Immigration

India offers abundant opportunities for individuals and businesses, but the immigration system could be notoriously complex. ILO is stands out as one of the few distinguished law firms in India with a strong and expansive immigration practice. For more than two decades, our specialist immigration team has been advising foreign nationals, NRIs and corporates on all aspects of India immigration and nationality law. Our expertise spans securing various types of Visas, obtaining OCI cards, Indian Citizenship, and FRRO registration. Additionally, we leverage our extensive international network and work along with our foreign partners to help Indian nationals in seamlessly moving abroad and provide them tailored solutions for their immigration needs.

Outlined below are the major immigration areas that our team handles:

• Indian Visa: We provide end-to-end support with obtaining Indian Visa ensuring seamless for individuals and businesses. Whether for tourism, business, employment or residency purposes, we advise clients throughout the complex application process covering preparation of necessary documents, compliance with the visa regulations, and liaison with relevant authorities. Our team evaluates client’s needs and circumstances and help them obtain the appropriate Visa including:
  • Business Visa for all activities permitted under the Act
  • Employment Visa for foreign workers
  • Project Visa for foreign nationals coming to India for the execution of projects in the power and steel sectors
  • Visa for Self Employed or freelance artists
  • Tourist Visa
  • Medical Visa for medical treatment, including treatment under Indian systems of medicine
  • Visa-on-arrival for Japanese nationals
  • Transit Visa
  • Employment Visa for skilled & qualified foreign professionals
  • Student and Research Visa
  • Intern Visa for a foreigner intending to pursue an internship in Indian companies, Educational Institutions and NGOs
  • Entry Visa (X-1, X-2, X-3) for a person of Indian origin who do not possess an OCI card or for Spouse and children of an Indian citizen with multiple entry facility
  • Others such as Sports Visa, Journalist Visa, Conference Visa etc.


• Visa Extension: For foreign nationals legally living in India, we provide comprehensive support with visa application process including preparing document, filing application and addressing immigration authorities’ queries. Our solutions are tailored to needs of the respective client, ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory compliance for a smooth process.


• Indian Citizenship: We help clients navigating the complexities of obtaining Indian citizenship whether through naturalization, registration or by descent. Our expertise includes advice on eligibility criteria, preparation and filing of applications, and responding to any queries or objections raised by the authorities. With our decades of experience in immigration laws, we ensure smooth and efficient experience for individuals seeking citizenship of India including those reclaiming it after renunciation or securing it through marriage or parentage.


• OCI: We guide clients through every stage of application process for acquiring Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card from assessing the eligibility and gathering requisite documents to drafting and filing the application & addressing any queries raised by the authorities.


• Deportation: We provide legal support to individuals facing removal or return to their home countries, representing them in appeals against the deportation orders and ensuring compliance with legal & regulatory procedures. With extensive experience advocating for humanitarian grounds, visa overstay cases and other special circumstances, we aim to protect client rights and provide tailored solutions to secure favourable outcomes.


• FRRO Registration: Foreigner registration is a mandatory requirement by the Government of India under which all foreign nationals (excluding overseas citizens of India) visiting India on a long-term visa (more than 180 days) are required to register themselves with a Registration Officer within 14 days of arriving in India. Persons who fail to register within the specified time period are charged a late fee. Our legal team provide comprehensive assistance with: 
  • Preparing required documents and assisting foreign nationals with all procedures at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO).
  • Assisting landlords and foreign nationals with post arrival police verification procedures (Police Clearance Certificate) that are required at the time of registering at the FRRO/FRO or when extending a visa or residence permit.
  • Advisory to corporates on various FRRO services for their foreign national employees/delegates such as Registration, Visa Extension, Exit Permit etc.
  • Representing clients in front of FRRO in case of rejection of Resident Permit/Certificate (RP/RC).


• Business Immigration: Our experienced lawyers offer expert guidance on wide range of business immigration matters including Intra-company transfers, setting up a business in India, representatives of overseas businesses, sponsorship for employment, investment related immigration, and addressing challenges such as visa / license frauds, refusal, and lapses.


• Other Immigration Matters: Our team assists clients with procuring, legalizing and apostilling various important documents such as birth certificate, education degrees, marriage certificates and other corporate documents & letters needed for visa or immigration purpose. We also advise on matters related to change of address or passport or name of employer, a foreign national marrying Indian citizen and New Born Baby Visa in India, visa requirement for a destination wedding in India.