Monday, June 15, 2009

Foreigners Registration Office

There is something on the visa Web site that describes "Registration formalities for foreigners visiting India on Long Term Visa." I am not sure whether these additional documents are required as part of the visa application or if this is part of the registration that occurs once we are in India. Regardless, the documents required at the time of registration with the Foreigners Registration Office include:
  1. Photocopy of the passport and initial visa.
  2. Four photographs of the applicant.
  3. Details of residence in India.
  4. HIV test report from one of the WHO recognized institutions from people in the age group of 15 to 60 years, if the foreigner is visiting India on a visa for more than one year.
  5. Copy of the marriage certificate in case of those seeking extension of stay on grounds of being married to an Indian national.
  6. Terms and conditions of appointments and copy of contract or agreements, in case of employment visa.
  7. Undertaking (in the format given below) from the concerned Indian company on the following lines in case of employment/business visa: - UNDERTAKING We take full responsibility for the activities and conduct of Mr./Mrs. ___________________ national of ____________ during his/her stay in India. If anything adverse comes to notice during this period, we undertake to repatriate him/her on our cost. Date: Signature of competent authority Seal: (of the Company)

Okay, here is the full Indian Immigration site. This is what they say.

Registration is required for:
  • All foreigners including foreigners of Indian origin visiting India on long term (more than 180 days) Student visa(S) (including those coming for study of Yoga, Vedic Culture, Indian system of dance and Music), Research Visa(R), Employment Visa(E) and Missionary Visa (M) will be required to get themselves registered with concerned Registration Officer within 14 days of his/her first arrival, irrespective of the duration of their stay.
  • Foreigners visiting India on other categories of long term visa including business/Entry(X) visa would not require registration with the concerned FRROs/FROs if , repeat if duration of his/her stay does not exceed 180 days on a single visit. In case a foreigner intends to stay for more than 180 days on a single visit he should get himself registered well before the expiry of 180 days.
  • Registration facilities are not provided at the airport and are carried out in the office of FRROs or District Superintendents of Police (FROs).
  • Children below 16 years of age do not require Registration, on any type of VISA.
  • Penalty for late Registration: Though no fee is required to be paid for registration, yet a penalty in Indian currency equivalent to US$ 30/-(Rs.1395/-) in case of late registration is charged.
Requirements at the time of Registration:
  • 4 recent passport size photographs;
  • Photocopy of photo page and valid Indian Visa page of the passport;
  • Proof of residential address in India;
  • Documents of identification and;
  • In case of Employment Visa, request letter, undertaking, contract agreement from employer.
Some questions on registration requirements can be answered here.

Here is what I have gathered:
  • Registration is required for a forgeigner who enters India on a long term (more than 180 days) student, research, employment, missionary and medical visa.
  • Must be registered before 180days have passed.
  • Children under 16 are not required to reigister.
  • You get registered with the FRRO in Delhi
  • You only have to re-register if you get a new visa.
  • Fee is about Rs. 235/

Employment Visa and Entry Visa details

Okay, so it seems that there is a good bit I need to get together for our visas.

Vik's employment visa requirements:
  • This visa will be good for one year, renewable for up to five years in India. It is valid from the day it is issued.
  • It should include the following documents:
  1. Application: Complete the online India Visa Application. Print and sign.
  2. Passport
  3. Two passport photographs
  4. Proof of Address: copy of drivers license
  5. Appointment Letter with salary information
  6. Contract Letter: An employment contract letter. The letter must be detailed and comprehensive.
  7. Resume: The applicant's resume.
  8. Organization Registration: Proof that the organization is registered in India.
  9. Fees
Zazie and Lacey's visa requirements:
  • I wrote to the consulate to ask what kind of visa we require. My best guess until I hear from them is that we will require an entry visa.
  • This visa is valid for six months to five years with multiple entry, valid beginning onth e day it is issued.
  • The following documents are required:
  1. Documents establishing Vik's employment and a copy of his employment visa.
  2. Application: printed and signed
  3. Passport
  4. Two Passport Photographs
  5. Proof of Address: Photocopy of driver license or utility bill must be submitted. For minors, a parent or guardian proof of address may be submitted instead.
  6. Fees