Aiming to put India at the forefront of global educational and technological progress, the Ministry of Home Affairs has given its approval. G20 Talent Visa. The objective is to attract top-level international scholars, researchers, and professionals from G-20 countries to India. Designed for those involved in academic projects, post-doctoral research, fellowships, and specialized training programs, this visa falls under the S-5 sub-category of the student visa framework, making it an ideal opportunity for academic achievements worldwide. The University Grants Commission (UGC) is responsible for spreading awareness about visas in higher education institutions across India.
The initiative is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, shared at the G20 summit in September this year, to attract international talent and boost India’s scientific and technological capabilities. Through the G20 Talent Visa, India seeks to foster global cooperation, innovate and strengthen its educational ecosystem. Click here for official acceptance notification.
The official notification reads, “It is hereby informed that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) has announced its approval to introduce a new category ‘G20 Talent Visa’ under the sub-category of student visa (S-5 visa) for scientists, researchers, faculty members, G20 Scholar academics from group countries to enter India for the purpose of projects, training programmes, post-doctoral research, fellowships, etc.
All Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are requested to take note and disseminate information on G20 Talent Visa among stakeholders/faculty members/researchers/scholars. This visa will provide a valuable opportunity for individuals to present their research and innovations.
G20 Summit 2024: Talent visa announced
During the second session of the G20 Summit, PM Modi proposed the introduction of the “G20 Talent Visa”, a special category aimed at attracting skilled professionals similar to initiatives adopted by other countries.
At the G20 Summit, the Prime Minister said, “Just like how all countries issue different categories of visas, we can establish a special category of ‘G20 Talent Visa’. This type of visa can be highly beneficial for our top science and technology talents to explore global opportunities.” Their talent and efforts can make a significant contribution to our economy.”
G 20 Talent Visa: What is it?
This visa is intended to facilitate the entry of talented individuals such as scientists, researchers and faculty members from G20 countries into India. It will allow scholars from G20 countries to engage in various projects, training programs, and more Post-doctoral research in Indiathereby promoting international academic and scientific exchange. The G20 Talent Visa is specifically designed for people involved in fields such as science, technology, engineering and academia. The Ministry of Home Affairs oversees the approval process, ensuring that applicants meet the required criteria.
Other Global Talent Visas Around the World
The G20 Talent Visa marks an important step in India’s efforts to attract global talent in research and academia. Comparable programs such as UK Global Talent Visa, Australia’s Global Talent VisaAnd the US O-1 visa has already paved the way for nations to attract top-tier talent. Here is a comprehensive overview of these global talent visas.
- UK Global Talent Visa: The UK offers a Global Talent Visa, similar to the G20 Talent Visa, targeting exceptional individuals in fields such as science, engineering, humanities, and digital technology. Applicants must first receive support from an accredited body such as the Royal Society of UK Research and Innovation. This approval ensures that only highly qualified individuals are considered for visas. Visa holders in the UK can work independently, and after three years, they can apply for indefinite leave.
- Australia’s Global Talent Visa: Australia’s version of the Global Talent Visa aims to attract highly skilled professionals, requiring applicants to demonstrate their expertise and receive support from an Australian institution. This visa also provides a pathway to permanent residency for eligible candidates.
- US O-1 visa: In the United States, the O-1 visa is a similar option for individuals with exceptional ability in a variety of fields, including the arts and sciences. This nonimmigrant visa requires applicants to prove their exceptional talent through awards and recognition. Unlike the G20 talent visa, which mainly targets academic researchers, the O-1 visa is much broader, covering a wide range of professionals.