e-Student Dependent Visa (e-Student-X)

The e-Student-X visa is a specialized electronic visa designed for the immediate family members of international students studying in India. Launched on January 5, 2025, as part of the "Study in India" (SII) initiative, this pathway digitizes the dependency process, allowing spouses and children to join students without needing to visit an Indian embassy for a physical sticker visa.

This visa is strictly for dependents. If you intend to enroll in your own full-time academic course or seek employment while in India, this is not the correct pathway; you would require an e-Student or Employment visa, respectively.

• The 180-Day Registration Rule: If you intend to stay in India for more than 180 days continuously, you must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of your arrival. Failure to register is a serious legal violation that can result in fines or deportation.
• Apostille Requirements: While the initial e-Visa application accepts standard scans, the FRRO may require your Marriage or Birth certificates to be Apostilled (legalized for international use) or attested by the Indian Mission in your home country if you apply for a stay extension later.
• No Conversion: You cannot enter India on a Tourist e-Visa and later "convert" it to an e-Student-X visa. If you enter as a tourist, you must leave the country to apply for the correct dependent status.

• Multiple Entry Access: You are generally granted a Multiple Entry visa, allowing you to travel in and out of India as long as your visa remains valid.
• Residency Rights: You have the right to reside in India for the duration of the primary student’s course (usually granted in one-year increments).
• Domestic Travel: You may travel freely throughout India, except in "Protected" or "Restricted" areas which require special permits.
• Extension of Stay: Unlike tourist e-Visas, the e-Student-X can be extended within India via the e-FRRO portal if the primary student’s course of study is extended.
• No Right to Work: You are strictly prohibited from engaging in any form of paid employment, business, or professional occupation while on this visa.
• No Right to Study: This visa does not permit you to enroll in a full-time degree program. If you decide to study, you must apply for your own independent Student Visa.