Visa Guide for Indian Students

Getting a visa as an Indian passport holder requires more preparation than most. But it is very manageable if you start early. Here is everything you need to know.

The Most Common Visa Types for Indian Interns

Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — For Europe

Covers 26 European countries including Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Czech Republic, and Austria. Valid for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

• Processing time: 15–45 working days
• Cost: €90 (approximately Rs. 8,100) — fee increased June 2024
• Apply through: Embassy or VFS Global of the country where you spend the most time
• Key requirement: Confirmed internship offer letter, accommodation proof, sufficient funds (approx. €50/day minimum)

If your internship is 3–6 months, some countries allow a National Visa (Type D) which permits longer stays. Germany, Netherlands, and France all have internship-specific national visa categories.

UK Sponsored Worker / Graduate Route Visa

The UK requires a separate visa from Schengen. For internships, the most common route is the Sponsored Worker visa (Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange) if arranged through a licensed sponsor, or the Graduate visa if you recently graduated from a UK university.

• Processing time: 3–8 weeks
• Cost: £298–£610 (approximately Rs. 32,000–65,000)
• Note: Many London internships are unpaid or short-term — check the exact route with your placement company before applying

UAE Employment/Visit Visa

Dubai is one of the easiest destinations for Indian students. The UAE has a large Indian community and relatively straightforward visa processes.

• Internship route: Usually a sponsored employment visa arranged by the host company
• Processing time: 2–4 weeks once company applies
• Cost: Often covered by employer; otherwise approximately Rs. 8,000–15,000
• Advantage: No Schengen-style points system — the employer sponsors you directly

Singapore Employment Pass / Work Authorisation

Singapore is strict about work authorisation. Internship visas must be arranged by your host company — you cannot apply independently. The specific pass type depends on your role, salary, and qualifications.

• Route: Employer-sponsored work authorisation (Employment Pass or specific intern scheme)
• Processing time: 3–8 weeks
• Cost: Approximately Rs. 6,500–10,000 total (often covered by employer)
• Important: Must be initiated by the employer, not by you. Confirm visa route with your placement company before accepting an offer.

Thailand — Visa-Free Entry and Work Authorisation

Bangkok is popular for creative, hospitality, and startup internships. Indian passport holders now receive 60-day visa-free entry to Thailand (upgraded from the old visa-on-arrival). Longer stays or paid internships require a Non-Immigrant B visa.

• Visa-free entry: 60 days (extendable once to 90 days) — no fee, but complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours of departure
• Non-Immigrant B (Business Visa): For paid internships — Rs. 5,000–8,000

Note on Bali, Indonesia: Bali is a separate country (Indonesia) with its own visa rules. Indian students receive visa-on-arrival (30 days, extendable). See your destination guide for Indonesia-specific visa information.

The Visa Document Checklist (Most Countries)

Getting Your University NOC

Most embassies want proof your university supports your internship. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) typically needs to come from your Head of Department or Dean. It should state:

• Your name, enrollment number, and programme
• That the university has no objection to you undertaking the internship
• The dates of your internship
• University letterhead with signature and stamp

If you are on the Full Service, we help you draft this letter and advise on exactly what each embassy needs. Many embassies also want the NOC translated into the local language or English by a certified translator.

Visa Timeline by Destination

Common Visa Rejection Reasons (and How to Avoid Them)

• Insufficient funds: Embassies want to see healthy bank balances — not just enough for the trip. Aim for 3× the estimated trip cost in your account.
• Weak ties to India: Embassies look for evidence you will return (property, family, ongoing studies). Include your university enrollment certificate prominently.
• Incomplete documents: Missing a single document is the most common reason. Use our checklist above and double-check every item.
• Unprofessional offer letter: Your internship offer letter needs to look official. We review all letters before submission as part of the Full Service.
• Applying too late: Applying within 4 weeks of your intended start date is often too late for Schengen. Apply 8–12 weeks in advance.