Applying for visas is rarely a straight forward task. You always have the option to pay someone extra to help you with your visa, but I’d rather save that money for more exciting things. Here’s a step to step guide for applying for an Indian visa.

Here is my rationale for getting the 10 Year Visa over the eVisa.

How to Get a 10 Year Indian Visa

Process applicable as of March 24, 2016.

  1. Figure out what Indian Jurisdiction you fall under. This is what location you’ll be sending or taking your visa application materials to. CKGS has made this very easy now, all you need to do is enter in your sate at this page and you will be told where to send your application materials.
    • Washington, D.C: Bermuda, Delaware, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia
    • New York: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont
    • Chicago: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin
    • Houston: Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado and Nebraska
    • San Francisco: Alaska, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming
    • Atlanta: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virgin Islands
  2. Fill out the online visa application form.
    • Here are a few things to keep in mind:
      • You want a 10 year, multiple entry visa so your Period of Visa (Months) is 120. Your Number of Entries is  Multiple.
      • For your reference in India, you can use the manager of the hotel you are staying at. Google “[Insert name of hotel here] manager” to get that information.
  3. Fill out the Additional Particulars Form.
    • Keep in mind: Answer all questions with “YES” or “NO.” Do not write NA, N/A, or leave any fields blank!
  4. Fill out the CGKS Disclaimer Form.
  5. Make a copy of your proof of address. This can be a copy of your driver’s license, a utility bill, or a lease.
  6. You’ll need a valid passport photo. This should be 2″ by 2″, printed on glossy paper, with a white background, and with a clear view of your face, neck, and top of your shoulders. I print my own by following this guide. It looks like ePassportPhoto will either mail them to you or print to a drugstore for a pretty reasonable price (I’ve never used them though). Do not staple your passport photo to the application.
  7. Pay for your visa application and mail service (if you are electing to mail your application). Include a copy of the application payment receipt and your mail service receipt (if applicable) in your application.
  8. Double check that you have all of the required materials, and either take your application in or mail your materials to the appropriate CGKS office.

I sent my application in on a Tuesday and received it back the follow Thursday with no problems whatsoever! I’ve heard from many people that the India Visa process can be a huge pain, but if you follow these steps, hopefully it is as smooth of a process for you as it was for me!