Is it normal? Does it mean something went wrong? Are they about to reject it?
Take a breath. In almost every case, 'Under Review' is a completely routine stage of the visa process and understanding what's happening behind the scenes can save you a lot of unnecessary stress. This guide breaks down exactly what that status means, how long it typically lasts by visa type, what causes delays, and when, if ever, you should actually be concerned.
Whether you have applied for an India e-Tourist Visa, an India e-Business Visa, this guide applies to you.
What Does 'Under Review' Actually Mean?
When your India e-visa application status reads 'Under Review' or 'Under Process', which is used interchangeably across different portals. It simply means your application has moved past the submission stage and is now being actively assessed by Indian immigration officials.
Here's what's typically happening at this stage:
- Your documents, photograph, and application details are being verified for accuracy and completeness.
- Your passport information is being cross-checked against immigration and security databases.
- For certain nationalities or visa types, additional background checks may be running.
- The Bureau of Immigration or the relevant Indian Mission is preparing to issue a decision, either Granted or Rejected
According to the Indian e-Visa guidelines, once your application is confirmed as received, the review begins immediately. You'll be notified on your registered email once a decision is made — so keep an eye on your inbox (and spam folder).
Your application ID is provided here so that you can track your application status through the official government portal or through IVC Visas if you applied with us.
India Visa Status Explained
Here's what each one actually means:
ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is emailed to you once your Indian e-Visa is granted. Always confirm that your ETA shows 'GRANTED' on the official portal before printing it out.
How Long Does 'Under Review' Usually Last?
For regular sticker visa, the Indian visa guidelines state that Indian Missions require a minimum of three working days for the Indian visa to be granted.
For your Indian e-Visa to be processed, usually it takes 3-4 working days or earlier(72 hours officially) but recent updates suggest that a minimum of 8–10 days might be needed for some.
Apply well in advance of your travel date — ideally at least 2–3 weeks out.
Why Is Your India Visa Taking Longer Than Expected?
Still on 'Under Review' past the typical window? One or more of the following is likely the reason:
Peak Travel Season
Application volumes spike around Indian holidays like Diwali and Holi, as well as during summer and winter break. More applications mean longer queues. If you're applying between October–January or May–June, build in extra buffer time.
Incomplete or Incorrect Documents
A passport photo that doesn't meet specifications, a mismatch between your form and your passport, or a page uploaded in the wrong format can stall your application mid-review. The portal may email you asking to re-upload — if so, respond within 72 hours or your application may be rejected. Check the common mistakes that trip up applicants most often.
Nationality-Based Additional Checks
Applicants from certain countries undergo additional security verification as standard procedure. This doesn't mean there's a problem with your application — it just takes longer. Verifying your visa requirements like visa type and fee, ahead of time is crucial, be it for Australian passport holders, UAE citizens, or UK nationals.
Name or Passport Matching Alerts
If your name or date of birth is similar to a record in immigration databases, your application gets flagged for manual review. This is more common than most people realize and typically resolves without issue — it just takes extra time.
Administrative Backlog
Sometimes it's simply a queue issue. Applications are processed in batches, and yours may be sitting in a backlog that has nothing to do with your eligibility.
What Should You Do While You Wait?
The most important thing: don't book non-refundable flights or accommodation until your visa is granted. The Indian government explicitly advises against this and for good reason.
Here's what you can actively do:
- Check status regularly on the official Indian e-Visa portal using your Application ID and passport number.
- Monitor your email including spam folders since all official communications go to your registered email address.
- Do not reapply if your application is still showing 'Under Review'. Submitting a second application won't speed things up and can create complications.
- Wait at least 10 business days for e-Visa applications before escalating, given current processing timelines.
If waiting isn't an option and you need to follow up directly, the Indian Embassy or High Commission in your country is your best point of contact.
When Should You Actually Be Concerned?
These are the situations where you should follow-up:
- Your e-Visa has been 'Under Review' for more than 10 business days with no email communication.
- Your regular visa application has been pending for more than 15 working days with no update.
- You received an email asking for additional documents and haven't responded yet.
- Your travel date is within the next 3–5 days and the status still hasn't changed.
How to escalate:
- Email the official India e-Visa helpdesk: indian-evisa@gov.in
- Call the helpline: +91 8278087808
- Contact your nearest Indian Mission or Embassy. Depending on your location, this may actually involve contacting the Embassy of India in your country for visa-related questions.
Check out the diplomatic missions of India in Belgium, Canada, Germany and many more in case you need to contact for visa-related questions in your country.
Keep all screenshots, your Application ID, payment receipt, and any email communications on hand when you reach out as this speeds up the process significantly.
What Happens After 'Under Review'?
Once the review is complete, your status will update to one of two outcomes:
Granted: Your ETA will be emailed to your registered address. Download and print it. You'll need to show it at immigration counter on arrival in India, where your biometrics will also be captured.
Rejected: Unfortunately, the processing fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. You can reapply, but make sure you understand why the application was rejected before submitting again. Review your eligibility and ensure all documents are in order before trying again.
Worrying about your Indian visa application?
At IVC Visas, we take the stress out of Indian visa applications.
With assisted reviews, human expert checks, and round-the-clock support via Chat, WhatsApp, and Email, we help travelers from over 175 nationalities get their India visa right— the first time!
Applying through IVC means fewer errors, faster processing, and real people in your corner if anything comes up.
Disclaimer: IVC Consulting Services Pte Ltd does not represent the Government of India or any government department, nor is it affiliated with or tied to any Embassy or Authority. IVC is a private consulting agency that provides professional visa-related services and charges a consulting fee. The grant or rejection of any visa is solely at the discretion of the respective Embassy or Immigration Authority.