Centre notifies changes to Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025: What's new?

India’s Union home ministry notified changes to the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, effective June 1, 2026. Foreigners on short-term visas (180 days or less) must now register *any time before* the 180-day mark to stay longer, replacing the previous 14-day window after expiry. Long-term visa holders with stays exceeding 180 days in a calendar year must also register before expiry, but approvals will now be granted *only in emergent circumstances*. The rules also simplify procedures for children born to foreign parents in India. Previously, parents had 30 days to notify authorities of a birth for visa services. Now, the rule excludes cases where one parent is an Indian citizen, allowing the child to retain Indian citizenship. However, if the child later acquires foreign citizenship, parents must inform authorities within 30 days. Medical institutions, including hospitals and nursing homes, face revised reporting requirements for foreign patients receiving care, lodging, or sleeping facilities. The changes aim to streamline administrative processes while tightening oversight. The notification was published in the official gazette on June 1, 2026, following updates to Rule 12 of the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025. The adjustments reflect India’s efforts to modernize visa regulations and improve compliance tracking for foreign visitors.