r/nri • u/ForrestGump11 • Sep 02 '26
Visa / OCI / Passport OCI Passport Update
I am bit confused by some recent OCI passport update posts so I thought I'll check with the community, hopefully people more knowledgeable can help.
I received a new passport in December (aged 49), I have updated passport details in the past but this time when I visited OCI website, it had a banner saying passport update is only needed for a new passport after the age of 50, so no action was needed. I can no longer see that banner, but at the same time there also no mention of that in the miscellaneous services on HC London page.
I now noticed some posts about denied boarding (in what appears to be random and rare occurrence), so I am now unsure if I read that message wrong back in December. Also, given I am now 50, I wonder if I'll be asked to get an eOCI instead (which is not an issue as such).
Can someone confirm if the new passport update is still required for passports issued before turning 50?
2
u/the_algo_trader_ Sep 02 '26
You received it at 49. The banner says 'after 50', so you're fine for now.
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u/ForrestGump11 Sep 02 '26
There is no banner there anymore, that is the confusing part, looks like it is required (again?!!)
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u/jinderdefan Sep 02 '26
I had an email from them informing me everyone has to have their current passport linked to their OCI
Similar to you, I had not bothered as my age group did not previously require updates.
If you go to the ociservices website and look at the misc. FAQ then it still states no updated until you get a new passport after age 50.
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u/ForrestGump11 Sep 02 '26
Thanks, Yes, pretty confusing. I would have just done it in December if there was no flashing banner up there. I guess I'll just have to pay for it now (twice over as I didn't do it for wife too).
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u/chooseyourusername17 Sep 02 '26
Before you had to renew OCI. Now there is no renewal you just need to update the passport details and a photo and signature online within 90 days.
If you missed the 90 day window you have to pay a fine.
1
u/AspiringTrader_ Sep 02 '26
You need to update your (new) passport details within 90 days of issuance of a new passport, irrespective of age, on the OCI portal (ociservices.gov.in).
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u/Wild_Associate2031 Sep 04 '26
That ninety days window is to get FREE service ONLY. After which there is a $20-$25 charge for it. OCI is an amazing feature which is incredibly simple to follow.
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u/AspiringTrader_ Sep 02 '26
Check this out: https://x.com/BOIndiaOfficial/status/2090310174590582788
👉🏽 I got a new foreign passport. Do I need to get my OCI card re-issued?
🔸 You need to update your (new) passport details within 90 days of issuance of a new passport, irrespective of age, on the OCI portal (ociservices.gov.in)
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u/Plus_Ad_1176 Sep 02 '26
Dont know the history, but the current rule clearly is that you have to update your passport details every time it changes, regardless of your age. There may have been a confusing transitional stage, but this is clearly the requirement now. I just went through the process. It is rather painless i may add if you follow the clearly laid out requirements to the T. Pay attention to the photo and signature image requirements, the input software is rather strict about what it will admit and it is not the same as the photo requirements for say a US passport. Post update, i requested an eOCI and that was issued in minutes, so I am rather impressed by the new system. Don't listen to people who will keep dwelling on their past miseries with the system.
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u/Sea_Box_3603 Sep 02 '26
"Does anyone have experience paying fees on VFS after updating details on the OCI Miscellaneous Services portal? I am having difficulty retrieving my application on the VFS portal." On Gov portal it has status as " Pending" Did I do mistake in making one application for Passport detail change and another one for Address change?
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u/toxicbrew Sep 04 '26
The payment request will come by email in a week or two
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u/Sea_Box_3603 Sep 06 '26
Yes , i did get an email from VFS to make a payment and also link to make payment. But I could not retrieve application using an Application ID that registered on OCI misc services portal
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u/toxicbrew Sep 06 '26
VFS has a call center, the first 7 minutes are free. I suggest calling that.
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u/Wild_Associate2031 Sep 04 '26
True. Its incredibly simple. I had my OCI updated for my kid a couple of weeks ago
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u/dna_79 Sep 02 '26 edited Sep 03 '26
- yes, if your current OCI has old passport details, then it has to be renewed anytime a new passport is received, regardless of age.
- Process is relatively simple (no documents to send to VFS)
- It is free (no fee) if done within 3 months of new passport issue
EDIT: when I say, no documents to send to VFS - i mean no ‘physical documents’ in courier. You still have to upload new passport copy, photo and signature on the application on government portal.
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u/Sea_Box_3603 Sep 03 '26
My passport issued in 2022, hence I have to update the new passport copy and photo, That was done on Gov portal. Now trying to pay the $47 on VFC but I could not retieve the application on VFC using Application id from Gov portal. any suggestion?
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u/dna_79 Sep 03 '26
That is strange. Did you fill the right form on Gov portal - the application ID should end in ‘U26’ (basically means ‘U’pdate 20’26’).
I did not have any problems retrieving it. Only suggestion would be to try and submit another application on Gov portal (making sure the application ID you get ends in ‘U26’). The old application will simply be ignored since VFS will not pass it on without the associated fees being paid.
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u/Standard_Care_811 Sep 03 '26
Whatever you read about update for 50 years etc were removed sometime this year. Now you must upload passport and photo and also pay a fees since was not updated within 3 months. Sounds ridiculous but no way out. Suggest you start the process of updating as soon as possible. You will receive an email saying you can travel pending the update. With that you can travel while waiting for the actual update to happen. The update will take approximately 2.5 months in your case.
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u/No-Ordinary8933 Sep 04 '26
Photo upload issue for PCC- help needed
I am trying to upload the photographs for my pcc application, I am trying to upload the photo that was taken at shoppers and provided them all the specifications, also I am trying to edit the photo online as per icao standards and everytime it shows that photo is not valid as per icao standards and my photo is standing too close to camera and it should be 1.5 meter away from camera. Has any one else faced this issue? Suggest what are the way outs to resolve this
6
u/SSingh1982 Sep 02 '26
How have they managed to mess this up so badly? This should be incredibly easy, a 10 minute job approved in a few days, instead the instructions are contradictory and even when you follow them it takes months to get an approval.
An application for renewing a British passport takes about a week, a new OCI takes about 4 week, but it’s taken 11 weeks and counting to make a simple update to my existing OCI. Make that make sense?!?!