Immigration and Foreigners (Amendment) Rules, 2026

On 1st June 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs has notified the Immigration and Foreigners (Amendment) Rules, 2026, introducing key changes to registration timelines and the appeals mechanism under the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025.

Key Points

Revised Registration Timeline: Foreigners holding visas for 180 days or less must now register before the expiry of 180 days if they intend to stay beyond the permitted period.
The previous rule required the registration within fourteen days after the expiry of one hundred and eighty days of arrival in India.
Long-Term Visa Holders: Foreign nationals holding visas with the condition that each stay should not exceed 180 days must also register before the completion of the 180-day period if seeking an extended stay.
Emergency Provision: The amended rules clarify that permission for such extended stay registrations will be granted only under emergent circumstances.
Relief for Children with One Indian Parent: The requirement to notify authorities within 30 days of birth will not apply where either parent is an Indian citizen and wishes to retain Indian citizenship for the child.
Foreign Citizenship Acquisition: If such a child later acquires foreign citizenship while in India, parents must inform the registration officer within 30 days.