Research Visa

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How to Apply

1. Please register on the official Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) Australia website.
2. Kindly complete the Online Visa Application Form through the Government of India’s official portal.
3. Select the REGULAR/PAPER VISA APPLICATION option when prompted.
4. Make sure to choose the correct Indian Mission/Office for your area while filling out the form.
5. You may refer to the “Jurisdiction” section on the ICAC Australia website for guidance.
6. Once your application is complete, please print and sign the form.
7. Book your appointment online through the ICAC Australia website at a convenient time.
8. Kindly gather all required documents as listed in the official documents checklist.
9. Visit the designated ICAC Centre in Australia on the date of your appointment.
10. Submit your application form and documents, and make the visa fee payment at the centre.
11. If applicable, you will be requested to complete biometric enrollment at the centre.
12. Assistance for form-filling services, photocopying, or photography is available if needed.
13. You can track your application status online once it is processed.
14. You may opt for courier service to have your passport delivered to your address in Australia after your visa is issued.

How to apply at a glance:

1 Register on our Website

2 Read our application instructions carefully, and complete the Government of India’s online form as guided.

3 Schedule Appointment

4 Visit Alankit ICAC at your scheduled date & time.

5 Submit Application & deposit Fees.
Enroll for Biometrics (if required)

6 You can Track your Application Status on our website.

7 Have your processed document(s) delivered to your doorstep.

Document Checklist

1. You need to complete and print the online Visa application form through the official government portal, then download, print, and sign it. Please ensure all details are accurate, as corrections by hand are not accepted. Click here for application form.
2. You are required to provide one recent passport-size photograph (2x2 inches) meeting the specified guidelines.
3. Please submit your current passport, which should be valid for at least six months with a minimum of two blank pages, along with a photocopy of the bio page.
4. Kindly check your occupation mentioned in the Visa application form. If it is "Journalist," you will need to apply only for a Journalist Visa.
5. If you plan to submit your application in person, you must schedule an appointment online before visiting the application centre.

Document Checklist

1. If you have an admission from an Indian university or institution:
   • You will need to submit the original admission letter signed and stamped by the institution.
   • Kindly provide the approved synopsis of your research project.
   • Please complete FORM G (Application for Approval of Research Project and Visa Authorization) in seven sets.
2. If you are applying on a Non-Australian Passport:
   • You must provide proof of your current Australian visa status, such as VEVO, Visa Grant Notice, or visa sticker.
   • If you hold dual nationality (e.g., Australia and another country), and are applying with the foreign passport, you should also provide a copy of your Australian passport's photo page.
3. If you are from or previously held nationality of Pakistan, Afghanistan, DPRK, Iran, China, Macau, Hong Kong, or Taiwan, or if you do not hold Australian permanent residency, you are kindly required to complete FORM D.
4. If you were previously an Indian national:
   • Please provide proof of renunciation of Indian citizenship or submit your Indian passport for cancellation along with your foreign citizenship certificate, a recent photograph, the online application form, and FORM XXII.
   • If your name or appearance differs between your Indian and foreign passports, please also submit FORM J and a certified name change certificate or statutory declaration.
   • If your Indian passport is lost, a statutory declaration explaining the reason along with the required documents must be submitted.

Specific Nationality-Related Requirements

1. If you hold or previously held Pakistani, Bangladeshi, or Sri Lankan nationality, you are required to submit both passports if you hold dual nationality, or a statutory declaration if you no longer hold that nationality.
2. If you hold a New Zealand passport and are a permanent resident of Australia, please provide a copy of your Medicare card.
3. If you hold a Czech Republic passport, you may apply only if you have stayed in Australia for at least one year, your passport is valid for at least one year from the date of application, and you hold valid medical insurance for your entire stay in India.
4. You may be requested to provide additional documents or information if required by the High Commission.

Note: If any additional documents is required based on the application, the applicant have to provide the same.

FAQ's for Tourist Visa

1. Who needs a Research Visa for India?
• If you are a foreign national wishing to undertake individual research projects at recognized Indian universities or institutions of higher learning, you will need to apply for a Research Visa.
2. What is the key requirement to apply for a Research Visa?
• You must have official affiliation with an Indian university or research institution, and obtain a certificate confirming this affiliation to be submitted along with your visa application.
3. Do I need to submit any research-related documents?
• Yes, you are required to provide the original admission letter from the institution, the approved synopsis of your research project, and FORM G (in seven sets) for the approval of your research project and visa authorization.
4. Can I make corrections on my printed visa application by hand?
• No, handwritten corrections are not accepted. Please ensure all details are accurate before printing and signing the application.
5. What if I hold dual nationality or a non-Australian passport?
• You will need to provide proof of your current Australian visa status. If you are applying on a non-Australian passport but also hold Australian citizenship, you must submit a copy of your Australian passport's bio page.
6. Are there special requirements if I previously held Indian nationality?
• Yes, you must provide proof of renunciation of Indian citizenship or submit your Indian passport for cancellation along with necessary forms and documents.
7. Is there any specific process for applicants from certain countries?
• Yes, nationals or former nationals of Pakistan, Afghanistan, DPRK, Iran, China, Macau, Hong Kong, or Taiwan are required to complete FORM D along with their application.
8. What payment methods are accepted for the visa application?
• You may pay using an Australian-issued MasterCard or Visa card, cash, money order, or postal order. Personal or company cheques are not accepted.

Passengers planning to travel to India from Australia are advised to take note of the following important guidelines to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey:

1. Kindly visit the official website and refer to the "Guide for Travellers" PDF document for detailed information on travel procedures, required documents, and other essential guidelines.
2. Before traveling to India, it is strongly recommended to review the latest health regulations and requirements. You can check the updated health advisories by clicking here.
3. For immigration-related queries, such as traveling with pet animals, carrying medicines, etc., passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines or refer to the official guidelines provided by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) at: https://www.cbic.gov.in/entities/internationalTravellers. The website also provides information on online work-from-India guidelines for international travellers.