Compare visa pathways, eligibility patterns, processing timelines, and next planning steps.
⚡ Quick Answer
Start with the visa category that best matches your purpose, then validate document readiness and timeline before applying to India.
MigrantIQ visa database.
Official immigration authority
Bureau of Immigration / Indian Mission e-Visa portal
Apply on official site →Visa fit wizard
Answer a few questions and we’ll rank the best matches from the live visa catalog. This is a planning tool, not a legal decision.
Work visas require a job offer from a sponsoring employer. Many lead to permanent residency and allow family members to join you.
Why it fits
Check carefully
Business / investor visas reward applicants who start a business or invest at qualifying levels. Most lead to permanent residency on meeting programme milestones.
Why it fits
Check carefully
The OCI card grants lifetime visa-free entry and the right to live, work, and study in India for people of Indian origin and their long-married spouses.
Why it fits
Check carefully
Family / spouse visas let you join a citizen or settled-resident family member. Most allow you to work and lead toward permanent residency.
Why it fits
Check carefully
Business · 3–9 months (business approval + visa)
PR pathway: Yes · Job offer: Not always required
Family · 5–10 working days
PR pathway: No · Job offer: Not always required
Family · 6–24 weeks (varies by relationship and country)
PR pathway: Yes · Job offer: Not always required
Residency · 8–12 weeks
PR pathway: Yes · Job offer: Not always required
Residency · 4–12 months
PR pathway: Yes · Job offer: Not always required
Student · 4–12 weeks (peaks before academic intake)
PR pathway: No · Job offer: Not always required
Student · 5–10 working days
PR pathway: No · Job offer: Not always required
Tourist · 3–5 working days
PR pathway: No · Job offer: Not always required
Tourist · 5–30 days (varies by mission)
PR pathway: No · Job offer: Not always required
Work · 5–10 working days
PR pathway: No · Job offer: Required
Work · 4–16 weeks (employer + government processing)
PR pathway: Yes · Job offer: Required
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