Clearance letter for Research Visa

Hi there,

I am soon to become an intern at a think tank in New Delhi. While the nature of my work will of course be research based, in effect, I'll be working unpaid and in much the same way as a volunteer would at an Indian NGO (for the purposes of which an employment visa is necessary).

As I am not an independent researcher and the project I am to join is funded and jointly supported by the government, it's difficult to know whether a research clearance letter from the Indian authorities would be required or indeed, whether the nature of my work will count in my favour or against me in the research visa application process (I will be working with the Indian MoD indirectly).

Can anyone shed any light on how to get a clearance letter to support a research visa application? I can't seem to find the right person to speak to. Also, has anyone got any tips on expediting the research visa application process - a 10 week wait from application to arrival seems ridiculous for an intern like me!

UK based experiences preferred but any help would be gratefully received!

Thanks!

Why a research visa ? You are going to be an intern; a temp one on top. Whether, you work on "Threat vector and statistical probability of nuclear detonation in Vagator beach and its impact of tan lines of teen Chinese celebs." for the Defense think tank; or, as many interns maybe made to do; Collate, staple, and lick stamps on the unlabeled Envelops, you need to apply for simple Business Visa.

By pursuing the "Research Visa" you will raise eyebrows in some nodal agency, which might just doom the prospect of the independent NGO of getting future contracts with MoD or bring them on the radar.

If you really want to get a Research Visa, you& your sponsors have to make a strong case that your academic credentials, and stellar track record in analysis and strategic thinking justifies a research visa.

Sorry for sounding offish, but I am not. You need to step back and be pragmatic. You have not given us any inkling as to why RV is more appropriate vs a BV

In case it nonetheless turns out to be a research visa (which I, too, doubt - unless the work you are doing has anything substantially to do with a degree you are taking somewhere), you might find my recent blog post useful: http://www.raphael-susewind.de/blog/...-research-visa

Who is your employer and who is funding the research? if you have a permanent UK job then i agree you probably need a business visa. if you're unemployed and this is volunteering for an Indian organisation -albeit research related vonunteering - then it may be you need to follow a similar route to other volunteers.

If you are funded by UK organisation in some form it may be that people in the British high commission in India can help. The UK research councils have a team of people in the high commission (google 'rcuk india'), but they can only get involved - if at all - if you are research council funded; there is also a science and innovation network ('SIN')team (funded by FCO/ BIS)at the same place who often work on research links between the UK and India.

During the process, you are more likely to come across problems if you describe your research in ways that sounds contreversial. This is difficult (who knows what might sound contreversial!) but best to generally use neutral language where possible. Also draft support letters that others might provide for them (so they don't inadvertently put their foot in it for you!!).

Hi

I am from iran and applying for research visa to continue education in IIT-Roorkee. One of requirement documents are Research clearance application.
Can any one help me about this? I do not know any thing about it.

Thank you

Ph.D or Post-Doc ?

for PhD in Statistics

I have been made to believe, that MHRD (Ministry of Human Resources & Development) will get involved. Do ask your to-be advisor to ask around from his end.







Who died and made Roorkee*** an IIT









[*** I know the Answer....] Manipal Institute of Technology & Manali Institute of Technology is next

Di you mean : when I go to embassy, they send my documents to MHRD? How is your idea about Roorkee? I do not understand your answer in last sentence.

Ignore the last two sentences. They are rhetorical.