India has introduced two special categories of visas for foreign students wishing to pursue higher education in educational institutions in the country.
Officials said the Home Ministry has introduced ‘e-Student Visa’ and ‘e-Student-X’ visa and all applicants will have to use the ‘Study in India’ (SII) portal launched by the government.
He said that the e-Student Visa facility can be availed by eligible foreign students registered on the SII portal, while the benefit of e-Student-X Visa will be available to those residing with e-Student Visa holders.
SII portal will facilitate the admission process of foreign students who want to pursue long or short term courses in India.
Students will have to apply for the visa separately on the ‘Indian Visa Online’ portal, but the authenticity of their application will be checked by SII ID.
Therefore, it is mandatory for students to apply to Indian higher education institutions through the SII website, officials said.
Officials said that e-student visa will be given to such foreign nationals who enroll for studies in India and who are pursuing regular, full-time, undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD and other such programs in educational institutions duly recognized by the statutory and regulatory body in India. Want to study in a formal program.
Student visas will be issued for up to five years depending on the duration of the course. The duration of the visa can also be extended.