Visa to India for spouse

[os_oz]

Hiya,

I am an Indian citizen and my partner who I am getting married to is British. Next year, we are planning to go live in India for a few years, but I am unsure what visa he should be applying for?

I am told the he cant get a PIO card until we've been married for 1/2 years. And he can only get a tourist visa (and not an entry visa) - but apparently with the tourist visa you for India, you need to leave the country for 2 months every 180 days!!

Any advice appreciated.

[krazydude]

The X- Visa

http://mha.gov.in/pdfs/FAQ-onX-VISA210510.pdf

I think a PIO can be applied for, once you have completed 1 yr of marriage.

[os_oz]

Thanks for that link, it's just what I needed. I've sent it to the (very unhelpful) staff at VFS since they maintain my partner cant apply for a X visa!

I've been hearing different things re a PIO card - i.e. if its after 1 or 2 years of marrige.

[os_oz]

Just heard back from them, apparently, you cannot apply for a long term 5 year entry visa (indicated as ‘X’ visa) until you have been married to an Indian national for minimum of 5years.

Suggestions please!