I only renewed my passport — which service is that?

If only your passport number changed and your name and details are the same, that is OCI Link (£100), completed online within about 90 days — no VFS visit and no full update.

What is the photo size for OCI?

For OCI, the photo is 51×51mm (2×2 inch), formatted to the official OCI specification. We share the exact specification and a sample with your checklist.

I'm over 50 — do I need to change my OCI?

Turning 50 does not require any change on its own under current rules. If only your passport changed, OCI Link (£100) is correct.

My OCI was issued when I was under 20 — what now?

While under 20, each new passport is a simple link. The first passport renewal after turning 20 needs a one-time OCI re-issue — we confirm the exact route and cost for that case. After that, standard linking applies.

I'm past 90 days — can I still update my OCI?

Yes. Past 90 days, a simple passport change is still an OCI Link (£100) rather than a full details update, but it is completed through a VFS appointment we book — you attend VFS in person. £52.78 is payable at VFS (£20 Government of India fee + £3 ICWF + £29.78 VFS service fee). WhatsApp us and we will guide you.

Do I need a VFS appointment?

Within the 90-day window, no — OCI Link is handled online, with no VFS visit. Past the window, an OCI Link is completed through a VFS appointment we book, which you attend in person, with £52.78 payable at VFS (£20 Government of India fee + £3 ICWF + £29.78 VFS service fee). The OCI Passport Details Update is handled online, with no VFS visit.

OCI renewal in the UK (2026): OCI Link vs the OCI Passport Details Update — which do you need?

Got a new passport and need to update your OCI? There are two online services — OCI Link and the OCI Passport Details Update — and people often confuse them. This 2026 UK guide makes it simple: which one you need, the all-important 90-day rule, the age rules, and the costs.

Your OCI is tied to your foreign passport. Whenever that passport changes, your OCI needs updating — but how you do it depends on your situation. Both routes are handled online, with no VFS visit; picking the right one first saves time.

OCI Link vs the OCI Passport Details Update — the quick answer

OCI Link (£100) is the simple route when only your passport number has changed — same name, valid card — within about 90 days of the new passport or past it, at any age including under 20 and over 50. Within the window it is fully online, with no VFS visit; past it, it is completed through a VFS appointment we book.

The OCI Passport Details Update (£125, e-OCI included, online) is the wider route for bigger changes: a name, date-of-birth or nationality change, a lost or damaged card, or a significant change in appearance. Also handled online, with no VFS visit.

When you need OCI Link (£100)

OCI Link is the simple online route. It applies when only your passport number has changed — for example, your British passport has been renewed or replaced — and your name and other details are unchanged. There is no VFS appointment: we check your documents, format your photo and signature, submit the update on the official Government of India OCI system, and confirm. Complete it within about 90 days of receiving the new passport.

When you need the OCI Passport Details Update (£125)

Some cases need a full update of your OCI record rather than a simple link — and all of these are now handled online, with your e-OCI included and no VFS visit: your name has changed or does not match the OCI (for example, after marriage); there is a date-of-birth or other detail correction; you have had a change of nationality; your OCI card is lost or damaged; there is a significant change in your facial appearance; or you would like an updated address on the record. If your OCI was issued under 20 and this is your first passport renewal after turning 20, a one-time OCI re-issue applies — we confirm the exact route and cost for that case.

The 90-day window — do not leave it

Your OCI should be linked to your new passport within about 90 days. If that window passes, it is not a dead end — this is still an OCI Link (£100), but past the window it is completed through a VFS appointment we book. Because your passport is past the window, £52.78 is payable in person at VFS (£20 Government of India fee + £3 ICWF + £29.78 VFS service fee).

An OCI that still shows an old passport number can cause questions at immigration, so link as soon as your new passport arrives — do not wait the full 90 days, as rejection emails can arrive late.

The age rules — simple version

Under 20: each new passport is a simple OCI Link — no full update needed. First renewal after turning 20 (if the OCI was issued under 20): a one-time OCI re-issue applies, and we confirm the exact route and cost. 20 and over, including over 50: if only the passport changed, OCI Link is correct.

There is a common myth that turning 50 forces a full OCI re-issue. Under current rules, that is not the case — if only your passport has changed, OCI Link is the correct service.

What about spouse-based OCI?

If your OCI was granted on your spouse's eligibility, your passport renewal is still handled by OCI Link within the 90-day window. A short spouse declaration and supporting documents are usually needed — we provide the exact checklist.

Still not sure which you need?

The quickest way is to check your case directly. Use our OCI service checker on the OCI renewal in the UK guide, or WhatsApp us your passport issue date and a photo of your OCI card and we will confirm the correct route — OCI Link or the OCI Passport Details Update — in minutes, before you pay. You can also read which route applies to you — the 2026 guide for the current rules at a glance.