The Government of India has notified amendments to the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, revising the registration timeline for foreign nationals seeking to extend or continue their stay in India beyond the 180-day period.
According to media reports, foreign nationals arriving in India must complete registration before the expiry of 180 days from arrival if they intend to extend their stay in the country. Earlier, registration was reportedly allowed within 14 days after the expiry of the 180-day period. The amendment therefore appears to shift the timeline earlier for those seeking to extend or continue their stay beyond 180 days.
This update may be relevant for international students, researchers, visiting faculty, professionals and other long-term academic visitors to India, depending on their visa category, duration of stay and whether an extension or continued stay beyond 180 days is being sought.
For Nordic universities and Indian host institutions, the practical takeaway is simple: where students, researchers or faculty may need to remain in India beyond 180 days, registration and extension requirements should be checked well in advance, rather than left until the end of the 180-day period.
This should not be read as a general registration requirement for every foreign visitor to India. Requirements may vary depending on visa category, nationality, duration of stay and the specific conditions attached to the visa. Visitors should refer to official Government of India, FRRO/FRO and visa-specific guidance for their individual circumstances.
The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 regulates matters related to the entry, stay, movement and exit of foreign nationals in India, and provides for registration requirements subject to prescribed conditions.
The Nordic Centre in India will continue to share practical updates relevant to Nordic higher education institutions, students, researchers and partners engaging with India.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/government-notifies-changes-in-immigration-and-foreigners-rules-2025/article71050961.ece
India Immigration | Student Mobility | Research Mobility | FRRO | Academic Mobility | Higher Education | Nordic–India Collaboration
Note: This post is intended as a general information update and should not be treated as legal or immigration advice.
