India Visa & Policy Updates
India has reinstated five-year multiple-entry e-Tourist visas and transitioned Overseas Citizen of India services to a digital platform. New mandates require travelers to use electronic arrival cards and register with the FRRO before the 180-day mark, as the 14-day grace period for extensions is now abolished. Additionally, OCI eligibility now extends to sixth-generation descendants, while remote workers must comply with new mandatory AI labeling rules for digital content.
India enforces strict 180 day registration deadline for long term visas
New immigration rules require foreign nationals to register with the Foreigners Registration Officer before their 180th day in India. The update also introduces stricter reporting mandates for children with foreign or mixed citizenship living in the country.
India maintains 14 day FRRO registration rule for long stay visas
Foreigners on visas with a 180-day stay limit must now register with the FRRO before their stay period expires to be eligible for extensions. The previous 14-day post-expiry grace period has been abolished, and extensions are now restricted to emergent cases only.
India shifts Overseas Citizen of India rules to digital platform on April 30
India has notified new Citizenship Amendment Rules that transition all Overseas Citizen of India services to a digital platform, including the issuance of electronic OCI cards. The update introduces stricter compliance for minors with dual passports and mandates the physical surrender of cards upon renunciation of status.
India restores e-Tourist visa with 5-year multiple-entry option for nomads
India has fully reinstated long-duration paper visas and electronic tourist visas, including the one-year and five-year multiple-entry options. This allows digital nomads and frequent travelers to maintain long-term access to the country with a standard 72-hour processing time.
India Expands Overseas Citizen (OCI) Eligibility to Sixth-Generation Descendants
India has expanded Overseas Citizen of India eligibility to sixth-generation descendants and eliminated the six-month residency requirement for in-country applications. Travelers must now update passport details digitally or face a $25 penalty to ensure compatibility with new border e-gates.
India Eases OCI In-Country Filing Rules but Tightens Background Verification
India is removing the 6-month stay requirement for in-country OCI applications and expanding eligibility to sixth-generation descendants. However, travelers face a new $25 fine for failing to update passport details within 3 months of renewal.
India's e-Arrival Card Is Mandatory Now , No Paper Option Left
On April 8, 2026, the U.S. Embassy in India issued a message reminding U.S. citizens (and by extension other foreigners) to use the new Indian Electronic Arrival Form (introduced October 2025). Travelers must submit it within 72 hours before arrival via the official website or Su-Swagatam app (free). Paper forms will soon no longer be an option; this is presented as an active enforcement reminder in the specified window. A valid visa is still required separately.
India Updates Global Visa Rules and Fees
Major immigration updates include increased UK visa fees for visitors and skilled workers, new H-1B filing forms for the US, and the launch of the EU's biometric Entry/Exit System. These changes will impact Indian expats and nomads through higher relocation costs and digitized border processing across Europe.
India EB-2 Priority Dates Advance in Latest Visa Bulletin
The U.S. State Department has updated the visa bulletin, showing a six-week advancement for India's EB-2 employment-based green card category to July 15, 2014. This update provides a clearer timeline for Indian professionals and remote workers currently in the U.S. or planning long-term residency.
Understanding Recent Visa Adjustments for Indian Professionals
Major destinations including the US, UK, EU, and New Zealand have implemented tighter visa rules, including higher fees and new biometric requirements. These changes affect Indian professionals, students, and remote workers through updated filing forms and restructured work visa categories.
India Updates Digital Content Rules for AI Labeling
Remote workers and digital marketers operating in India must now navigate strict AI labeling requirements and faster content moderation timelines to remain compliant with local IT laws.