Visa FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about passports and visas. Please look through these answers and if you still can't find what you're looking for, we'd be happy to talk to you!

Do I need a passport?

YES!!!! Please visit the U.S. State Department travel pages for the most up-to-date information regarding passport application and fees. If you don't have a passport, you should apply for one immediately when you begin to think about studying abroad.

What is a visa and what kind of visa do I need to participate on an Alliance program in India?

In addition to a valid passport, you are also required to secure a student visa to enter India.  A visa is an official document/seal that is glued into your passport that permits you to enter the country.

Where do I go to get a visa?

Instructions accompanying your visa application forms will tell you how to apply by mail. 

When should I secure my visa?

You first need a valid passport. You can't apply for your visa until you receive a Student Visa Athorization letter from the Alliance, sponsored by the American Institute for Indian Studies (AIIS). These visa documents are sent electronically  to students from the Alliance as follows:

• Fall term students - early July
• Spring term students - early December
• Summer term students - mid-April

This mailing will also include detailed instructions on how to apply for your visa.

Should I make copies of my visa documents?

YES. Please make a copy of all visa-related paperwork

Is it possible to extend my visa so I can travel around India at the conclusion of my program?

The Alliance's sponsorship of your student visa cannot be extended for travel, research, or volunteer conducted outside its auspices.  Though there is generally some cushion left over between the conclusion of the program and the expiration of the visa, any travel beyond that date may require require you to leave the country and return on a tourist visa.  

Is it possible to travel to other countries at the conclusion of the Alliance program and then return to Mumbai to fly back home?

Yes, this is usually possible, as student visas are multiple-entry.  That said, visa regulations can be complicated and it is best to check with your Resident Director before making plans.   

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