Entry Requirements for India- All Americans require a valid passport and visa for entry into and exit from India for any purpose. All visitors, including those on official U.S. government business, must obtain visas at an Indian Embassy or Consulate abroad prior to entering the country. There are no provisions for visas upon arrival. Those arriving in India without a visa bearing the correct validity dates and number of entries are subject to immediate deportation on the return flight. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are unable to assist when U.S. citizens arrive without visas.

         Registration Requirement- All foreigners, including foreigners of Indian origin, visiting India on a visa that permits a stay of more than 180 days must register with the Foreigners' Registration Officer having jurisdiction over the place where the foreigner intends to stay within 14 days of his/her arrival. While any visitor planning a stay of more than 180 days must register within 14 days, some visas will be stamped with an indication of whether or not registration is required. Everyone with visa indicating that registration is required should be sure to register with the appropriate Foreigners Registration Office within 14 days. It is best to check with the office you will be registering with for up-to-date requirements, but generally you be asked to provide the following documents.

• A photocopy of the passport and initial visa



• Four photographs of the applicant



• Details of residence in India



• An HIV test report from one of the WHO recognized institutions from people age 15 to 60 years old, if the foreigner is visiting India on visa for more than one year.



• Copy of the marriage certificate in case of those seeking extension of stay on grounds of being spouse of an Indian National.



• Bonafide certificate from the University / College / Institution in case of Student visa. Accreditation certificate from the Press Information Bureau in case of Journalist visa.



• Approval of the Department of Company Affairs in the case of Board level appointments in Public Limited Companies.



• Copy of the approval from Government of India in case of joint venture or collaboration (in duplicate).



• Copy of permission from the Reserve Bank of India in the case of a business/joint venture, etc. Also the terms and conditions of appointment and a copy of contract or agreement, in case of     Employment visa.



• An undertaking from the concerned Indian company on the following lines in case of Employment/Business visa

• A photocopy of the passport and initial visa



• the foreigner is not in possession of a valid passport or visa for India, and has not been exempted from the possession of a passport or visa;



• is mentally disturbed or a mentally defective person;



• is suffering from an infectious disease dangerous to the public health (including HIV);



• has been sentenced in a foreign country for an extraditable offense under the Indian Extradition Act;



• or whose entry is prohibited either under an order issued by a competent authority or the Central Government

Source:

http://chennai.usconsulate.gov/entryexit.html