REGISTRATION OF FOREIGN NATIONALS AS ARCHITECTS UNDER THE ARCHITECTS ACT, 1972

 A foreign national shall be entitled on payment of prescribed fee to have his name entered in the register, if he:             

i.     if he resides in India

ii.   holds a recognized qualification under the Act.

Additional documents required for registration of foreign nationals:

1.  An attested copy of valid Passport and a valid Indian Visa. [The nationals of Nepal and Bhutan do not require Visa to enter India. The Persons of Indian Origin holding PIO card are also eligible for Visa free entry to India].

2.  An attested copy of the Registration Booklet containing latest photograph, details of residence etc., issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).  All foreigners who have a valid Indian Visa for more than 180 days or intend to stay in India for more than 180 days are required to register under Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939 and Registration of Foreigners Rules, 1992, with the concerned Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) under whose jurisdiction they propose to stay within 14 days of their first arrival in India. A foreigner registered with the FRO is issued a Registration Booklet containing his latest photograph, details of residence etc. An endorsement is also made in the passport regarding his registration.

3.  An attested copy of Residential Permit indicating the period of stay in India, issued by concerned Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO).

4.  An attested copy of Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card, in case the foreign national is of Indian origin. Possession of a PIO card, entitles a foreigner to enter or leave India without the requirements of any other VISA. Registration, however, is required with the concerned FRRO/FRO office for a PIO card holder also if he stays in India for more than six months continuously like foreigners on any other types of long-term Visa.

5.  Any other documentary evidence viz. Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card, Driving License, Bank statement, Telephone Bill etc. towards proof of residence in India.

6. In case a Foreign National is holding recognised foreign qualification notified under section 15 of the Architects Act, 1972 (i.e. other than the recognised Indian qualifications included in the schedule under section 14), he shall be entitled for registration by virtue of a qualification recognised under section 15(1) of the Act only if by law and practice of a country outside India to which he belongs, citizens of India holding architectural qualification registrable in that country are permitted to enter and practice the profession of architect in such country