OCI Card Update with New Passport: A Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Expats
Indian expatriates living abroad often find themselves in situations where they need to update their Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards with a new passport. This process can be confusing and overwhelming, but with the right information and guidance, it can be easily navigated.
In this article, we will walk you through the steps of updating your OCI card with a new passport so that you can continue to enjoy the benefits of being an OCI cardholder.
Step 1: Understand the OCI Card Update Process
Before we delve into the specific steps of updating your OCI card with a new passport, it is important to understand the process and requirements involved. When you get a new passport, you are required to update your OCI card with the new passport details within three months of receiving the new passport.
Failure to update your OCI card with the new passport details can lead to issues when traveling to India or obtaining visas to other countries. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your OCI card is up to date at all times.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
To update your OCI card with a new passport, you will need to gather the following documents:
– The new passport with a validity of at least six months
– The old passport that was linked to the OCI card
– A copy of the OCI card
– A copy of the visa page from the old passport that has the OCI sticker
– A copy of the new passport
– A copy of the visa page from the new passport
– Two recent passport-sized photographs
– Proof of residency in the foreign country (e.g., a utility bill or lease agreement)
Step 3: Fill Out the Online Application Form
Once you have gathered all the required documents, you will need to fill out the online application form to update your OCI card with the new passport details. The online application form can be found on the official website of the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs.
Make sure to fill out the form accurately and provide all the necessary information. You will also need to upload scanned copies of the required documents as part of the online application process.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
After filling out the online application form, you will need to pay the application fee for updating your OCI card with the new passport. The application fee can be paid online using a credit or debit card.
The application fee for updating an OCI card with a new passport is usually around $25. Once the application fee has been paid, you will receive a confirmation email with a reference number.
Step 5: Submit the Application
After paying the application fee, you will need to submit the application form along with all the required documents. You can either mail the documents to the designated address or submit them in person at the nearest Indian consulate or embassy.
Make sure to include the reference number in all communications related to the application. The processing time for updating an OCI card with a new passport is typically around 4-6 weeks.
Step 6: Receive the Updated OCI Card
Once your application has been processed and approved, you will receive the updated OCI card with the new passport details. The updated OCI card will be sent to you by mail or courier service to the address provided in the application form.
Make sure to check the updated OCI card for accuracy and verify that all the information is correct. If there are any errors or discrepancies, you can contact the Indian consulate or embassy to have them corrected.
In conclusion, updating your OCI card with a new passport is a straightforward process that can be easily completed by following the steps outlined in this article. By staying proactive and ensuring that your OCI card is up to date, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of being an OCI cardholder and travel hassle-free between India and your country of residence.
