Centre for International Relations
Centre for International Relations
FRRO Compliance
FRRO Registration Compliance for Foreign Nationals – Procedure and Timelines
Guidelines for FRRO Registration
This is to inform all the faculty, Heads of the Departments, Deans and Directors, about the compliance procedure to be followed under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, for any foreign national, student, faculty, delegate, or collaborator hosted by the department. All are requested to follow the timelines and process outlined below, in coordination with the Centre for International Relations (CIR).
1. Registration Requirement
Any foreign national holding a visa valid for more than 180 days is required to register with the FRRO within 14 days of arrival in India. The process begins immediately on arrival:
- Form C is to be filed within 24 hours of arrival.
- Form S is to be completed within 24 hours thereafter.
- FRRO registration (and Form G, where applicable) is to be completed within 14 days of arrival.
Delay at any stage may attract penalty charges and require a written explanation; in such cases, the faculty concerned may be asked to accompany the visitor to the FRRO office to complete the process. At the point of exit, immigration checks each visitor’s registration status, and an unregularised stay can result in the visitor being stopped and denied boarding on their departure flight. Departments are requested to plan visits with this timeline in mind.
2. Documents Required
For students / research scholars / long-term visitors:
- Photograph
- Passport and valid Visa
- Offer / Admission / Invitation letter issued by the Institute
- Sponsorship letter (PDF) — scholarship / funding source, where applicable
- Bonafide Certificate — Assistance by CIR
- Letter of Undertaking — Assistance by CIR
- Form C — Assistance by CIR.
Additionally, for PhD / research visits:
- Synopsis of the research project / visit
- Form G — Assistance by CIR
3. Advance Intimation to CIR
To allow sufficient time for the Bonafide Certificate, Letter of Undertaking, and related documentation to be prepared, departments are requested to intimate CIR of any confirmed or anticipated visit by a foreign national including short visits by collaborating faculty, delegates, and speakers, not only enrolled students — at least ONE MONTH before the visitor’s arrival date. Please share the following minimum details with CIR at the time of intimation:
| Field | Details required |
|---|---|
| Visitor name & designation | As per passport |
| Nationality & passport number | Include place and date of issue, validity |
| Visa type & number | Visa category (research / conference / employment, etc.) |
| Purpose & department | Host department and hosting faculty member |
| Dates of visit | Arrival and departure dates |
| Accommodation in India | Hostel / guest house / address |
| Sponsorship / funding source | If applicable |
| Contact details | Visitor’s email and phone, and host faculty’s email and phone |
4. Process Summary
- Intimate CIR of any foreign visitor (student, faculty, delegate) at least one month before arrival, with the details listed above.
- Ensure Form C is filed within 24 hours of arrival.
- Coordinate with CIR to complete Form S within 24 hours, as applicable. Form G and FRRO registration must be completed within 14 days of arrival, based on the visitor’s stay — no exceptions.
- The above timelines apply to any visa valid for more than 180 days, regardless of the actual length of stay. CIR will confirm applicability on a case-by-case basis.
Departments are requested to route all foreign-visitor cases through CIR well in advance of arrival, to ensure timely compliance and a smooth process for every visitor.
