Work for US citizens travelling to India
Employment in India needs an employment visa from an Indian mission, not an e-Tourist.
For a US citizen passport. Lawful permanent residents and other statuses can follow different rules.
Key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who it's for | Employees assigned to work in India. · India e-Visa / visa portal (opens in a new tab) |
| Maximum stay | Visa duration set by the mission. · India e-Visa / visa portal (opens in a new tab) |
| Cost | Employment visa fees are on the Indian mission fee schedule — apply through the Indian visa portal (opens in a new tab). · India e-Visa / visa portal (opens in a new tab) |
| Processing time | Employment visas are processed by the Indian mission; U.S. Embassy travel information (opens in a new tab) says allow plenty of time and check with the U.S. Embassy in India. · India e-Visa / visa portal (opens in a new tab) |
| How to apply | Indian visa application centre or embassy. · India e-Visa / visa portal (opens in a new tab) |
Each fact above is linked to the authority that sets the rule. Entry Visa Guide does not take applications.
Apply only on the government website linked above. This site does not issue visas or travel authorisations and does not take applications. Other websites charge their own service fee on top of any government charge.
How to apply
- Secure employer sponsorship and documents.
- Apply for an employment visa before travel.
- Register with FRRO after arrival if required.
FAQ
Can I work on e-Business?
Employment needs an employment visa — confirm with the mission.
Does OCI allow work?
OCI has separate work rules — read U.S. Embassy travel information (opens in a new tab) OCI guidance.
Sources
- India visa online (opens in a new tab)
- U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India (opens in a new tab)
- Canada: India (opens in a new tab)
Independent guide, not legal advice. Entry Visa Guide is an independent information site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or run by any government or public authority. Always check official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Report an error.