VISA
Whether you are an international student visiting IIT Kanpur for a degree or for short-term research/coursework, or an international faculty member visiting IIT Kanpur for a conference or research partnership, you will need an appropriate visa to enter India.
Eligibility
Foreign Students
Indian Missions issue Student Visas to foreign nationals intending to pursue eligible academic programmes in India. A Student Visa may be granted for a period of up to five years or for the duration of the academic programme, whichever is shorter, subject to applicable Government of India regulations.
Student Visas may be issued to students undertaking regular and full-time academic programmes, industrial training, summer projects, internships, and other permitted academic activities.
Spouses and dependent family members accompanying a student are required to obtain an appropriate Entry Visa and should not enter India on a Tourist Visa for this purpose.
Foreign Faculty, Researchers and Academic Visitors
Foreign faculty members, researchers, and other academic visitors must obtain the appropriate visa in accordance with the purpose and duration of their visit to IIT Kanpur. The applicable visa category may depend on the nature of the visit, including teaching, research, academic collaboration, conferences, or other approved academic activities.
Visitors are advised to refer to the applicable Government of India visa regulations and obtain the appropriate visa before travelling to India.
Study in India (SII) Registration for Foreign Students
Registration on the Study in India (SII) portal is mandatory for foreign students seeking to pursue studies in India, including students enrolling in short-term and long-term academic programmes, as applicable under the prevailing Government of India regulations.
Foreign students admitted to IIT Kanpur are required to complete their registration on the Study in India portal and obtain a valid SII Student ID as part of the admission and visa process. A Student Visa cannot be granted to a foreign student without a valid SII Student ID.
Foreign faculty members, researchers, research scholars, and other academic visitors should fulfil the visa and registration requirements applicable to the nature and purpose of their visit, in accordance with the prevailing Government of India regulations.
How We Help with Your Visa Application
The Office of International Relations (OIR), IIT Kanpur provides guidance and assistance to international students, faculty members, researchers, and academic visitors throughout the visa and immigration process, as applicable.
- We coordinate with you and your host/mentor/collaborator at IIT Kanpur to facilitate the planning and approval of your visit.
- Upon receiving the necessary approvals from the concerned authorities, we issue an Invitation Letter, where applicable.
- For international students, we provide guidance regarding the Study in India registration and visa application process.
- Upon arrival at IIT Kanpur, we assist eligible international visitors with the applicable FRRO/e-FRRO registration and immigration formalities.
- We facilitate your transition to campus life and assist, as appropriate, in coordinating with various offices of the Institute for your academic or professional activities.
- Upon completion of your programme, assignment, or visit, we provide guidance regarding the applicable exit and immigration formalities.
How to Apply
For complete and up-to-date information on visa requirements, visa categories, eligibility, and the application procedure, please refer to the official Government of India portals.
For Foreign Students:
Before applying for a Student Visa, foreign students must complete their registration on the Study in India portal and obtain a valid SII Student ID.
Study in India:
Study in India – Government of India
Indian Visa:
Indian Visa Online – Government of India
FRRO/e-FRRO:
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) – Government of India