What Is an Employer NOC for Visa?
A No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Visa is a formal letter issued by an employer confirming that:
- The employee is currently employed
- The employer has no objection to the employee's foreign travel
- The employee is expected to resume duties after return
It is commonly required for:
- Tourist visas
- Business visas
- Conference / training visas
- Short-term work-related travel
Is This a Government Certificate?
No.
This is not issued by any government department.
It is:
- Issued on company letterhead
- Signed by authorised HR / employer
- Submitted to foreign embassies or visa centres
So, no queues. No stamps. No babu. Just office email and letterhead.
Is the Process Same in All States?
Yes — because this certificate is employer-driven, not state-driven.
However:
- Internal HR formats differ
- Government employers follow departmental rules
- PSU / autonomous bodies may require approval from the controlling authority
Online vs Offline – Reality Check
| Mode | Availability | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Online (Government Portal) | Not available | No state or central portal |
| Online (Company HR System) | Possible | Depends on employer |
| Offline (Physical Letter) | Common | Widely accepted |
| Email PDF Printout | Accepted | If signed & stamped |
Who Issues It?
| Employment Type | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|
| Private Company | HR / Employer |
| Startup / MSME | Founder / Proprietor |
| PSU / Govt Body | Head of Office / Competent Authority |
| Contractual Staff | Contracting Authority |
Fees & Time Required
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Government Fee | Nil |
| Employer Fee | Nil |
| Processing Time | Same day to 3 working days |
| Validity | Usually mentioned (travel period) |
How to Obtain an Employer NOC (General Steps)
- Submit a written request or email to HR
- Mention:
- Visa type
- Country
- Travel dates
- HR verifies employment status
- NOC issued on official letterhead
- Signed, stamped, dated
What Information Must the NOC Contain?
- Employer name & address
- Employee name & designation
- Employment confirmation
- Passport number (recommended)
- Travel period
- Clear "no objection" statement
- Assurance of rejoining
- Authorized signature & seal
State-wise Forms – Do They Exist?
No.
There is:
- No state-wise prescribed form
- No district-wise variation
- Only organisation-specific formats
That's why sample formats are provided for guidance only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Is Employer NOC mandatory for visa?
-
Not always, but strongly recommended for employed applicants.
-
Can a self-employed person give this NOC?
-
- No. Self-employed persons submit:
-
- Covering letter
-
- Business proof
-
- ITR / GST documents
-
Is stamp compulsory?
-
Most embassies prefer signature + stamp.
-
Is this certificate uploaded anywhere?
-
No. It is submitted directly to the embassy / VFS / visa centre.
-
Can one NOC be reused?
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No. Each visa application needs a fresh letter with current dates.
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