India especially has risen to be among the leading countries where people flock to in order to receive medical treatment that is both quality and cheap.

Whether it is for major operations, distinct treatments or overall body cures, India has much to offer in terms of medical services; therefore, many travellers go to India to seek medical treatment.

However, getting the visa can be a problem especially if there is a need to renew the medical visa because of change of circumstances.

Here, you will discover how to carry out the medical visa extension in India, the most important things to remember. This blog by Karetrip is intended to help lessen the confusion to the extent that your visit to India is dedicated to your healing and recovery.

What is a Medical Visa?

A medical visa is one of the subcategories of visa that is given to those foreigners who wish to undergo treatment in India. This is a typical up to one year or the period of treatment, whichever is shorter, and it permits multiple entries in the country.

The most basic requisite for getting a medical visa is a recommendation from a reputed and specialised Indian hospital where the treatment is envisaged to be conducted.

Why Might You Need to Extend a Medical Visa?

While the initial medical visa is granted for a duration that typically covers the expected treatment period, several reasons might necessitate an extension. Like:

• Complications During Treatment: However, there are cases which may be associated with a little complication hence prolonging the time required for recovery.

• Long-term Rehabilitation: Certain procedures like an organ transplant or a cancer treatment might need additional recovery or something like that.

• Unexpected Delays: Necessary surgeries may not be done in the right time, doctors may not be available as planned or other such factors may contribute to your stay.

• Post-operative Care: Further time may be required in dealing with complications or follow up of the surgery in order to ascertain that the patient is fit to travel.

• COVID-19 and Other Pandemics: The current pandemic has made it evident that movement restrictions as well as disease issues might extend the time one spends in a foreign land.

Due to these situations, the Indian government offers a procedure of the medical visa extension that means that patients will be able to get the required medical assistance without worrying about the visa expiration.

Process of Extending a Medical Visa in India

To sum up, the procedure to renew a medical visa in India is quite simple, however, it should be dealt with utmost caution. Below is a step-by-step guide:

Initiate the Process Early: Therefore, it is advisable to begin the process of extension a couple of months before the expiration of the current visa. It’s suggested to start it at least one month prior to the expiry date of the document.

Gather Necessary Documents:

• Current Medical Visa: The original one and a photocopy of the visa.

• Passport: The Actual Passport and also the Copy of bio-data page of the actual passport.

• Photographs: Recent passport size photos as per the recent specifications every passport application should contain.

• Medical Certificate: A medical certificate filled in the details by the hospital where the treatment is being received. The letter should articulate the reasons for having to stay in the location for an additional period.

• Letter from the Hospital: Medical opine in combination of the treating hospital note and letter indicating the necessity of the continued medical treatment and the expected duration.

• Residential Proof: Affidavit/Proof of residence in India as on the date of the rent agreement/utility bill etc.

• Financial Proof: Evidence that you will be able to finance your further stay in the country.

Submit the Application:

• Online Submission: First, fill in the e-FRRO portal as an initial method of application for getting an FSV. This platform makes it easier compared to previous processes and hence it is faster.

• Visit FRRO Office: Sometimes, based on the requirements, the authorities expect the candidate to come to the FRRO office in person. Lastly, ensure all your documents are in order and having as many photocopies as possible.

Attend the Interview: Perhaps, you will have to sit for an interview and come with reasons as to why you need an extension. It is important to be truthful and straightforward about your circumstances.

Pay the Fees: An extension fee will be available which can be paid online as well as at the FRRO office itself. The fee is not fixed and highly depends on the type of extension that is to be made as well as the period of extension.

Await Approval: If the application has to be submitted then it might take a few days to a few weeks for the FRRO to process it. You can progress the status of your application on the Internet simply by entering your records number.

Receive the Extended Visa: After this approval, you will receive a confirmation, and you will be stamped with an extended visa or receive an electronic extension.