Saturday, January 22, 2011

Registration and Extension at FRRO Bangalore: A visit to FRRO Bangalore

FRRO Bangalore had started functioning from new location at Indira Nagar at Bangalore. For address, directions and timings at new location please visit:

http://indianimmigration-law.blogspot.com/2010/11/foreigners-regional-registration-office.html

Foreign nationals going to FRRO Bangalore for registration, extension and other miscellaneous services should ensure that they have the complete documentation to avoid any delays or unnecessary repeat visits.

There is a waiting area, restrooms, single window section and pre-scrutiny section at the ground floor. You may collect all application forms from single window section after showing your passport.

The tokens (tickets) are given on the first floor on the “first come first served” basis. The foreign national can go to FRRO with all documents required for his/her matter, collect the token and wait for his/her turn. There is a digital display for token numbers. After the pre-scrutiny, the foreign national can go to the first floor which is also called the “Immigration service Hall”. There is main scrutiny desk on the left side and it displays the token number being served. There is a waiting area and the foreign national can wait for his/her turn.

After the main scrutiny is done and the application is signed by the officer, the foreign national has to go to the counters on the right side of the same hall to get himself/ herself photographed. After the photograph, the foreign national would be provided a receipt and a time to come back and collect his/her papers.

The tokens are given only between 9:30 AM to 1:00 in the afternoon. If foreign national comes early, he can expect to receive his registration certificate by 12:30 afternoon. Most extension visas are completed the same day or the next day.

If your registration is late, you will need additional documentation and late fee. For delayed registration fee at FRRO, Bangalore, please see here:

http://indianimmigration-law.blogspot.com/2010/10/late-registration-fee-at-frro-bangalore.html

Overall, the processes at FRRO Bangalore are faster and more efficient now. The seating area is very comfortable. The rest room area can be made better. There is parking available at the street and photocopy shops opposite and adjacent to FRRO building.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Student Visa for India: Frequently asked questions: latest update

Student Visa for India: Frequently asked questions: latest update:

Here is the latest official update on the Indian Student Visas:

-------------

Student Visa : Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1 Can foreign students study in India?

A. Yes, they can.

Q.2 Can foreign students come on Tourist Visa to explore admission in some courses/institutes and get Student Visa while in India?

A. No. In order to enable the foreign students to explore various options to study in India, he/she can apply for provisional Student Visa of 6 months duration from Indian Mission abroad and once he/she gets the confirmed admission while in India, he/she can apply for a Student Visa to the local FRRO/FRO along with necessary documentary evidences of confirmed admission, financial standing etc.

Q.3 Can foreign students get a Student Visa directly from Indian Missions

abroad?

A. Yes, they can provided they have confirmed admission to a course in a reputed/recognized institute in India.

Q.4 What is the duration of Student Visa?

A. Student Visa can be of 5 years or for the duration of the course whichever is earlier.

Q.5 What are the formalities that foreign students should do on arrival?

A. Foreign students holding Student Visa of more than 180 days are required to register himself/herself with the local FRRO/FRO within 14 days of arrival.

Q.6 Is there any restriction on the number of courses that a foreign student can pursue?

A. No. However, the overall band of the Student Visa regime cannot exceed more than 5 years.

Q.7 Can a foreign student change the course or institute or both while in India?

A. Yes, but with the permission of the local FRRO/FRO and the institute(s)concerned and subject to no adverse activity.

Q.8 Is any approval/NOC required from any other Ministry or Department for technical courses?

A. So far as admission to diploma/degree/post-graduate degree in engineering and Technology, Architecture & Town Planning, Pharmacy, Applied Arts, MBA, MCA, Hotel Management & Catering Technology are concerned, there is no requirement of NOC from MHRD. However, with respect to courses in medical or para-military courses, NOC from M/o Health will be required.

Q.9 Can Student Visa be extended on the ground of clearing supplementaries?

A. Yes, provided the concerned university/institute permits and suitable documentary evidences to this effect are submitted to the local FRRO/FRO.

Q.10 What a foreign student should do for extension of his/her Student Visa?

A. He/she should approach the local FRRO/FRO with bonafide certificate, proof of adequate financial standing etc.

Q.11 How may ‘entries’ are allowed to foreign students?

A. Normally one entry. However, on bonafide reasons, a foreign student can apply for additional entries at Visa Facilitation Centre, Foreigners Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, Jaisalmer House, 26, Mansingh Road, New Delhi – 110003.

( Source: Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi)