Work permits are usually sponsored by Indian employers that hire workers overseas and the requirements for this type of visa are loosely defined. In deciding which visa application to approve, the immigration authority seems to rely, more or less, on subjective reasoning rather than on pre-defined criteria.
Unlike a business visa, a work permit allows aliens to work as soon as they move to India. Work visas can be extended to one more year at the end of the prescribed term.
Both Indian embassies and the High Commissions process visa applications. Applicants can also send their application form through the Indian company that sponsors them. Once the sponsoring employer approves the job offer, various documents will be required by the immigration authority, including the prescribed visa application form, passport, residential certificate, employment certificates and proof of employer sponsorship.
Another way by which skilled workers can move to India is through the Intra Company Transfer (E) visa. This type of visa is designed for foreigners who move to India due to job relocation. This E visa is intended to facilitate the movement of critical employees of multinational companies. As with the regular work permit, the E visa has poorly defined criteria, though a four-year college degree and labour shortage are known to be some of the deciding factors.
Work permits also allow spouses and dependents to move to India. However, dependents cannot work in the country unless they qualify for a work visa in their own capacity.