the first time or have done it before, we aim to provide you with clear, step-by-step instructions to help you complete the process smoothly.
Navigating the bureaucratic processes may seem daunting, but don’t worry! Our user-friendly instructions will help you understand everything from eligibility requirements to the final steps for renewal. Let’s learn about the intricacies of renewing your Visa!
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Visa Renewal:
It is necessary to have a valid Visa. Sooner or later, renewal of your Indian Visa becomes necessary. Here’s all you need to know about the eligibility criteria and Visa services in India:
Validity Period: The validity of an Indian Visa is usually 10 years, except for children under 15 years of age, whose visas are valid for five years. It is important to note that renewal after this period involves the issuance of a new Visa and not merely an extension of the existing Visa.
Re-issuance Requirements: Re-issue is required in various scenarios:
– Change in personal details such as name or address.
– Visa pages are running out.
– Loss or significant damage to the Visa.
Timing for Renewal: Important for seamless travel and identification, to apply for a new Visa one year before the expiry of the existing Visa to avoid any gap in validity.
Documents Required for Indian Visa Renewal:
Renewing your Indian Visa involves gathering specific documents to facilitate a smooth application process. These required documents vary depending on the nature of your renewal, whether it is a standard renewal, for a minor, or due to a lost or damaged Visa. Understanding the required documents in advance can save you time and effort.
Here’s a general list of documents required for Indian Visa renewal:
- Old Visa: The original old Visa along with a self-attested photocopy of the first and last two pages.
- Proof of Address: Recent utility bills, Aadhaar card, or bank statements serve as acceptable proof of address.
- Visa-size Photographs: Recent photographs with a white background are required.
- Birth Certificate or Marriage Certificate (if applicable).
- Proof of Nationality.
For Minors:
– Birth Certificate.
– Photocopies of parents’ Visa (if applicable).
– Address proof documents in the names of parents.
In Case of Lost or Stolen Visa:
– A copy of the First Information Report (FIR) filed with the police.
It is important to stay updated with the latest guidelines and requirements, which can be found on the official VisitsVisa website or the Indian Consulate website relevant to your region. Requirements may vary slightly depending on your specific circumstances and your country.
How to Apply for an Indian Visa Renewal:
Renewing your Visa involves an online application process. For convenience, the Government of India provides an online platform where you can complete the application and schedule an appointment on the official Visa Seva website. Here’s an analysis:
Apply via e-Form:
Ideal for offline form filling. Download and fill the electronic form, then upload it to the Visa Seva portal.
Attend the appointment at PSK with all required original documents.
Apply via Online Form Submission:
Register on the Visa Seva Portal, fill out the form online, and submit it.
Schedule your appointment and pay the fee online.
Visit the PSK for your appointment with necessary documents.
Apply In Person:
Download the application form from the Visa Seva Portal.
Submit the form with self-attested photocopies of supporting documents at the DPC counter.
Verify documents with an official, pay the Visa fees via Demand Draft (DD), and collect the acknowledgment letter containing your File Number.
Renewal for Minors:
Minors also have to go through the same application process as adults when renewing their Visa. However, they will have to submit additional documents. Keep an eye on the validity of the Visa as it is shorter for minors.
Renewing an Indian Visa Abroad:
For Indian citizens living outside India, the renewal process is slightly different. Contact the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate for specific guidelines and procedures tailored to your region.
Cost for Visa Renewal in India:
The fees for Indian Visa renewal vary depending on the type of service you require. Here’s a breakdown of the costs associated with different Visa renewal services:
- Fresh Visa/re-issue with 36 pages (10-years validity) for visa page exhaustion:
- Application fee: Rs. 1,500
- Additional Tatkaal fee: Rs. 2,000
- Fresh Visa/re-issue with 60 pages (10-years validity) for visa page exhaustion:
- Application fee: Rs. 2,000
- Additional Tatkaal fee: Rs. 2,000
- Fresh Visa/re-issue for minors (below 18 years of age) with 36 pages (5 years validity or until the minor turns 18, whichever is earlier):
- Application fee: Rs. 1,000
- Additional Tatkaal fee: Rs. 2,000
- Replacement of Visa (36 pages) for deletion of ECR or change in personal particulars for minors (below 18 years of age, with 5 years validity or until the minor turns 18, whichever is earlier):
- Application fee: Rs. 1,000
- Additional Tatkaal fee: Rs. 2,000
Tatkal is an expedited service with an additional fee over the standard application fee, which ensures prompt processing and dispatch of the Visa. The fees listed are non-refundable, and instant service is available for those requiring urgent Visa renewal.
Tracking Your Indian Visa Renewal Status:
The processing time for your India Visa renewal depends on your circumstances and the workload of the Visa office. However, checking the status of your Visa is quick and simple! Simply log in to the Visa Seva portal using your file number (application reference number received upon submission) and date of birth.
After Receiving Your Renewed Visa: Police Verification
Indian Visa renewal involves an important step: police verification, a security measure to confirm the applicant’s identity and address. Typically, this involves a visit by a police officer to the address given in the Visa application. The officer verifies details such as name, age, and address of the applicant to ensure the accuracy of the information provided to the Visa office and to verify the absence of criminal records.
The police verification process usually starts when the Visa authority informs the local police station. However, applicants can also initiate the process through the Visa Seva website. The steps involved are as follows:
- Police personnel conduct physical verification to confirm the applicant’s residence.
- Confirmation details are forwarded to higher authorities for final approval.
A ‘clear’ report is submitted to the Visa office, after which the application process proceeds.
Exemptions from Police Verification:
Certain cases are exempt from police verification:
- For Visa renewal: If the renewal application is submitted before the current Visa expires, police verification may not be required.
- For employees of the Government of India: Those who provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) as per Annex G or submit an identity certificate as per Annex A are generally exempted from pre-police verification.
Contact Us:
Do you have questions about travel documents? We are here to help you! Contact us via our online chat on VisitsVisa website or email us at info@visitsvisa.com. We would be happy to help you get what you need for your upcoming trip!
