VISA Guidelines for IVEC-2011 participants

All foreign nationals intending to participate in IVEC-2011, except those of Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives, are required to obtain an Indian VISA. There is no provision for ‘VISA on Arrival’ in India. No fee is charged for immigration facilities at the airports. VISA can be applied for in person or by post at the High commission/Embassy based in the country from where the participant intends to depart for India.

VISA application form is available at the office of the Indian Embassy in the capital and other major cities of the country of your residence. All NRIs/PIOs, including children (who don't possess OCI or PIO card) need to apply for VISA in separate VISA forms.
All the participants are advised to apply for ‘Conference VISA’ only.
Generally the following documents are required for obtaining Indian VISA. However, the requirements may vary from country to country.

  • Duly completed and signed application form
  • Original passport valid for at least 6 months
  • VISA fee
  • Two passport size photographs
  • Supporting documents such as invitation letter sent by IVEC-2011, letters of clearance from The Nodal Ministry, The Ministry of Home Affairs, The Ministry of External affairs, and The State Government (These letters may be downloaded from the ‘Downloads’ button of ‘www.ivec2011.org’.), letter from the organization in the participant’s country which nominated the applicant to attend the conference, proof of residential address and, copy of birth certificate.

The VISA application, along with the enclosures mentioned above, must be submitted directly to the Embassy/High commission of country/locality.

Points to remember:
It is advised to apply for VISA at least 45days in advance to avoid disappointment.
Passport: Passport must be the original one, and must have a minimum validity of six months from the date of application with at least two blank VISA pages. Last 2 amendment pages are not acceptable.

Photo Requirements: 
Two recent, identical 2 x 2 passport type photographs, in color, front view and with a plain/light background.
Chicago, San Francisco and Washington DC jurisdictions: no glasses may be worn in these photos; photos should not be stapled to the application.

Proof of residential address:
Photocopy of driver license, phone bill or utility bill must be submitted. Address on the document must match the address on the VISA application form.

Copy of Birth Certificate
:
A photocopy of the applicant's birth certificate showing parents' names, date of birth and nationality is required. Any birth certificates that do not originate from the US or India must be translated into English and must be notarized. Please note: You should not send the original birth certificate.

Green Card Holders:
Applicants who are not Citizens of USA, but hold long term US VISA or a Green Card should submit a copy of the VISA or the Green Card. Do not send the original Permanent Residence Card/Green Card.

Short Term VISA Holders:
Applicants who are not citizens/residents of the USA and hold a tourist or other short-term VISA for the USA should normally apply for Indian VISAs in the country of their permanent residence. In case of emergency or special circumstance, an application could be made at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC or Consulates General of India in the USA. In addition to the relevant VISA fee there is a reference fee of $20.00 for reference to be made to the country of their original residence. The processing time in such cases is usually 5-7 working days. (Non US Citizens - Short Term VISA Holders Only).

Special Pakistan Application:
In addition to the requirements above, Special VISA application form should be filled in by citizens of Pakistan (4 copies with 4 photos). (Pakistan Citizens Only).

Special Bangladesh Application:
In addition to the requirements above, Special VISA application form should be filled in by citizens of Bangladesh (2 copies with 2 photos). (Bangladesh Citizens Only).

Persons of Indian Origin:
Applicants born in India and applying for the first time on ANY U.S. passport must submit their Indian passport OR submit their expired US passport with a previously issued Indian VISA. In addition, a completed Renunciation Form must be submitted (United States Citizens Only).

VISA for Non-Resident Indians and Persons of Indian Origin:
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origins (PIOs), who possess either OCI (Overseas Indian Citizenship) or PIO card don't need Indian VISA. OCI and PIO give them the freedom to visit India without VISA. OCI and PIO cards are multi-purpose lifelong VISA for visiting India. However, those NRIs and PIOs who don't have OCI or PIO card can apply for and get Indian VISA through the procedure mentioned above.
Dual Citizenship: Applicants who have dual citizenship with the US and another country must apply on their US passport if living in the US.

VISA ASSISTANCE:

The VISA application must be directly submitted to the Indian Embassy / High Commission in your home country.
If any difficulty is experienced, the IVEC-2011 organizing committee will try to help you in the VISA process provided you are able to submit the proforma duly completed at the earliest date to ieee_ivec2011@ivec2011.org. However, the committee does not take any responsibility for obtaining VISA for you.

The delegates are advised not to purchase non-refundable tickets and not to do reservations until all VISAs and passports are secured and in their possession.

The VISA assistance by the organizing committee of IVEC-2011 will be provided to
• Invited Speakers
• Authors of accepted papers
• Committee members
• Registered delegates, who have paid their registration fee in full.

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