Has the Government Introduced a Digital Visa Sponsorship Letter Module for Production Employment?
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Synopsis
On December 18, the Indian government unveiled a revolutionary online module for companies to create digital sponsorship letters, facilitating the hiring of foreign professionals for production-related roles under the e-B-4 Visa. This initiative is designed to enhance the ease of doing business in India and streamline visa processes.
Key Takeaways
- New online module launched for generating sponsorship letters.
- Streamlined visa processes for foreign professionals.
- e-B-4 Visa facilitates production-related employment.
- Removal of bureaucratic hurdles from the visa application process.
- Integration with NSWS for efficient data management.
New Delhi, Dec 18 (NationPress) The government has officially launched an online module that enables Indian companies to generate sponsorship letters for inviting foreign professionals to participate in production-related activities under the e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4 Visa).
The Commerce Ministry announced that this digital initiative is part of a comprehensive set of reforms aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business in India under the business visa framework.
“We have simplified the processes by eliminating cumbersome forms and the need for recommendations from the Line Ministry. With this new module, Indian companies and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) can swiftly generate sponsorship letters for inviting foreign professionals under the e-B-4 Visa category using NSWS,” stated the ministry.
The auto-population of data and automatic verification through existing databases such as MCA and GSTN have removed the necessity for line ministry approval.
The generated sponsorship letters will carry a unique ID that foreign professionals must reference when applying for a visa on the e-Visa portal, where this module is integrated with NSWS via API,” the ministry elaborated.
Earlier in August, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a circular to address specific issues concerning employment visas, business visas, and the e-PLI business.
This circular introduced changes that shifted two activities previously under the employment visa category—foreign nationals coming for the installation and commissioning of equipment as part of a contract—into the business visa framework.
A new sub-category titled “Production Investment Visa” has been established under the Business Visa regime, known as B-4 Visa, to facilitate the engagement of foreign subject matter experts, engineers, and technical personnel by Indian companies.
Furthermore, the previously existing e-PLI business visa has been discontinued. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also revised relevant sections of the Visa Manual, 2019.
As part of this reform, the Production Investment Visa will be issued as an e-visa, which can be applied for through the online visa portal.
To streamline the application process for the e-B-4 visa, Indian companies can now generate sponsorship letters digitally.
The DPIIT has introduced the e-Production Investment Business registration module on the National Single Window System (NSWS), which is available to both PLI and non-PLI businesses.
Point of View
I believe this initiative by the Indian government is a significant step forward in attracting global talent and boosting production capabilities in the country. By simplifying processes and reducing bureaucratic red tape, the government is aligning itself with global business practices, making India a more attractive destination for international professionals.
NationPress
19/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the e-B-4 Visa?
The e-B-4 Visa is a new category under the Business Visa regime designed for foreign professionals engaged in production-related activities in India.
How can Indian companies generate sponsorship letters?
Indian companies can generate sponsorship letters digitally through the new online module launched by the government.
What changes were made to the employment visa regulations?
Certain activities previously covered under the employment visa, such as installation and commissioning of equipment, have now been moved to the business visa regime.
What is the purpose of the National Single Window System?
The National Single Window System (NSWS) aims to streamline business registration processes and facilitate easier access for Indian and foreign businesses.
Is the Production Investment Visa issued as an e-visa?
Yes, the Production Investment Visa will be issued as an e-visa, which can be applied for through the online Visa portal.
