Volunteer Visa Requirement

New Requirements for volunteering in India (UPDATED 22nd August 2010)

In 2010 the Indian govtment changed the requirements for volunteering for NGO's in India. Employment visas are now required for volunteer work, below is a guide for UK passport holders to apply for a visa to volunteer for Children Walking Tall. For the most up to date information please contact the Indian High commission or their authorised agents (VFS). Other nationalities will have a similar process but they should contact their respective visa centres for detailed information.

Due to the change in visa requirements, UK Volunteers have seen a steep increase in the visa charge, the charge for a 6 month employment visa is now £285, below is a chart for other nationalities.

Applying for a Indian visa for volunteer work (Employment Visa)

Below is a guide to help with the visa process. This is for UK Nationals and those who live in the UK. Other nationalities will have a similar process but they should contact their respective visa centers for detailed information.

Apply Online

Apply online for your visa with VFS Global (http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/onlineapplication.html) Please read all the details carefully before filling in the application. (Online Guidance and FAQ (See Q33)) (Please remember that the visa is valid from the date of issue, not date of departure).

Please use the following details as your Indian References

Name : Savita Rao
Address : 148/3, Karaswada, Mapusa, Bardez, Goa
Tel : 9822 124802

Name : Aloysius Thomas
Address : 148/3, Karaswada, Mapusa, Bardez, Goa
Tel : 9822 124802

Checklist

Once your online application is complete, follow their instructions, below is a list of items you will require when visiting the visa center or sending your application by post, if sending by post then we recommend using Special delivery which costs an extra £7.40 per direction.

1. Passport valid for a minimum of 190 days, with at least 2 blank pages.

2. Correct Visa Fee (please check the VFS website for latest costs).

3. Two recent identical passport photographs ( 2 inch x 2 inch (50 mm x 50 mm) in size) - These can be printed on photopaper using a inkjet printer.

4. Printed copy of the completed online Application Form.

5. Invitation letters from Children Walking Tall (this is provided on request from our Volunteer Co-Ordinater once you are on the volunteer calendar)

6. Copy of recent bank statement showing you can support yourself while in India.

7. Copy of Annex - 1 to accompany your application

3. Please make sure all your other requirements for volunteering are complete (Police Check, Deposit, CV and Passport Style Photo so that you can start volunteering as soon as you arrive.

Receiving your Visa

When you receive you visa it will look something like the image below. Please read it carefully as there might be the requirement to register (green writing bottom left) with the local FRO Office (Foriegners Registration Office). This normally has to be done within 14 days of arrival in India.

To register you will require the following :

1. Three standard passport style photos

2. Lease Agreement for your OR A letter and xerox copy of an electricity bill from the house owners they are staying with (the letter should state that you are living at the address on the electricity bill)

3. A COLOUR photo copy of your VISA and arrival STAMP (normally two pages in your passport)

4. A COLOUR photo copy of your Picture page in your passport.

5. Copy of the invitation letters we sent for your visa application

6. Copy of our Children Walking Tall's Licence (This will be provided once you arrive)

7. A letter from Children Walking Tall to say that you have started volunteering..

8. 100 Rs registration fee

*Note* If you are required to register you must remember to 'sign out' of the country before you leave. This is normally done a week before you leave. Details will be given as part of your registration papers.