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Form Guide

Online Visa Application - Regular Visa Application Form

Reviewed by Eric Provencio, Founder of VisaMind·Last verified Feb 25, 2026

Guide generated from official sources when available. Always confirm requirements on the authority’s official site.

The Regular Visa Application process involves three steps: applying online, Form Online Visa Application submitting documents, and receiving the passport/visa, as described in the [Form SURRENDER CERTIFICATE](/en/india/forms/surrender-certificate) guide.

Quick answers

What forms are filed with Online Visa Application?
After approval: FRRO-FORM-C.
What mistakes cause Online Visa Application rejection?
Common issues: wrong eligibility category, missing supporting evidence, incomplete sections, or using an outdated form edition.
What documents do I need for Online Visa Application?
You'll need: documents submit your application with required documents at indian visa application center or at indian mission, the current edition of online visa application, current immigration status. Review the instructions for complete requirements.
What does Online Visa Application do?
Submitting Online Visa Application initiates a review of your eligibility. If approved, you receive visa. Approval depends on meeting all requirements.
How long does Online Visa Application take to process?
Most Online Visa Application cases are processed in 5–24 months depending on category (FRRO) (as of February 2026). Regular Visa: 3 to 5 days. Check your category at the official processing times tool.
Does filing Online Visa Application grant work authorization or lawful status?
No. Filing Online Visa Application does not by itself grant work authorization or lawful status. If approved, FRRO may update your status conditions and issue updated evidence of your status, depending on what you requested.

Quick summary

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Who fills it

Applicants seeking a visa use Online Visa Application as part of the visa application process at a Indian embassy or consulate, as described in the Form PCC APPLICATION guide, as described in the Form PAP/RAP guide.

When used

TOURIST: Tourist Visa

Where it goes next

Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.

What it must match

Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations

Overview (What is Form Online Visa Application?)

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To collect necessary personal and travel information from visa applicants. It is filed with Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) (FRRO). To initiate the visa application process Form Online Visa Application for individuals planning to visit India. Check the official Online Visa Application instructions to confirm your eligibility category

Context and workflow

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Provide biometrics at FRRO office. Processing time for Online Visa Application varies by location — always check the official FRRO processing time tool, as described in the Form ONLINE VISA APPLICATION guide.

Why this matters

  • This form helps confirm that the application matches the program’s requirements and checklist.
  • This form acts as a cross-check point: details here must match other forms and supporting documents.

Where it fits in the workflow

  • Application acknowledgement
  • Provide biometrics at FRRO office
  • Visa issuance

Who uses it

Applicants seeking a visa use Online Visa Application as part of the visa application process at a Indian embassy or consulate. Common filers: Employment Visa, Student Visa, Entry Visa, Medical Visa.

When it is used

  • TOURIST: Tourist Visa
  • BUSINESS: Business Visa
  • EMPLOYMENT: Employment Visa
  • When applying for Student — Online Visa Application is typically required as part of the application
  • After filing Online Visa Application — FRRO-FORM-C may be the next step (FRRO registration required after arrival on long-term visa)
  • When filing Online Visa Application alongside VISA-EXTENSION (Extensions filed via same FRRO process)

Do you need this visa?

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Visa-freeCitizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not require a visa. 160+ countries are eligible for e-Visa. Check the official list
RestrictedSome nationalities require clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs. See restricted countries
Use our tool to check if your nationality needs a visa for India. Find My Visa

Requirements snapshot

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  • Employment: Employer sponsorship required; valid for 1-5 years
  • Student: University admission required; valid for duration of course
  • Entry: PIO or specific purpose; valid for up to 5 years
  • Medical: Hospital letter required; valid for up to 1 year

Failure prevention (What causes Form Online Visa Application rejections?)

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Technical rejections

  • Ensure form edition is current

Substantive weaknesses

  • Mismatch between stated purpose of visit and supporting documents
  • Inaccurate passport details
  • To avoid incomplete or inconsistent information across form: Use exact passport and document details; review all answers before submission.

What you need (What do you need for Form Online Visa Application?)

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  • Documents Submit your application with required documents at Indian Visa Application Center or at Indian Mission
  • The current edition of Online Visa Application
  • Proof of current immigration status
  • Government-issued photo identification
  • Passport-style photographs meeting specifications
  • The Regular Visa Application process involves three steps: applying online, submitting documents, and receiving the passport/visa.
  • The photograph in Passport may be enclosed
  • Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.

Checklist (What is the Form Online Visa Application checklist?)

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  • Access the latest Online Visa Application and accompanying instructions by visiting the official FRRO website.
  • Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
  • Ensure every section of the Online Visa Application is thoroughly completed.
  • Sign, date, and submit Online Visa Application with all required supporting evidence

Processing times

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CategoryProcessing time
Regular Visa3 to 5 daysas of February 2026
  • Processing time for online visa application under "Regular Visa": 3 to 5 days (as of February 2026).
  • Processing times for online visa application vary by category and processing location. Verify current processing times with the issuing authority.
  • Processing times differ significantly by eligibility category. Initial applications, renewals, and replacements each go through different adjudication queues, and some categories consistently take longer than others.
  • Processing times for this form vary by FRRO office and current workload. Verify current processing times with FRRO.
  • While pending: track your case status using your application ID, respond promptly to any requests for additional documents, and update your contact information with FRRO if it changes.

Where to file

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Submit your application at the designated FRRO office, embassy, or consulate. Check the official website for the location with jurisdiction over your place of residence.

Submit application

Submit your application at the FRRO office or designated embassy/consulate in your country of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct location.

Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official FRRO website before submitting.

Apply online

Fees

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Total possible cost: $0

Some categories are exempt from the biometrics fee.

ComponentAmount
Filing FeeThe filing fee for form online visa application is $0. Verify the current fee on the official fee schedule before filing.$0
Biometrics Services FeeA biometrics fee may be required depending on your category. Check the official fee schedule.See official schedule

What is the total cost of Form Online Visa Application?

Most applicants pay $0. Some categories are exempt. Verify on the official fee schedule.

Can the Form Online Visa Application fee be waived?

Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.

What happens if I submit the wrong fee?

FRRO will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.

Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.

Fees change; always verify on FRRO.

Form sections (What sections does Form Online Visa Application have?)

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Personal Particulars

Biographical information.

  • Full name as on passport
  • Date and place of birth
  • Nationality (present and previous)
  • Religion and visible identification marks

Passport Details

Travel document information.

  • Passport number and place of issue
  • Date of issue and expiry
  • Any previous passports held

Travel Information

Details of the planned visit.

  • Type of visa required
  • Purpose of visit
  • Places to be visited in India
  • Duration of stay and entry date

Reference in India

Contact details of host or reference.

  • Name and address of reference/host in India
  • Phone number and email
  • Relationship to applicant

Choose your path

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Choose your path based on your eligibility category. Each block summarizes who qualifies, what to file, common mistakes, and typical processing time.

Employment Visa

Employment

Foreign nationals with a confirmed employment offer from an Indian company, who possess the qualifications required for the role.

File with:

  • Completed online visa application (printed and signed)
  • Valid passport
  • Employment contract from Indian company
  • Employer's registration documents
  • Qualification certificates
  • Passport-size photographs

Common mistakes:

  • Salary below the minimum threshold required for employment visas
  • Missing employer registration or company incorporation documents

Typical processing: 1-3 weeks

Student Visa

Student

Foreign nationals admitted to a recognized Indian educational institution for a full-time course of study.

File with:

  • Completed online visa application (printed and signed)
  • Valid passport
  • University admission letter
  • Proof of financial support
  • Passport-size photographs

Common mistakes:

  • Using a conditional admission letter instead of confirmed enrollment
  • Insufficient financial proof for the duration of the course

Typical processing: 1-3 weeks

Entry Visa

Entry

Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), OCI holders needing a specific endorsement, or those visiting for purposes not covered by other visa categories.

File with:

  • Completed online visa application (printed and signed)
  • Valid passport
  • Proof of Indian origin (old Indian passport, birth certificate, or parent's documents)
  • Passport-size photographs

Common mistakes:

  • Not providing adequate proof of Indian origin or specific purpose
  • Applying for entry visa when a more specific category is appropriate

Typical processing: 1-3 weeks

Medical Visa

Medical

Foreign nationals seeking medical treatment at a recognized hospital in India, with a letter from the treating hospital.

File with:

  • Completed online visa application (printed and signed)
  • Valid passport
  • Hospital admission or appointment letter
  • Medical records and diagnosis
  • Proof of financial means for treatment
  • Passport-size photographs

Common mistakes:

  • Hospital letter not on official letterhead or missing treatment details
  • Not specifying the recognized hospital and treatment plan

Typical processing: 1-2 weeks

Category comparison

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Category codeEligibilityTypical filing companionAuto-extension?Premium processing?
EmploymentEmployer sponsorship required; valid for 1-5 yearsEmployment contract + employer letter + qualification documentsN/AN/A
StudentUniversity admission required; valid for duration of courseUniversity admission letter + financial proofN/AN/A
EntryPIO or specific purpose; valid for up to 5 yearsIndian origin documents or specific purpose letterN/AN/A
MedicalHospital letter required; valid for up to 1 yearHospital admission letter + medical records + financial proofN/AN/A
BusinessIndian company invitation required; valid for 1-5 yearsBusiness invitation letter + company registration + financial proofN/AN/A

Strategy tips

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Strategy: Complete all sections accurately; review your answers before submission.

Mistake severity

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Mistake typeSeverityHow to avoid
Incomplete or inconsistent information across formRejectionUse exact passport and document details; review all answers before submission.

Examples (What are examples for Form Online Visa Application?)

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  • Strong application: An applicant submits the form with all required documents and receives a timely decision.
  • Common weakness: Applicant forgets to sign; form returned, causing delay.
  • An applicant overseas completes Online Visa Application as part of the consular visa interview process
  • A beneficiary of an approved petition uses Online Visa Application to apply for their immigration visa at the embassy
  • Strong application: Foreign nationals with a confirmed employment offer from an Indian company, who submits with required evidence; receives Visa sticker / e-Visa confirmation in approximately 1-3 weeks.
  • Strong application: Foreign nationals admitted to a recognized Indian educational institution for a submits with required evidence; receives Visa sticker / e-Visa confirmation in approximately 1-3 weeks.

Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form Online Visa Application?)

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  • Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
  • Requirements may differ based on your specific situation
  • Some applicants assume that submitting the Online Visa Application guarantees an e-Visa; however, approval depends on meeting all eligibility criteria and document verification.

Edge cases and variations

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  • If you are asked to submit or update Online Visa Application, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.

In-depth guidance

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How to complete this form reliably

Treat Online Visa Application as part of a system, not a standalone document. Most delays happen when details conflict across the form, supporting documents, and other parts of the application package. Before you start, gather the documents you will reference and decide which one is the source of truth for each field.

Fill the form in one sitting if possible. Partially-completed forms are where inconsistent edits creep in. When you finish, review each section and ask "what evidence in my package proves this statement?"

Scenarios

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A German business traveler completes the online visa application on indianvisaonline.gov.in for a Business visa, uploads all required documents, and schedules an appointment at the Indian consulate.

Application processed within 5 business days at the consulate. Business visa issued for 1 year with multiple entry.

Complete the online form carefully; it generates the application PDF that you print and bring to the consulate appointment.

An applicant fills the online form but the uploaded photo does not meet specifications (white background, 2x2 inches, recent).

Application flagged at the consulate. The applicant must return with a compliant photograph, delaying processing.

Photo specifications are strictly enforced. Use the online photo tool to verify compliance before submission.

An applicant submits the online form but makes an error in the passport number field. They cannot edit after submission.

A new application must be started from scratch. The incorrect application is voided.

Double-check all fields, especially passport number and name spelling, before final submission. The form cannot be edited after completion.

Next steps

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  • Application acknowledgement
  • Provide biometrics at FRRO office
  • Await visa processing
  • Receive visa issuance
  • Plan travel to India

Verification

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This guide is derived from official FRRO instructions for Online Visa Application and is updated when form editions or filing rules change. Always verify current requirements at the official FRRO website.

FAQs

What are common misconceptions about Online Visa Application?

The Online Visa Application process comes with certain limitations. To ensure a smooth application experience, it is essential to consult the official instructions for comprehensive guidance.

Do I need to file Online Visa Application if I'm only updating my address or contact information?

Address or contact updates may be handled through a dedicated form or through your online account, depending on the agency's procedures. Online Visa Application may not be required for simple address changes. Review the official instructions for complete details.

What documents should I submit with my Online Visa Application?

Review the official instructions for complete details.

Can I apply for an e-Visa for any purpose of visit?

An e-Visa is typically issued for activities such as recreation, sightseeing, casual visits, short-term yoga programs, medical treatment, and business endeavors. To ensure you have comprehensive guidance tailored to your specific immigration situation, consult the official Online Visa Application instructions.

Where do I submit my completed Online Visa Application?

Please consult the official instructions to ensure you have all necessary details.

Does the Online Visa Application include a section for lodging details?

Consult the official instructions for comprehensive guidance.

What supporting documents do I need for Online Visa Application?

The Regular Visa Application process consists of three key steps: first, apply online; next, submit the necessary documents; and finally, receive your passport and visa. For comprehensive guidance, consult the official instructions.

When will Online Visa Application be processed and what is the workflow?

Processing timing for Online Visa Application varies depending on the filing category, processing location, and current application volume. Standard processing can range from a few weeks to several months. Before submitting, check the official FRRO processing times tool for the most current estimates. After filing, monitor your case status and consider whether expedited options are available.

What are common mistakes when filing Online Visa Application?

Common mistakes include submitting incomplete forms, missing required signatures, paying incorrect fees, and failing to include all required supporting documents. Even minor errors can cause significant delays or outright rejection of your application. Double-check every section, verify fee amounts on the official FRRO schedule, and review the instructions thoroughly before submitting.

Important

VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.

Next steps

Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.

Find my visa