Entry Visa (X-Series)

Eligibility for the X-Series is strictly defined by your relationship to an Indian citizen or your own ancestral history. The series is divided into specific sub-categories:

• X-1 (Persons of Indian Origin): You qualify if you previously held an Indian passport or if you are the child or grandchild of a person who was born in and was a permanent resident of India (as defined by the Government of India Act, 1935).
• X-2 (Family of Indians/OCIs): You qualify if you are the spouse or child of an Indian citizen or an OCI cardholder.
• X-Misc (Dependents of Foreigners): You qualify if you are the spouse or child of a foreign national currently residing in India on a valid Employment (E), Business (B), Research (R), or Student (S) visa.
• X-4 (Property Owners): You qualify if you are a foreign national who legally owns residential property in India in accordance with Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) regulations.
• X-SP (Sports): You qualify if you are a professional athlete or coach participating in national or international sporting events held in India.

Important Limitations

• Nationality Restrictions: If you are a national of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Afghanistan, or of Pakistani origin, you are subject to "Prior Reference" rules. This involves significantly higher scrutiny and much longer wait times for clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Dual Citizenship: India does not permit dual citizenship. If you were once an Indian citizen, you must formally renounce your citizenship and surrender your Indian passport before you are eligible for an X-Series visa.