X1 Visa Fees, Validity & Processing Time – Complete Guide (2026)

An X1 visa is applied for by a person who wants to stay in India for an extended period for relationship-based purposes. 

It is used by foreign nationals of Indian origin, dependents of Indian citizens, or the family members of long-term visa holders.  

In this blog, we will show you the X1 meaning, fees, validity, and processing time, and all the essential information that will help you to apply for the X1 visa smoothly. 

What is an X1 Visa?  

 An X1 visa, also known as an Entry visa, is granted to an individual who wants to stay in India for an extended period. 

It is a relationship-based visa that grants you a stay for a long term in India. However, you cannot use this visa for employment and business purposes. 

With an X1 visa, you can apply for an extension of your duration of stay in India. It depends on the FRRO approval. Through this visa, you can visit India for family-related reasons. 

An X1 visa is issued to the following individuals: 

• To the spouse of an Indian citizen. 
• Child of an OCI cardholder and an Indian citizen. 
• Dependents of the long-term visa holders. 

You cannot use this visa for employment or business purposes in India. If you've done any business or work, you need to face penalties, or your visa may be cancelled. 

What are the Eligibility Criteria to Apply for an X1 Visa? 

If you meet the following conditions, then you can apply for the X1 visa. 

• If you are a foreign national but married to an Indian citizen. 
• If you are a person of Indian origin and don't have an OCI card. 
• Child of an individual with an OCI status or an Indian citizen. 
• A dependent is eligible if the holder is an employment or business visa holder. 

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What are the Documents Required for an X1 Visa? 

Here is the list of documents that you need to submit for your X1 visa:

• Provide a valid passport with at least 6 months' validity. 
• Printed and signed visa application. 
• Provide proof of legal stay.  
• Provide 2 passport-size photos with a white plain background. 
• Submit a filled Indian X visa application form. 
• You need to submit proof of relationship (a marriage certificate or a birth certificate).  
• Submit a copy of the Indian passport and the OCI card of the sponsor. 
• You need to provide valid address proof in India. 

Note: Check for any updates and provide any additional documents if the Indian embassy requests them for your X visa application. 

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What are the X1 Application Fees in India 2026? 

Check the table below to see the X1 visa fees. 

X1 visa fees also depend on various factors, such as the applicant's nationality, visa duration, and the country from which the applicant is applying. All these factors play a crucial role in deciding your fees for the X1 visa. 

Additionally, you need to pay service charges for the X1 visa application, including service provider fees, biometric charges, and courier fees. 

Note: X1 visa fees vary by Indian mission and the country from which you are applying. So make sure to check the application fees before applying for an X1 visa. 

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Processing Time for an X1 Visa Application 

The normal X1 processing time is around 1-3 weeks, depending on the application and documents submitted by the applicant. 

However, many applicants need to provide additional documents, which can extend the X1 visa processing time to around 2-4 working weeks. Although it can also depend on the verification of documents and application details. 

 Factors Affecting the X1 Visa Processing Time 

Given below are some of the major factors that affect the X1 visa application processing time. 

• Submitting incomplete documents for an entry visa application. 
• Verification of the background causes more days in the processing of the X1 visa.  
• Due to the nationality rules, your application may be delayed. 
• If the authorities receive a large number of applications, your application will take longer to process. 

Make sure you fill out your X1 visa application early to avoid last-minute hassles and delays in the X1 visa process. 

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How long is an X1 Visa Valid?

An X1 visa validity depends on the applicant's eligibility criteria and the purpose of stay in India. However, if we look at the general X1 visa validity, you can get 6 months to 1 year of validity. 

You can also get the visa extension by registering with the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) or the local FRO in India within 14 days of arrival, if you have stayed for more than 180-days in India. 

X1 visa holders can receive up to 5 years of visa validity and multiple entries into India, depending on eligibility. 

Important Rules for the X1 Visa in India

See some important rules for X1 visa holders in India that they need to remember. 

• If you are on an X1  visa in India, then you are not allowed to work in India. 
• X1 visa holders cannot run a business in India, as it is strictly prohibited. 
• You can stay in India for an extended period with your family and spouse. 
• If your stay in India exceeds 180 days, you need to register with the FRRO within 14 days of arrival. 

What is the Difference Between an X1 Visa vs OCI Card? 

Conclusion

We hope that you get all the essential information about the X1 visa through this blog. An X1 visa is a secure option for the individual who wants to visit India for family purposes. If you want to get permanent long-term benefits, then you can also apply for an OCI card. 

If you face any problem during your X1 visa application process, then you can contact the Visament website, where our agents will provide you with all the information related to the X1 visa application.