India has introduced a major immigration policy update that affects foreign nationals planning extended stays in the country. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has officially removed the long-standing 14-day grace period for registration, making advance registration mandatory for eligible foreigners who intend to stay in India beyond 180 days.
The revised rules came into effect through amendments to the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, notified on June 1, 2026. The change is aimed at strengthening immigration monitoring, streamlining compliance, and improving the management of foreign nationals residing in India
What Has Changed?
Previously, foreign nationals eligible for registration were allowed to complete the process within 14 days after crossing the 180-day stay limit.
Under the new rule:
Registration must be completed before the expiry of the initial 180-day period.
The 14-day grace period has been abolished.
Foreign visitors who intend to remain in India beyond the permitted duration must now proactively register before reaching the 180-day threshold.
Who Is Affected?
1. Visitors on Visas Valid for 180 Days or Less
Foreign nationals entering India on visas valid for up to 180 days and seeking an extension must now complete registration before the visa period expires.
2. Long-Term Visa Holders
The rule also affects holders of long-term visas that include a condition limiting each stay to 180 days.
Such travelers must register before completing:
- 180 days on a single visit, or
- 180 days cumulatively within a calendar year (where applicable).
Extension Requests Will Be More Strictly Controlled
Another significant change is that approvals for extended stays beyond the permitted period will now be granted only under "emergent circumstances."
This signals a more restrictive approach toward visa extensions and prolonged stays. Foreign nationals should avoid relying on last-minute extension requests and ensure compliance well before their permitted stay expires.
New Rules for Children Born in India
The government has also introduced relief measures concerning children born in India.
Exemption for Eligible Children
Children born in India to at least one Indian parent will not be subject to immediate foreign-national reporting requirements if Indian citizenship is retained.
However, if the child later acquires foreign citizenship while residing in India, authorities must be informed within the prescribed timeframe.
Streamlined Procedures for Medical Travelers
The revised framework also simplifies certain reporting and compliance procedures involving:
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Medical institutions
These changes are intended to improve administrative efficiency for foreign nationals seeking treatment in India.
Registration and Extension Process Remains Digital
Foreign nationals can continue to use India's online immigration systems for:
- Registration
- Visa-related services
- Stay extension applications
- Status tracking
Official immigration and FRRO/FRO services remain available through the Government of India's digital platforms.
Important Advice for Foreign Visitors
If you are planning to stay in India for an extended period:
Do This
Monitor your visa validity carefully
Track your total days spent in India
Begin registration procedures well before the 180-day deadline
Maintain copies of travel and immigration records
Apply early if emergency circumstances may require a stay extension
Avoid This
Waiting until after crossing the 180-day mark
Assuming the old 14-day grace period still applies
Delaying registration while expecting automatic approval
What This Means for Travelers
The removal of the 14-day grace period marks one of the most significant immigration compliance updates introduced by India in recent years. Foreign nationals must now plan their stays more carefully and complete registration requirements before the 180-day deadline to avoid complications.
For long-term visitors, students, business travelers, expatriates, OCI-related dependents, and foreign residents, timely registration is now more important than ever under India's updated immigration framework.
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