Indian citizens can apply to get an Indian Visa at any Indian Embassy/Consulate. The process of getting a visa is long and tedious and requires a lot of planning and preparation. In this article we have provided a list of important steps and information that you need to know about renewal or getting a new Indian Visa.
What is a Reference Name on an Indian Visa?
Reference names are unique identifiers assigned by the Indian consulate to a foreign national seeking to renew their visa. The reference name, along with the foreign national’s passport number and date of birth, is entered into a computer system at the consulate during the visa renewal process. The reference name appears on a document, typically called an e-visa, that is issued to the foreign national when their visa is renewed. WHAT IS REFRENCE NAME ON INDIAN VISA
The reference name on an Indian visa should preferably be that of the foreign national’s actual given name followed by initials (e.g., John Smith Jr.). However, if this information cannot be ascertained or if it would be inappropriate for some reason, then another name may be used (e.g., JK). It is important to note that using a different reference name will result in a delay in issuing the electronic visa and may also lead to additional fees being incurred.
Renewing your Indian Visa and requirements
If you are a citizen of India and your visa has not expired, you can renew it online. To renew your Indian visa, you will need to provide the following information:
-Your passport number
-Your Date of Birth
-Your Nationality
-Your Reference Name (if different from your passport name)
-The expiry date of your current visa
To apply for a renewal online, you will need to first create an account with the Indian embassy or consulate where you reside. After creating your account, you will be able to submit your application online. The fee for a renewal is Rs. 600 ($10). You will also need to provide photocopies of the following documents: HOW TO RENEW INDIAN VISA
-Your passport
-Your original visa document
-Two recent photographs, one in which you are wearing a normal dress and one in which you are wearing appropriate attire for your visit (see below for more information on acceptable attire)
After submitting your application and payment, the embassy or consulate will send you an email confirmation advising that your application has been received and is being processed. Once the processing time is complete, you will receive another email notification informing you that your visa has been renewed and is now active. If at any time during the renewal process there are any problems with submitting or paying the fees, please contact the embassy or consulate immediately.
Names to Be Used as a Reference Name in Canada
If you are a Canadian citizen who has an Indian passport or Indian identity card, your reference name on a visa is your citizenship name. If you were born outside of Canada, or have a different legal name than your citizenship name, use the name by which you are known in Canada. To find out what your citizenship and legal name are, contact the Canadian embassy or consulate in your home country.
If you are not a Canadian citizen, be sure to inform the visa office when applying for a visa that you will be using a different reference name than your citizenship name. This is necessary to ensure that your application is processed correctly.
Conclusion
If you are travelling to India and would like to renew your visa, then you will need to provide the Indian consulate with your current visa reference name. This reference name is what the Indian consulate will use when processing your renewal request. If you have not changed your reference name on any of your visas in the last six months, then you can use the same reference name that is listed on your passport. However, if you have recently changed your name or if there has been a change in spelling of your first or last name, then you will need to contact the consulate and provide them with the new reference name.