India cuts visa categories from 13 to 9, simplifies application form

India has streamlined its visa system by consolidating 13 main visa categories into nine and reducing sub-categories from 49 to 23. The number of fields in visa application forms has been cut by 65-70 percent to simplify the process for foreign nationals. The changes, announced by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, aim to make the country's visa system more responsive to the needs of visitors.

The revised framework is expected to be fully implemented by the end of the year, pending completion of IT system updates by the MHA. The earlier visa rationalization in October 2025 reduced main categories from 22 to 13 and sub-categories from 63 to 49 after studying international standards. The new categories include Business, Diplomatic, Work, Journalist, Medical, Official, Student, Visitor, and Miscellaneous visas.

For instance, the Former Tourist Visa has been renamed Visitor Visa with two sub-categories: V-1 for short-term visits including business meetings and wellness retreats, and V-2 for longer stays of up to 10 years. The Medical Visa now caters to both conventional treatment and AYUSH treatment, generally granted for a year with multiple entries.

The Student Visa now covers school and higher education, as well as PhD scholars, researchers, visiting faculty, interns, and exchange students. The nine main categories are Business, Diplomatic, Work, Journalist, Medical, Official, Student, Visitor, and Miscellaneous visas.