The M-Visa (patient)
The Medical (M) Visa is issued to the person actually receiving treatment in India. It requires a formal invitation letter from the treating hospital confirming the diagnosis category and recommended treatment, alongside standard passport and photograph requirements. It is typically valid for up to one year with multiple entries, though most patients only use a fraction of that window for a single treatment episode. For the full document checklist and timeline, see our complete M-Visa guide.
The MX-Visa (attendant)
The Attendant (MX) Visa is issued to family members accompanying the patient — typically up to two companions per patient. Unlike the M-Visa, it does not require any medical documentation of its own; instead, it requires proof of the companion's relationship to the patient (such as a marriage or birth certificate in most cases) and is processed as a linked application tied to the patient's M-Visa and the same hospital invitation letter.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | M-Visa (Patient) | MX-Visa (Attendant) |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | The patient receiving treatment | Up to two accompanying family members |
| Core requirement | Hospital invitation letter + diagnosis summary | Proof of relationship to patient |
| Medical documentation needed | Yes | No |
| Linked to another application | No — the primary application | Yes — linked to the patient's M-Visa |
| Typical validity | Up to 1 year, multiple entry | Generally mirrors the patient's M-Visa |
| Permitted activities | Receiving medical treatment | Accompanying and supporting the patient only |
How to apply for both together
- Patient's treatment plan is confirmed and the hospital issues the invitation letter
- Patient submits the M-Visa application with the invitation letter and supporting documents
- Each companion submits their own MX-Visa application, referencing the same patient and hospital invitation letter, along with proof of relationship
- Applications are typically processed together, both on the same priority timeline as standard Medical Visas
Frequently asked questions
The MX-Visa application is linked to the patient's M-Visa and the hospital's invitation letter, so it is generally submitted alongside or shortly after the patient's application rather than independently in advance.
Yes, each companion requires an individual MX-Visa application, though they are processed as linked applications tied to the same patient and hospital invitation letter.
No. The MX-Visa is issued solely for the purpose of accompanying a medical patient and does not permit work, study, or other activities unrelated to supporting the patient's treatment and recovery.
If the patient's M-Visa is extended through the FRRO due to extended treatment needs, the accompanying MX-Visa is typically extended in parallel, since it is directly linked to the patient's status.