India Streamlines Visa Process for Foreign Professionals
The Government of India has introduced a simplified and streamlined visa process to help domestic companies bring in foreign professionals, including engineers and technical experts, whose skills are needed for key production and industrial projects across the country. The changes are expected to reduce delays and procedural hurdles that previously affected the entry of specialised foreign talent.
New e-B-4 Visa and Digital Module
Under the revised framework, a new visa category known as the e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4 Visa) has been introduced for foreign professionals engaged in activities like machine installation, commissioning, quality checks, training, plant design and production support. Indian companies can now use a digital module on the National Single Window System (NSWS) to generate sponsorship letters online. This replaces earlier multi-layer approval processes and aims to make visa sponsorship faster and more predictable for businesses.
Support for Domestic Industry
The streamlined process is part of broader efforts to improve the ease of doing business in India and support domestic industries that depend on foreign expertise, especially in manufacturing, engineering and technical services. By simplifying visa procedures and using technology to reduce administrative delays, the government aims to help firms access required skills more efficiently and complete critical project work on schedule.
Reduced Processing Time and Structured Approach
Officials said the new system will speed up visa issuance and provide clarity on eligibility and documentation. The changes are expected to benefit both production-linked incentive (PLI) and non-PLI firms, by structuring foreign expert visits more transparently and with fewer bureaucratic steps.
