Pratibha Sharma explains that India no longer requires a new OCI card when you renew your passport at age 20. Instead, upload your new passport and a recent photo to the OCI portal within 3 months, free and takes about 15 minutes. India is phasing out physical OCI booklets in favor of digital e-OCI cards.
Sir, one of our NRI client asked, my daughter just renewed her US passport at age 20. Does she need a whole new OCI card?
Earlier, yes, the rule was strict. A new passport means a new OCI booklet, and the first passport after turning 20, that renewal was mandatory. Fresh OCI application fees, weekly of waiting. But India scrapped this mandate. But now you don't need a new card, not even at age 20. What to do now? When you get a new passport, just go to OCI portal, open OCI Messenger Services, and update the new passport copy and a recent photo. That's it, free and done online in about 15 minutes. One thing to remember, update it within 3 months of getting your new passport. That deadline is mandatory. And here's the biggest change, India has gone fully digital. Now physical OCI booklet will not be issued anymore. Everyone gets a digital e-OCI card on their phone. I already have the old booklet, don't worry, still completely valid. Confused about your OCI status? Comment renewed and we will guide you step by step. And follow for more NRI updates like this.
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