Centre has notified amendments to the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, mandating that foreigners arriving in India for up to 180 days must register themselves before the expiry of their visa if they seek to extend their stay in the country. Previously, registration had to be completed within 14 days after the end of the 180-day period. 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. However, late registration beyond this period will now be permitted only under emergent circumstances.
For the first time, an online appeal system has been added in the rules. A person affected by any order can now file an online appeal with the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration. The appeal must be filed within 30 days of receiving the order. The Commissioner will have to give a decision after hearing the concerned party, and the matter should be resolved within 60 days.
