OCI & Indian documents
OCI & Indian document questions answered
Direct answers to the questions UK applicants ask most about OCI, Indian passports, surrender, PCC and PAN. Matrix Solutions is independent UK preparation support — the relevant Indian authority and VFS make the final decision.
OCI eligibility & Fresh OCI
Who is eligible for OCI?
OCI is generally open to former Indian citizens, people of Indian origin, and the foreign spouses of Indian citizens or OCI holders, subject to the current rules. Eligibility depends on your background and documents, so it is worth confirming your route before you apply. Our free eligibility checker, or a quick WhatsApp message, can help you confirm.
I was born in India and now hold a British passport — what do I need?
Generally you surrender your Indian passport first (a renunciation / surrender certificate), then apply for Fresh OCI. India does not recognise holding both passports, so the surrender step usually comes before OCI. We confirm the right sequence for your case before you book.
Can a UK-born child get OCI?
Usually yes — a UK-born child can generally obtain OCI through a parent's Indian passport or OCI history. The documents needed depend on the parents' status, so we review the case first. See Fresh OCI below, or message us to confirm what applies.
Fresh OCI application →Check OCI eligibility →OCI for a UK-born child →
OCI linking & the 90-day window
Do I need to link my OCI after getting a new passport?
Yes. When your passport number changes, the OCI should be linked to the new passport — ideally as soon as the passport arrives. Do not wait for the 90-day deadline: the counter runs from the passport issue date, and the OCI department's rejection emails can be slow. Starting early keeps it simplest and online, and avoids the VFS appointment and the £52.78 payable at VFS (£20 Government of India fee + £3 ICWF + £29.78 VFS service fee) that apply once the 90-day window has passed.
Does OCI linking stop at a certain age?
No — there is no upper age cut-off. Adults of any age (including 50+, 60+, and beyond) link the OCI to each new passport, and turning 50 on its own does not need a new booklet. A new passport is simply linked again.
What if I missed the 90-day window?
If 90 days have passed since the new passport was issued and nothing else has changed, this is still an OCI Link (£100) rather than a full details update, but past the window 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 Matrix Solutions with your passport issue date to confirm next steps.
OCI Link vs the OCI Passport Details Update
OCI Link or a full details update — which applies to me?
OCI Link (£100) is for a straightforward passport-number change — same name, valid card — whether within about 90 days or past it. This applies at any age, including 50+ and 60+. The OCI Passport Details Update (£125, e-OCI included) applies for a name or nationality change, lost or damaged card, facial appearance change, ex-spouse name removal, address change on OCI, or a wrong-details correction. The Passport Details Update is handled online with no VFS visit; OCI Link is online within the 90-day window, or via a VFS appointment we book if past it.
What is the difference between OCI Link and the OCI Passport Details Update?
OCI Link (£100) is the passport-number update for a simple change, whether within about 90 days or past it. The OCI Passport Details Update (£125, e-OCI included) covers bigger changes — name, nationality, address, or a lost or damaged card. The Passport Details Update is online with no VFS visit; OCI Link is online within the 90-day window, or via a VFS appointment we book if past it. Choosing the wrong one leads to rejection and delay, so we confirm your route first.
When do I need the OCI Passport Details Update?
You need it for: a name change (marriage, last name); nationality change (no Indian origin proof needed again); a lost or damaged OCI; a facial appearance change; ex-spouse name removal; an address change on your OCI; or wrong details such as date of birth or citizenship. All of these are handled online. For the one-time first passport after turning 20 (if the OCI was issued under 20), WhatsApp us and we confirm the exact route and cost before you pay.
I'm under 20 and got a new passport — what do I need?
Under 20, a new passport is handled by OCI Link (within about 90 days). A one-time re-issue applies at the first passport after turning 20 (if the OCI was issued under 20) — WhatsApp us and we confirm the exact route for that case.
I got OCI through my spouse — Link or a details update?
OCI Link (£100, online) — same as other OCI holders. Matrix Solutions provides the special declaration forms required (declaration of subsisting marriage). If your name changed, the OCI Passport Details Update applies instead — also handled online.
I changed nationality — do I need to prove Indian origin again?
No. A nationality change (e.g. Australian to British) is handled by the OCI Passport Details Update (online), but Indian origin proof is not required again. Your existing OCI history is sufficient.
Do I need a physical OCI booklet to travel to India?
Yes. The physical OCI booklet is required for travel to India. Posts about a digital or mobile OCI card being accepted are based on social media rumour — there is no official Indian government update confirming this. Carry the physical booklet.
Are biometrics required for an OCI application?
From 18 May 2026, biometric enrolment is required for OCI applicants aged 12 to 70, given in person at the VFS appointment. This applies to the VFS-based OCI services such as Fresh OCI. Within the 90-day window, OCI Link and the OCI Passport Details Update are handled online with no VFS visit, so they do not involve biometrics. A passport past the 90-day window uses a VFS appointment we book — we confirm any biometric requirement for your case. If you already have a VFS appointment and fall in the 12–70 age band, you may need to reschedule to comply, and you should be ready to give your biometrics on the day.
OCI Link →OCI Passport Details Update →Which do I need? — full comparison →
Surrender of Indian passport
Do I need to surrender my Indian passport after British citizenship?
Generally yes. After acquiring British citizenship, the usual route is to surrender the Indian passport and obtain a renunciation / surrender certificate, rather than renew it. This is normally completed before a Fresh OCI application. We confirm the sequence for your situation.
How long is it between surrender and OCI?
Surrender and Fresh OCI are separate stages, and the timing is confirmed by the relevant authority and VFS rather than fixed by us. Many people prepare both so they follow on smoothly. See the surrender and Fresh OCI pages below, or message us to plan the order.
Surrender of Indian passport →Fresh OCI application →Do I need to surrender before OCI? →
Indian passport, PCC & PAN
How do I renew my Indian passport from the UK?
You generally complete the application, prepare your supporting documents, and attend VFS with the originals on the day. A passport photograph is to the 35×45mm specification. See our Indian passport services for the steps, or message us to prepare your file.
What is a PCC and when do I need it?
A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an Indian document often requested for a visa, residence, or employment check abroad. Whether you need one depends on the authority asking for it. See our PCC page for what is involved.
Do NRIs need a PAN card?
Many NRIs need an Indian PAN for property, rent, investments, NRE / NRO accounts, or certain inheritance steps. NRIs generally apply using Form 49AA. See our NRI PAN card page to check whether it applies to you.
Indian passport services →Police Clearance (PCC) →NRI PAN card →
Process, fees & appointments
Which VFS centre do I use?
Your VFS centre is generally decided by your UK address, and it is set by VFS and the Indian missions. Allocations can change, so confirm your current centre on the official VFS site when booking. Our consular jurisdictions guide explains how it works.
What does Matrix Solutions charge?
Each service shows its own fee on its own page, so the price is clear before you book. Government and VFS fees are separate and are confirmed by VFS at submission. We confirm what applies to your case before you pay anything.
Do I send original documents?
For preparation we generally work from clear scans, and you carry the originals to VFS on the day of your appointment. We tell you which documents to bring for your case. Sending scans first lets us review your file before you travel.
Can Matrix Solutions confirm my route before I pay?
Yes. Send your OCI card and passport details on WhatsApp and we confirm the likely route before you commit to anything. The final decision sits with the relevant authority and VFS, but we help you start in the right place.
Still not sure which route is yours?
Use the free eligibility checker, or send your OCI card and passport details on WhatsApp and we confirm the route before you book.