Employment v. Business Visa

Nick-H

It isn't possible.

There is no such thing as a general "work permit". An employment visa is valid for a specific job with a specified company only. No change of employer is allowed; there is no flexibility.

Part of the reasoning behind this (I guess) is the fact that the immigration authorities have to be satisfied that the job cannot be done by a local Indian citizen, before they will grant a visa for a foreigner to do it.

federica

No, you don't have to. You can find a job on the internet, have a telephone/messenger interview and get a contract and all necessary papers for your employment visa.

thejag

isnt that the case everywhere... which region would openly invite outsiders when the locals may not have jobs...

Nick-H

Yes, but India is particularly restrictive on employment visas --- as one might expect of a country with a vast population.

curtdfw

The usual route is to find an employer, in your home country or an Indian company, that will sponsor you, handle the paperwork etc. It's getting more and more difficult to get them, as India's base of skilled people is growing rapidly, so the value-adds of expat employees is less.

I got mine with the rationale that I was ensuring that my US company's standards, practices and culture were properly transmitted to the facility I managed.

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Haylo

You don't.

You don't.

The sort of job which would qualify for an employment visa is likely to be advertised internationally. Only jobs which cannot be filled locally qualify for employment visas.

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machadinha

... Well, there would technically be nothing against going to India on a or several holiday(s), find -- prospective, so a job offer rather -- employment there (as long as you don't shout it from the rooftops that that's what you're looking for, one supposes), then go home to get all the appropriate paperwork in order, before returning to actually take up that job (and only provided your employment visa is granted. It stands to reason not many employers will be willing to make you a job offer, then wait and see if this works out, unless perhaps you have some really really exceptional skills to offer them.)

I do and hence suppose most find such jobs from abroad straightaway, though, or get delegated or outsourced by their own companies or something.

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