Business Visas

For Indian professionals and business owners, the following breakdown covers the four most significant global corridors.

1. United States: The B-1 and Beyond
The US remains the top destination for Indian corporate travelers and entrepreneurs.

Business Visitor (B-1)
This is for short-term stays (meetings, negotiations, attending conferences).

Fees: $185 (approx. ₹15,500).

2026 Update: Interview waiver (dropbox) slots have been consolidated in New Delhi. Applicants from other cities can still drop documents at local centers for a nominal fee (approx. ₹1,200).

Validity: Typically granted for 10 years, allowing stays of up to 6 months per visit.

Entrepreneur Pathways (L-1, E-2, EB-5)
For those looking to establish a physical presence:

L-1 (Intracompany Transfer): Ideal for expanding an Indian company to the US. Requires a qualifying relationship between the Indian and US entities.

E-2 (Treaty Investor): While India is not a treaty country, many Indians utilize this via citizenship in countries like Grenada or Turkey. Investment is typically between $120,000 and $300,000.

EB-5 (Investor Visa): The direct route to a Green Card. The 2026 minimum investment is $800,000 in Targeted Employment Areas (TEA) or $1,050,000 elsewhere.

2. Canada: The Business Visitor & SUV
Canada has streamlined its processes to attract Indian talent, though scrutiny remains high.

Business Visitor
Fees: CAD 100 (Visa) + CAD 85 (Biometrics) = Approx. ₹11,500.

Key Requirement: You must prove you will not enter the Canadian labor market. You can attend meetings or training, but you cannot be paid by a Canadian source.

Financial Proof: Demonstrating CAD 1,000–2,000 per month of stay is generally advised.

Start-Up Visa (SUV)
2026 Status: The program is currently paused for new commitment certificates until mid-2026 to clear backlogs.

Requirement: If you hold a 2025 certificate, you must apply by June 30, 2026.

Benefit: Provides permanent residency for up to five founders of an innovative business supported by a designated Canadian organization.

3. United Kingdom: Business Visitor & Young Professionals
The UK has shifted toward digital-first processing for Indian nationals.

Standard Visitor (Business)
Fees: £127 (approx. ₹13,500) for 6 months. Long-term visas (2, 5, or 10 years) are available at significantly higher costs (up to £1,059).

Permitted Paid Engagement: If you are invited as an expert in your field for a specific paid task (e.g., a guest lecture), you must apply for this specific sub-category.

Proof of Ties: UKVI places extreme importance on your "intention to leave," requiring evidence of property, family, or stable employment in India.

India Young Professionals Scheme
While primarily for work, this is a popular route for young Indian entrepreneurs (18–30) to test the UK market.

Fee: £319 + £1,552 (Health Surcharge).

Self-Employment: You can set up a company if your equipment is worth less than £5,000 and you have no employees.

4. European Union (Schengen Area)
In late 2026, the EU will introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES), which replaces manual passport stamping with digital facial and fingerprint scans at borders.

Schengen Business Visa (Type C)
Fee: €90 (approx. ₹8,200).

Activities: Negotiating contracts, visiting clients, or attending trade fairs.

Document Focus: An Invitation Letter from the host company in the EU is the most critical document. It must specify who is covering the travel and stay costs.

Travel Insurance: Mandatory coverage of at least €30,000 with no deductibles.