Welfare & Visa
Welfare Rights Service
A free welfare rights advice session takes place at The ICCA every Thursday morning. Pre-bookable appointments are available by calling The Welfare Rights office on 0115 9151355.
Visa Service
Anyone travelling to India requires a Visa. There is now a new procedure for processing Visas. Individuals need to now process their applications online themselves. Those without internet access can still come to the centre where our Visa staff are able to offer assistance with this procedure. Details for the new application procedure are below.
Those with Internet Access
Visa applications will be now processed by individuals online and brought into us as per usual with their passports and TWO 50mm x 50mm photos. You need to sign at the bottom of the form and also a specimen signature is required under their photo. For guidance notes on how to fill out the form online please click here. The website address to fill in the application online is: http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/
Those without Internet Access
Where it is not possible for individuals to process their applications online themsleves, appointments are taken at the centre for applications to be completed online at a cost of £5 per application. To make an appointment please call on 0115 9693402 and speak to one of the Visa Team betweeen the hours of 9.30am - 2.00pm
* Take extra care when filling in Applications online - ensure all postcodes and sponsorship postcodes are entered.
* Employment details including Job description/designation MUST be included.
* All 6 month Visas MUST be Multiple entry, not Single entry.
Indian Visas for Sri Lankan residents in the UK
Sri Lankan passport holders in the UK are required to fill in an online Visa application form and also a Columbo form (which can be picked up from the VFS website or The ICCA offices) The Columbo form will need to be filled in for a 3 month Single entry.
Timings
The Visa timings remain the same for dropping off, collections or for signing of form.:
-
Monday - Thursday: 9.30am - 2.00pm
-
Friday: 9.30am - 2.00pm (cut off time)
There are three types of Indian Visa and the associated costs are:
|
|
Fees Payable to High Commission |
Charges Payable for shuttle service |
Total Payable |
|
Members |
Non-members |
Members |
Non-members |
|
6 Months Visa |
£42.20 |
£12.30 |
£18.30 |
£54.50 |
£60.50 |
|
1 Year Visa |
£62.20 |
£12.30 |
£17.30 |
£74.50 |
£79.50 |
|
1 Year Business Visa |
£117.20 |
£12.30 |
£18.30 |
£129.50 |
£135.50 |
|
5 Year Visa |
£147.20 |
£12.30 |
£17.30 |
£159.50 |
£164.50 |
|
Transfer of Visa |
£16.20 |
£12.30 |
£18.30 |
£28.50 |
£34.50 |
|
Surrender of Indian Passport |
£26.20 |
£12.30 |
£17.30 |
£38.50 |
£43.50 |
|
OCI Filling of online forms only |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
£15.00 |
£15.00 |
* Above prices effective from September 2011
Upon submission of a passport to The ICCA please allow 4 weeks for return.
Sponsorship
Application forms for Sponsorship are available at The ICCA. You can also download a Sponsorship form here.
OCI and Other services
Assistance with OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) applications are available as part of The ICCA service. Some of the key benefits include:
-
No requirement for Visa,
-
ability to purchase property in India,
-
no restriction on visiting times,
-
no tax clearance certificate after 90 days.
For further details log on to www.cgibirmingham.org/index.php?option=com_pages&id=10#a1
Indian passport application forms are also available at the centre.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Visa Service
Q What information is crucial to complete the Visa application but is sometimes forgotten or omitted?
A Ensure that you provide all the sponsors details including telephone number and post codes. It is mandatory to state your parents' birth place.
It is vital that the signatures on the Visa application match those on your passport, as any discrepancy will be questioned. Two recent identical passport-size photographs with a white background are required.
(The application form signatures should be identical to how it is written on your passport)
Q If I was born outside of the UK and I have not previously applied for a Visa do I need to bring any other evidence?
A Yes, you will need to bring previous passports to confirm origin of birth.
Q Do children require a Visa?
A Yes, a Visa is required for any child under the age of 16 years travelling to India. The following items are required:
-
A photocopy of the childs birth certificate
-
A photocopy of both parents passports
-
A photocopy of the parents Visas.
Parents are required to write a letter of consent informing that their children are travelling with them. Both parents need to sign this letter.
Finally, the Visa application form for any child needs to be signed by both parents and the child if possible. If the child is too young, only the parents signatures are required.
Q What if I am a non-UK national?
A If you are a non-UK national who has been resident of the UK for one year or more, you are required to bring one of the following:
i) Utility bill / bank statement of at least one year
ii) Resident permit and entry stamp
iii) Stamp of indefinite stay.
If you have any further queries please complete the enquiry form on the Contact Us page.
Back
