How to Apply for a Work Visa from India

Today, the very first and foremost step to learning how to apply for a work visa from India is that more and more professionals target to build careers overseas. Whether your destination is Europe, the Middle East, Australia or the United States, the whole procedure can be very perplexing initially. To simplify it, this guide will explain each and every thing in
an uncomplicated manner starting from verifying your eligibility and ending with giving you
the receipts of the documents you will require before handing in your application.

What Is a Work Visa?

A work visa primarily refers to a foreign country’s official grant that makes it possible for a
person to work at a particular place, in a certain sector, or for a defined time legally. Each
country has its own set of rules with regards to who can apply, the way to apply and the
period necessary for getting visa approval.

Types of Work Visas

While every country has its own categories of visas, some of the most frequently issued
types are –

● Employer Sponsored Work Visa

This visa category is granted when a foreign company provides you with a job and
takes care of your visa costs.

● Skilled Worker Visa / Points-Based Visa

Your points for a visa will depend on your age, educational level, qualifications and
work history (Canada PR, Australia Skilled Visa).

● Temporary Work Visa

These are short-term permits for seasonal or project-based employment.

Knowing your visa type is the first major step in the process of how to apply for work visa
from India.

How to Apply for a Work Visa from India?

While applying for a work visa from India is not an entirely simple matter and it still involves a
number of well defined steps. Even though every country has its own rules, the main process still remains quite similar worldwide. A detailed and easy to understand way is given below.

1. Check Eligibility Requirements

Different countries determine different eligibility criteria. Some common factors are –

● A valid job offer from a foreign employer
● Relevant educational qualifications
● Work experience in the required field
● Proof of language proficiency (if required)
● Clean background with no criminal record

Before continuing with the application, verify the specifications pertaining to your country on
the relevant immigration government website.

2. Gather the Required Documents

The majority of work visa applications require the following documents –

● Valid passport (with a minimum validity of 6-12 months remaining)
● Letter of employer sponsorship or job contract
● Diplomas and degrees along with professional certificates
● Updated CV and letters of experience
● Medical Fitness Certificate
● Police Clearance Certificate
● New passport sized photos
● Visa application form and receipt of payment of the fee

Ensure that the quality of each document scanned is clear and if necessary, translated into
the required language.

3. Submit the Visa Application

Visa applications can be submitted in the following ways –

● Via the Internet, through the official immigration portal of the country
● In person, at the respective Embassy or visa processing center (VFS, BLS, etc.)

It would be better if you confirm the information once more before submitting the application in order not to cause any delays.

4. Go to the Biometrics & Visa Interview

Most nations need biometrics, a photo and fingerprints. Some might also do a quick interview to confirm the following –

● Your position in the company
● Details about your employer
● Reasons for traveling
● Your financial situation

Be sure to prepare well and give honest answers.

5. Processing of Visa Application

The time for processing differs from one country to another, usually from 2 weeks up to 12
weeks. In this time, the authorities check your employer’s details, your background, the
documents you submitted and the reason for your work.

6. Get the Visa Decision & Travel

Depending on the country, after your application is approved, you will receive either the
physical visa stamp on your passport or the electronic visa. Take a moment and check the
details very carefully type of visa, period of validity and permissions to work that are specific
to you. When everything is right, travel planning can start and your joining date can be
coordinated with your employer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Work Visa Application

Seeking to improve your chances of getting approved? Then commit to avoiding the
following –

● Overreaching by submitting incomplete or unclear documents
● Submitting your application without a job offer (for countries that require sponsorship)
● Contradicting oneself by providing inconsistent information during the interview
● Overlooking country-specific requirements before applying

Tips to Increase Your Visa Approval Chances

● Apply through a recognized employer or recruitment agency
● Always have an updated passport
● Keep your compliance record clean
● Know your job role well for the interview preparation
● Make sure your employer sends in the necessary documents on time

Final Thoughts

It might seem like getting a work visa from India is not easy, but if the applicant is well
prepared, he has all the necessary documents and there is a real job offer, the chances for
approval become much higher. This is the starting point for an international career that is
going to be successful. Always check the official government websites for the most accurate
and latest guidelines so that you do not have any confusions or get misled by old
information.