SYDNEY INSTRUCTIONS FOR VISA APPLICANTS :


The Consulate General of India, Sydney issues
Tourist/Student/Business/Employment and other types of visas to applicants who are residents of Australia. Australian passport holders can normally obtain a visa in 2 working days when applying in person at the counter subject to the application being complete and fulfils Consular requirements. Applications can also be lodged by post and through travel agents/ couriers, however, these may take up to 5 working days to process ( excluding mailing time).

All applicants are required to apply in the prescribed application form along with two recent passport size photographs, passport in original, flight details/itinerary and prescribed fee. Passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months. In cases of long term visas passport must be valid at least till the duration of the visa.

Applications for visas can also be lodged at High Commission of India, Canberra; Honorary Consulates in Perth, Melbourne & Brisbane.

Tourist Visa:
Applicants are required to submit application form indicating the place(s) of visit, duration of stay and flight details/itinerary. For minor children (under 15 years) application MUST be furnished with a no objection letter from both the parents along with the photocopy of the relevant pages of their passports. The visa application for minor children MUST be signed by both parents.

Business Visa:
Applicants are required to provide a letter from their local company as well as the company in India explaining the purpose of the visit, places to be visited and persons/companies to be contacted in India. The company in India should also furnish an undertaking as below, that it takes full responsibility for the stay and conduct of the applicant during his/her visit to India. Long-term business visas (up to 5 years) are issued in case of joint venture companies. Applicants applying for 5 years business visa are required to provide documents regarding the Australian company's joint venture with the local company in India

Visas for non residents :
Visas can also be issued to applicants (visitors ) who are normally not residents of Australia and hold non-Australian passports. An additional form is to be filled in along with a visa application form. However, in such cases clearance from the Indian Missions/Posts in countries of their normal residence needs to be obtained. A minimum period of 5 working days is normally required for processing the applications. Applicants under this category are required to pay an additional fee of A$15.00. The fees are required to be paid at the time of lodging application.

Student Visa:
Applicants are required to submit a copy of the letter of admission from the recognised educational institutions along with their applications. Applicants are advised to apply for visa well in advance as in some cases a processing time of at least 1-2 weeks is required. Cases where a reference to authorities in India is required to be made may take more time.

Journalist Visa:
Applications for journalist visas where no filming is involved, can be made on the general visa application form. Issue of visas in such cases may take upto 4 days. Journalists seeking visas for filming documentaries in India are required to fill in separate forms and provide additional information sought therein. A declaration is also required to be made in respect of equipment being carried for filming. Processing time of at least 12 weeks is necessary.

Employment Visa:
Applicants must provide certified copies of the appointment letter and contract/employment agreement from the employer including copies of documents relating to the company's incorporation in India.

Conference Visa:
Applicant must provide proper document/letter of invitation from the organisers in India and sponsors from Australia regarding the conference. Processing time of 3 days is necessary for grant of conference visas.

Visas for Pakistani / Bangladeshi nationals:
Pakistani / Bangladeshi nationals are required to fill up separate applications forms.

Visas for Sri Lankan nationals :
Sri Lankan passport holders are required to furnish a letter from the Sri Lankan Mission in Sydney/Canberra certifying genuineness of their passports.

Visa transfer:
Visas can be transferred from old to new passport, where an old passport contains a valid Indian visa.