Tourist to Student

amr_moosa · Jan 14th, 2009, 07:11

I'm in India on a tourist visa;

1) Can I apply for a student visa from within india?
2) Can I apply for an indian visa from a country other than the country of citizinship?

indiaprof · Jan 14th, 2009, 07:14

You can't change the purpose of your visit once you're in India, so no to number one. Number two is "yes," but it may take a while, especially if you're trying to get a student visa approved.

Student visas (and other sorts of academic visas) have to be cleared with the Department of Education in India, which requires a great deal of paperwork. Do you know where you'll be studying?

Haylo · Jan 14th, 2009, 07:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by amr_moosa

Can I apply for a student visa from within india?

Definitely not possible for a tourist visa, and I'm fairly certain that is not possible for a student visa either.

Quote:

Can I apply for an indian visa from a country other than the country of citizinship?

Yes, as long as you are outside India, but it takes longer to obtain and if it is a tourist visa you may only be given three months.

indiaprof · Jan 14th, 2009, 07:22

For a student visa, they'll want copies of an acceptance letter from the Indian institution where you'll be studying. You've got to have all that sorted out before you even apply for the student visa. It's a hoop-jumping exercise, but they will make you jump through all of the hoops.

In the U.S., we actually have an organization with an office in New Delhi that is set up to handle all of the details for us. It's a bit of a scam, but they say it helps cut out the bureaucracy. All I can say is: Expect delays.

When I apply for a research visa, it often takes several months to get it all accomplished even with help on the ground in India.

edwardseco · Jan 14th, 2009, 08:33

Which agency is that.?

indiaprof · Jan 14th, 2009, 08:40

The American Institute of Indian Studies. It was set up, I gather, during the Emergency when all American researchers were considered spies (as they still are in some paranoid circles). It's based in Chicago.

I don't suppose you work for them, do you?

Can't say I'm a fan. I think they actually hinder more research than they help, now, and there is not enough control over the Indian personnel who manage the Institute. A bit of a personal kingdom.

I do my best, personally, to avoid working with them. Nightmare.

edwardseco · Jan 15th, 2009, 11:12

Ha, ha, its a small world..

Sharmscharms · Jan 22nd, 2009, 08:04

Is the student visa for universities only? Or is it also for children wanting to attend english medium schools in India?

Jan 14th, 2009, 07:11	#1
amr_moosa Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: mumbai Posts: 1	Tourist to Student I'm in India on a tourist visa; 1) Can I apply for a student visa from within india? 2) Can I apply for an indian visa from a country other than the country of citizinship?

Jan 22nd, 2009, 08:04	#8
Sharmscharms "Pani peanut!" Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ferozepur, India Posts: 152	Student Visa For College Only? Is the student visa for universities only? Or is it also for children wanting to attend english medium schools in India?

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Jan 14th, 2009, 07:14	#2
indiaprof Account Closed Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: In the past, most of the time Posts: 820	You can't change the purpose of your visit once you're in India, so no to number one. Number two is "yes," but it may take a while, especially if you're trying to get a student visa approved. Student visas (and other sorts of academic visas) have to be cleared with the Department of Education in India, which requires a great deal of paperwork. Do you know where you'll be studying?

Jan 14th, 2009, 07:22	#4
indiaprof Account Closed Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: In the past, most of the time Posts: 820	For a student visa, they'll want copies of an acceptance letter from the Indian institution where you'll be studying. You've got to have all that sorted out before you even apply for the student visa. It's a hoop-jumping exercise, but they will make you jump through all of the hoops. In the U.S., we actually have an organization with an office in New Delhi that is set up to handle all of the details for us. It's a bit of a scam, but they say it helps cut out the bureaucracy. All I can say is: Expect delays. When I apply for a research visa, it often takes several months to get it all accomplished even with help on the ground in India.

Jan 14th, 2009, 08:33	#5
edwardseco Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Land that shakes and bakes. Posts: 5,845	Which agency is that.?

Jan 14th, 2009, 08:40	#6
indiaprof Account Closed Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: In the past, most of the time Posts: 820	The American Institute of Indian Studies. It was set up, I gather, during the Emergency when all American researchers were considered spies (as they still are in some paranoid circles). It's based in Chicago. I don't suppose you work for them, do you? Can't say I'm a fan. I think they actually hinder more research than they help, now, and there is not enough control over the Indian personnel who manage the Institute. A bit of a personal kingdom. I do my best, personally, to avoid working with them. Nightmare.

Jan 15th, 2009, 11:12	#7
edwardseco Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Land that shakes and bakes. Posts: 5,845	Ha, ha, its a small world..