Got a new passport and need to update your OCI? There are two different services — OCI Link and OCI Miscellaneous (a new booklet) — 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. Pick the wrong service and you waste time and money, so it's worth getting clear before you start.
OCI Link vs OCI Miscellaneous — the quick answer
OCI Link
£100 · online- Only your passport number changed
- Name and other details are the same
- Within 90 days of the new passport
- Any age — under 20 and over 50 included
- No VFS visit — fully remote
OCI Miscellaneous
£125 · new booklet- Name, DOB, or nationality change
- OCI lost or damaged
- Significant change in appearance
- First renewal after turning 20 (if OCI issued under 20)
- Past the 90-day window
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's no VFS appointment; we check your documents, format your photo and signature, upload to the OCI portal, and confirm. It needs completing within 90 days of receiving the new passport.
When you need OCI Miscellaneous / a new booklet (£125)
Some cases need a full re-issue of the OCI booklet rather than a simple link:
- Your name has changed or doesn't match the OCI (for example, after marriage)
- There's a date-of-birth or other detail correction
- You've had a change of nationality
- Your OCI card is lost or damaged
- There's a significant change in your facial appearance
- Your OCI was issued under 20 and this is your first passport renewal after turning 20
- You'd like an updated address printed on the booklet
The 90-day rule — don't leave it
After 90 days, online linking is no longer possible
Your OCI should be linked to your new passport within 90 days. Once that window passes, online linking is no longer available — the route is then a new OCI booklet via VFS (OCI Miscellaneous), showing your current passport. An OCI still linked to an old passport can be treated as cancelled for travel, and boarding may be refused until a new OCI is issued. Because rejections can come late, link as soon as your new passport arrives — don't wait the full 90 days.
The age rules — simple version
- Under 20: each new passport is a simple OCI Link — no new booklet
- First renewal after turning 20 (if the OCI was issued under 20): a one-time new booklet is needed
- 20 and over, including over 50: if only the passport changed, OCI Link is correct — a new booklet is not needed
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, or jump straight to OCI Link if your case is simple. If you'd like a human to confirm before you pay, just WhatsApp us — we'll check it in minutes.
Frequently asked questions
I only renewed my passport — which service is that?
What's the photo size for OCI?
I'm over 50 — do I need a new OCI booklet?
My OCI was issued when I was under 20 — what now?
I'm past 90 days — can I still link online?
Do I need a VFS appointment?
Not sure which OCI service you need?
Send us your OCI card and new passport details — Matrix Solutions will check your case and guide you to the correct route, before you pay anything.
This article is general guidance and is not legal advice. OCI rules, fees, and timelines are set by the relevant authorities and can change — confirm the current details for your case before applying.