India: Government Processing Delays

Applicants are experiencing delays in the processing of their immigration applications with different government offices in India. Various Foreigners Regional Registration Offices and local Foreigners Registration Offices at Chennai, Goa and Pune have increased their processing times to 30-60 calendar days for various in-country processes like visa renewals, registration, among others. The delays are being caused by shortages in staff, case backlogs and the introduction of new requirements for applications such as the new police verification requirement for applicants who have stayed in India for at least five years. Furthermore, applicants are experiencing delays in seeking consular appointments in the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Although there is a postal option available in Canada and Australia for submission of applications, applicants must be prepared for delays in processing times for the visa applications submitted by mail as well. Considering these delays, businesses should plan travel far in advance.