India has introduced a new e‑Production Investment Visa (eB4), replacing the former e‑Production‑Linked Incentive (PLI) Visa. The new visa category aims to facilitate foreign technical expertise, streamline entry procedures, and support India’s ongoing industrial expansion and digitalization initiatives. The updated framework broadens eligibility criteria and modernizes the application process for foreign professionals traveling to India for production‑related activities.
Key Features of the eB4 Visa
The new eB4 visa category expands access beyond government‑linked manufacturing schemes, making it available to all Indian companies seeking to bring in specialized foreign talent for production‑related functions. Eligible applicants may include:
- Subject matter specialists
- Engineers and technical professionals
- Senior management and executives
The visa permits multiple‑entry travel for up to six months and supports short‑term project‑based activities. Importantly, the eB4 does not authorize employment in India.
Permitted Activities
Foreign nationals may enter India under the eB4 visa to support a range of production and operational functions, including:
- Installation and commissioning of equipment
- Quality checks and essential maintenance
- Production activities
- IT and ERP system ramp‑up
- Training and vendor development
- Plant design and facility bring‑up
- Project execution and technical supervision
These permitted functions mean that certain assignments previously requiring an Employment Visa may now fall within the scope of the eB4, provided eligibility requirements are met.
Digital Application and Sponsorship Process
The eB4 is fully digital. Companies hosting foreign nationals must:
- Register on the National Single Window System (NSWS) portal to generate a digital Sponsorship Letter with a unique sponsorship number. This is mandatory for all eB4 visa applications.
- Applicants must submit the eB4 visa online through indianvisaonline.gov.in, along with:
- Passport biographic page
- Sponsorship Letter
- Dispatch letter from the home employer
- Proforma details of current employer
- Applicant résumé
- All documents must be uploaded in English‑language certified copies.
Registration Requirements Upon Arrival
All foreign nationals arriving in India on an eB4 visa must register electronically with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival, regardless of visa duration. They should not depart India until registration is completed.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.