Medical visa holders in India are allowed to immigrate to this country to seek medical treatments and stay here for a period of maximum 1 year. The validity of an Indian medical visa can be extended for another 12 months in special circumstances. With this visa, a person living outside India can stay here and seek required medical treatments from recognized medical institutions.
Benefits of Medical Visa in India
Medical visa in India is also known as M visa and this is granted to a foreign resident not as a permanent residency visa. It is solely meant for temporary stay in this country for a specific purpose i.e. for undertaking medical treatments. A medical visa allows three entries for a foreign resident. Sometimes a fourth entry is also permitted in special cases.
In general, a medical visa is granted for a period of 6 months. Sometimes applicants are allowed to stay in the country for a maximum 1 year during the ongoing medical treatment. In certain circumstances, the medical visa can be extended for another 12 months. In order to extend the stay in India with a medical visa, an applicant has to provide medical certificates as evidence.
Eligibility for Medical Visas
In India, medical visa applications are specifically intended for the specific purpose of receiving medical attention and as such, they will be scrutinised to ensure that they match the requirements of this type of Indian visa service.
Whilst the system is a useful one, it is important to ensure that those temporarily immigrating to India are genuinely doing so in order to receive treatment.
As a result, Indian immigration authorities will require the following criteria to be satisfied:
• It must be demonstrated that the applicant has sought preliminary medical guidance in their country of residence and that they have been advised to pursue specialist treatment.
• The applicant must demonstrate that they are seeking medical attention in a recognised institution which specialises in the treatment of the condition.
• In India, immigration authorities will give priority to 'M' visa applications which relate to certain medical conditions. Serious ailments such as heart problems, organ transplants, ophthalmic disorders and neurosurgery will be given primary consideration.
• Foreign nationals entering the country through this Indian visa service will be required to register their arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days.
In India, visas for medical treatment are available to all foreign nationals; however applications submitted by Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals will be treated in accordance with India's current policy in respect to these nations.
Spouse Immigration and Dependant Immigration
A Successful medical visa applicant may be accompanied by up to two blood relatives for the duration of their stay in India.
These relatives will be granted an 'MX' visa valid for the same length of time as the primary visa holder's grant of leave.
'MX' visa applicants will need to register their arrival with the local FRRO within 14 days.