OCI Card Renewal / Reissue in the UK

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OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) is a form of identification for people of Indian origin. It grants the people some rights and privileges in India. Sometimes, OCI Card Renewal / Reissue in the UK is requisite.

In this blog, we will learn a little more about the OCI Card Renewal / Reissue in the UK process. This blog will make sure that you are well-informed to complete the process with ease.

What is an OCI Card?

Overseas Citizen of India is a lifelong visa for people of Indian origin. It allows the OCI cardholder and their spouse to live, work, and study in India for an indefinite period. It has other benefits also such as the right to buy a property in India. Agricultural and plantation properties are an exception. Also, the cardholder enjoys the same rights as an Indian national. Be it in terms of domestic airfare and entry fees to national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

The OCI card is an important document for members of Indian origin. It provides a tie to their ancestral homeland and makes traveling to India easy. With an OCI status, a person can get access to various services in India.

Benefits and Eligibility of OCI Card Renewal/Reissue

Do you know when you apply for OCI card renewal you get several benefits? Along with this, you need to follow some eligibility criteria to apply for this process. Want to know what are they? Read the next section and get your answers.

Benefits of an OCI Card

An OCI card remains valid for the entire life of the cardholder. The benefits of it include the following things:

  • Whenever you wish you can travel to India without applying for a visa.
  • Though some government positions are restricted for OCI cardholders, however, you can work in most of the sectors.
  • You can also own commercial or residential property in India. However, having any kind of plantation property like agricultural land or farmhouse is restricted.
  • Under the same conditions as the Indian citizens, you have access to the educational institutions of India.
  • Apart from this, unlike other visa holders you do not need to register yourself with authorities for your long-term stay in India.

These are the following benefits you get when you have an OCI card by your side. With this, moving ahead, let’s know the eligibility criteria for the oci renewal in UK online.

Eligibility for Renewal / Reissue

An OCI cardholder in the UK is eligible to reissue or renew OCI card primarily when he/she gets a new passport after turning 20 years old. In addition, once again after he/she turns 50 years old. It is because the rules require updating the facial features on the OCI card due to biological changes. With this, it is not needed to renew oci card whenever an applicant obtains a new passport between the ages of 20 and 50 unless there are personal details changes like address or name. Moving further, there are some key points that one should know at the OCI reissue or OCI renewal in UK online. These are as follows:

  • Obtaining New Passport After 20 Years: It is compulsory to update your OCI card with a new passport photo.
  • Between 21-50 Years: It is not mandatory to re-issue your OCI card every time you obtain a new passport within 21 and 50 years.
  • OCI Renewal After 50 Years: OCI renewal after 50 years in UK is mandatory with a new passport photo.
  • Other Specific reasons for OCI Re-issue: If the OCI card is damaged or lost or there are changes in personal details like address or name change then also you need to re-issue your OCI cards.

It is the eligibility criteria you need to follow during your renewal or reissue of your OCI card. With this moving ahead, let’s know why to renew or reissue OCI cards in the UK.

Understanding the Need for OCI Card Renewal / Reissue in the UK

OCI cardholders may have to renew or reissue their OCI cards because of several reasons.

For example, re-issuance is essential every time the passport is renewed up to the age of 20. Also, after the age of 50 years constant biological changes happen in this age group.

Likewise, you may want to renew or reissue the OCI card to make changes in personal details. It may include changing your name, address, etc.

You may also need renewal if your current OCI card gets damaged or lost. The most common reason is the expiry of the card, which happens when the passport is renewed.

Renewal or re-issuance is mandatory to keep the details akin to your current passport. It is important for international travel and the purpose of identification.

The OCI Card Application process and processing time are the same as the new OCI card application. Required documents also remain the same as a new application. An exception is that you don't have to prove your Indian origin yet again. Rather, you have to provide documents to prove your situation. 

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Required Documents for Renewal / Reissue of OCI card

Renewal / Reissue of OCI card

Transfer of OCI or renewal of Passport

Applicants may have to renew their old passport because of expiry. In such a case, they can transfer the OCI stamp from the old passport to the new one.

This is mandatory for people below the age of 20 and above the age of 50. The required documents are:

  • Copy of old passport with the original passport
  • A copy of the new passport with the original
  • Copy of all the pages of your current OCI along with the original.

Re-issue of OCI in case of loss/stolen OCI booklet or passport

If your passport or OCI stolen is lost then you have to apply for re-issue of a new OCI card. In this situation, you have to provide:

  • Copy of old passport
  • OCI booklet's copy.
  • Your new passport's copy

Along with the copies, the original of any paper in possession (not lost) is mandatory.

  • A copy of the police report/crime reference number
  • A letter/declaration from the applicant. It must explain the situation in which the documents were lost.
  • Surrender certificate's copy with those of Indian origin.

Issue of new OCI visa and OCI booklet. In case of a damaged OCI booklet or change of personal details.

If your OCI booklet or passport with OCI sticker gets damaged. Then you can apply for the re-issue of a new OCI card.

Likewise, you must apply for a new OCI card to change your name or address. Also, if you wish to correct any information like DOB or place of birth.

In such a situation, you will have to provide these documents:

  • Copy of all the pages of your OCI booklet along with the original.
  • The current passport's copy along with the original
  • In case of a damaged OCI sticker, provide a copy of your old damaged passport and the original.

If you do not receive your damaged passport by the passport office on renewal of the passport. Then you have to include a letter stating the situation in which the passport got damaged.

You also have to confirm that you have not received the damaged passport from the office.

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Renew or Reissue your OCI card easily. Let our team of professionals handle the procedure for you. Start your application today!

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Understanding the Online Application Process

The Indian Government has introduced an online application process for OCI renewal/reissue. It made the application process easier as people can complete it by being in their comfort zone.

Renewal Process For An OCI Card

To renew an OCI card, the process is simple but needs attention to some details. Applicants have to fill out the necessary forms. They have to provide personal details about their existing OCI card and passport. You can get access to the forms on the official OCI website. You can submit it online or in person at any nearest Indian consulate or embassy.

The application process involves verifying your current details and updating any changed information. Also, they make sure that all the documents are provided in the correct order.

Re-Issuance Process For OCI Cards

You have to re-issue an OCI Card under some situations. Like when there is any change in your details or when you issue a new passport. It can happen after the age of 20 or upon reaching the age of 50. This is to make sure that your OCI card has the most recent details and stays valid as a form of identification. The process to re-issue an OCI Card is the same as the renewal process. However, some extra documents may be requisite to support the changes required.

Processing Time and Fees for OCI Card Renewal or Reissue

The processing time for an OCI card renewal and re-issuance may vary. It will depend on the number of applications present and the situation of the applicant.

The fees are also conditional. It is advised to visit the official website or consult the Indian embassy or consulate. This will help in getting the latest and up-to-date information. Applicants must be aware of the processing time and make plans according to that. Mainly when they have any upcoming travel plans to India.

Avoid Common OCI Application Mistakes with Expert Guidance

The passport application process is lengthy and can be overwhelming. Even after concentrating and focusing throughout, you may end up making silly mistakes. Some common mistakes include:

  • Filling incorrect forms or adding irrelevant information
  • Submitting outdated or wrong documents.
  • Failing to pay the exact amount for fees
  • Missing out on some important document

Applicants must double-check every piece of information. Also, make sure to follow the instructions provided on the official website. This way you can enjoy a smooth and hassle-free application process.

It is mandatory to apply for renewal or re-issuance in advance. It will help you avoid any last-minute hindrance which may affect your travel plans. However, handling this process alone can be overwhelming. In this having an expert like Visament by your side makes things simple for you as they better understand this process. Still confused why to choose us? Read the next section and get your answers.

Why Choose Our OCI Card Renewal and Reissue Services?

Visament renew your OCI card with changes to your occupation, personal particulars, address, or in case of damage/ loss and changes in nationality. With us, you experience a hassle-free process with turnaround time. We provide you with a diversified booklet of OCI Card services in the UK for several scenarios such as:

  • Change of Personal Particulars: Whether it is changes in personal details or in nationality we help in updating your OCI card accordingly.
  • Issuance of New Passport: If you applied for an OCI card when you were less than 20 years old and now turned 20 or older and your present passport is not mentioned in your card, we can assist you in this as well.
  • Change of Occupation/Address: If you have changed occupation or have relocated, we certify your OCI card reflects the updated information on it.
  • Correction of Official Mistakes: In cases of official mistakes during signature or photo upload we provide the necessary corrections.
  • Damage/Loss of OCI Certificate: In the case of damage or loss of your OCI certificate, we assist you through the reissue process.
  • Correction of Application Errors: During online application submission errors occur like inaccuracies in personal information, we help rectify them.

Additional OCI Services We Offer:

Apart from the OCI card renewal and reissue you can connect with us for the following services as well:

  • New OCI Card
  • OCI Miscellaneous Services
  • Damaged or Lost OCI Card
  • OCI Card for Minors
  • PIO to OCI Conversion

Seeking Assitance?

Renewal and re-issuance is a vital process to keep your OCI Card valid and updated. However, handling the all process alone without understanding can be stressful or overwhelming. But it can be overcome with having professional assistance like Visament by your side. Getting guidance from us not only eases your OCI card renewal process but also provides you with guaranteed success. So, why look for other options, when you have the best by your side? Connect with us today and get the best assistance for sure.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can track the status of your application online by using the official OCI portal. You can use the application number to track your status.

No, the OCI renewal application process cannot be expedited. Applicants should apply in advance for renewal or re-issuance to avoid any hindrances.

You should renew your OCI card whenever a new passport is issued for minors below the age of 20 or after turning 50. It must be done to make sure that you adhere to the OCI guidelines.

Yes, you have to submit a recent passport-sized photograph for renewal/reissuance. It must be according to the guidelines for the photograph. Specific dimensions and background color must be followed

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