India’s Ministry of Home Affairs revises immigration rules for foreign nationals who seek to stay in the country for longer than 180 days. Multiple outlets report that foreign visitors holding a visa/permission covering up to 180 days must now register before the end of that 180-day period if they intend to continue their stay. Previously, the requirement allowed registration within a grace window after the 180-day period had already ended. The revised approach shifts registration earlier, rather than after the 180 days expire.
Reports also state that the rules tighten how extensions beyond 180 days can be granted. Extensions for stays exceeding the initial 180-day limit are described as limited to emergent or exceptional situations, and at least one report says that no single extension is allowed beyond the initial 180-day limit. The changes are linked to updates notified through the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025.
In addition to the registration timeline, one outlet notes further amendments that include provisions affecting children born in India to foreign parents and revised reporting requirements for hospitals and medical institutions, indicating broader compliance changes alongside the 180-day registration rule.
