OCI Card Updated with New Passport:- Although the card has been made, it is important to get it updated because you will need your passport to travel, so those who have an OCI card want to know the answer to this question:” Do I need to OCI Card Updated with New Passport?” And this is what OCI cardholders are most often searching for. So the answer is yes: OCI card holders should be updated with a new passport based on the situation and age. We cover the process, the rule, and how to in this blog. Keep reading about the need for an OCI card first.
Why OCI Update Matters?
OCI card is necessary when you live abroad and your password is of a foreign country, and you have to visit India for long times or multiple times, here, OCI card is best, the government has launched a new card which we called OCI card. OCI card is useful when you want to stay in India for a long time and are making multiple visits.
We know what you must be thinking now, you have this in your mind that visa also gives you so much rights that you can stay for 30 days or more according to your needs, which is absolutely true but visa is temporary and OCI card is permanent, you will have to visit India as many times as you want with the visa and not in the OCI card.
Suppose an emergency arises and you need to come to India, you can do so because you have an OCI card. But if we’re talking about it, it might not be possible for you because you’ll have to apply for a visa first, and you don’t know how long it will take. And also many other resonances are also there but they will be shared with you in our next blog.
Note:- You’ll need a passport along with your OCI card, and an updated one. This is because a passport is an expiry-based document, not a lifetime one. And most importantly, it becomes invalid upon expiry.
When Do You Need to Update OCI Card with New Passport?
There are three age criteria when you need to OCI Card Updated with New Passport.
If your age is below 20 Years (Considered minor)
OCI card rule for minor is strict, and here OCI holders make lot of mistake. The simple rule is Every time your passport is renewed, the ID card has to be reissued/updated because children face are changed as per growing age and their passport validity is short.
If your age is between 20 and 50 Years
In this age criteria, you do not need to reissue your OCI card every time your passport changes. However, you must complete an online update. This includes:
- Uploading your new passport details
- Uploading a recent photograph
Note:-This process is done through OCI Miscellaneous Services.
If You Are 50 Years or Older
If you age meet 50 or above 50, yo need to add do a one-time OCI Card Updated with New Passport after getting a new passport. After that, no further updates are generally required. This is a one-time compliance step.
What Happens If You Don’t Update OCI?
OCI card is a lifetime benefit but passport is also necessary along with it, if you do not update your passport then you have to face a lot of problems and this small mistake becomes a big hassle, hence it is necessary to resolve it on time, now we will tell you what problems you will face such as:
- Delays during immigration in India
- Airlines refusing boarding in some cases
- Extra questioning at the airport
- Mismatch issues between passport and OCI records.
Even though you might still be allowed to travel, it’s not worth the risk, especially if you travel frequently.
How to OCI Card Updated with New Passport?
Updating OCI is a straightforward online process:
- Visit the official OCI services website
- Click OCI Miscellaneous Services.
3. Check the eligibility.
4. Check document Required.
5. Click on apply button.
6. Provide your details such as Passport Number *, OCI Number *, Date Of Birth(DD/MM/YYYY) *
7. Click on proceed.
8. Now, select the service type, such as Passport update/new passport details update, Address change, or Photo update.
9. After selecting the service type, your details will auto-fill in the field, only check your details’
10. Upload your documents.
11. Upload your photo
12. Proceed for final submission.
13. Fill in your updated passport details
14. Upload required documents
15. Submit the application.
In most cases, no physical visit to the embassy or VFS center is required.
How much time does it take for the details to be updated?
There are some factors for this, too, such as
- If you update your passport details, it generally takes Processing Time: 5 – 10 working days(simple changes)
- If you update your address and other verification details, it normally takes 10-15 days.
How to check status of OCI Card Updating?
To check the status of your OCI card update, you need to visit the official OCI website and select the “Status Inquiry” or “Track Application Status” option. You then need to enter your passport number, OCI file/reference number, and date of birth. Once you submit your details, you will see the current status of your application, such as “Under Process” (verification is currently underway) or “Processed” (update is complete).
If you need any help or guidance, you can contact us.