India reduces visa categories from 13 to 9, cuts application form columns by up to 70%; Check when it comes into effect
As per Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the required fields or columns for all 23 categories and sub-categories of Visas have been reduced in an attempt to simplify visa processing while retaining essential details. Check new visa categories.
India has streamlined its visa system by consolidating 13 visa categories into nine main categories and reducing the number of sub-categories from 49 to 23. This simplification aims to make the process more efficient for applicants and improve administrative processes.
The nine revised visa categories are Business, Diplomatic, Work, Journalist, Medical, Official, Student, Visitor, and Miscellaneous. The previously existing Tourist Visa has been divided into two categories: V-1 for short-term visits (30 days, multiple entries) and V-2 for longer stays (one, five, or 10 years, including mountaineering).
The Medical Visa now has two sub-categories - M-1 for conventional treatment and M-3 for AYUSH treatment, both granting a year-long entry with multiple visits. Student visas have been simplified into two categories: S-1 for school and higher education, and S-2 for research scholars, interns, and exchange students.
Business visas will be further divided into B-1 for long-term, license-based activities and B-2 for short-term contract-based engagements. The ministry is updating its systems to implement these changes, with the new framework expected to take effect by the end of the year.
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