New Delhi: Foreign nationals who want to stay in India beyond their visa limit will now have to register before their 180-day period expires, under revised Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, the Union Home Ministry said.
According to a notification issued by the ministry, the new rule applies to visitors whose visas are valid for 180 days or less. Earlier, such foreigners could register within 14 days after completing 180 days in India. The amended rule now requires them to register “any time before the expiry of the said period of 180 days.”
This means the deadline has been moved forward to allow closer monitoring of foreign nationals staying in the country, the ministry said.
Tighter Visa Cap
The changes also cover foreigners on visas that are valid for more than 180 days, but where each stay in India cannot go beyond 180 days. If such visa-holders want to stay longer, either on one visit or within a calendar year, they must register before the 180-day period ends.
The government said permission to stay beyond 180 days will be given only in “emergent circumstances.”
Birth Rule Eased
The revised rules also ease reporting requirements for children born in India to foreign parents. Earlier, parents had to inform the registration officer electronically within 30 days of the child’s birth through the official portal or mobile app to get visa-related services like a new visa or exit permit.
Now, this rule will not apply if one parent is an Indian citizen and wants the child to keep Indian citizenship. But if the child later gets foreign citizenship while living in India, “either parent must inform the registration officer within 30 days of the child acquiring foreign citizenship.”
Hospital Reporting Eased
The new rules also update the reporting process and other administrative requirements for hospitals, nursing homes and similar medical facilities that provide treatment along with lodging or sleeping space.
The notification does not change their role in a major way, but it does revise their compliance and reporting duties under the Immigration and Foreigners Rules framework.
