Last updated: 16 July 2026 · This is a developing situation, see live sources at the end.
If you have a new passport and an OCI card, one big question is causing a lot of confusion: do you actually need an OCI re-issue? The honest answer is, it totally depends on your age. Many people rush to do a full re-issue they do not even need. This guide explains the exact rules in simple words, and what to do now that VFS is suspended in Australia.
Do you Actually Need an OCI Re-Issue? (the age rule)
This is the part most websites get wrong. Here is the official rule from the Government of India:
- Up to age 20: you must get your OCI re-issued every time a new passport is issued. (This is because a child's face changes as they grow.)
- Once after turning 20: you must get the OCI re-issued one time when a new passport is issued after you complete 20 years of age. (This captures your adult face.)
- Registered as an OCI holder after turning 20: you do not need a re-issue at all.
- Between ages 21 and 50: a re-issue is NOT mandatory when you renew your passport. You only need to upload your new passport online, this is a simple "passport update," not a full re-issue.
One more milestone people miss: you must also upload your new passport and a recent photo online once after completing 50 years of age — but again, this is an online update, not a new physical card. This upload is free of government charge, you can still travel to and from India while it is being processed, and it should be done within 3 months of getting your new passport.
So before you pay for a full re-issue, check your age against these rules. You may only need a quick online update.
Source: Government of India OCI Miscellaneous FAQs and the official Government of India press release on the simplified OCI re-issue process.
Not sure which one applies to you? Inquire now on WhatsApp → and we will tell you in minutes - for free.
What is the Difference Between a Re-Issue and a Passport Update?
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In plain words:
- A re-issue means a brand-new OCI card is printed with your latest photo. This is needed at the ages above 20 because currently, the Government of India requires mandatory OCI re-issuance only once, when you get a new passport after turning 20 years old.
- A passport update means you simply add your new passport details to your existing OCI online. No new card is printed. This is what most adults aged 21–50 need.
A Special Rule for Foreign Spouse OCI Holders
If you hold your OCI card as the foreign spouse of an Indian citizen or an OCI holder, the rule is stricter. You must upload a copy of your new passport, a recent photo, and a declaration that your marriage is still subsisting — every single time you get a new passport (not just up to 20 or after 50). This must also be done within 3 months of receiving the new passport.
Our OCI service team handles this extra paperwork correctly so nothing is missed. Inquire now on WhatsApp →
Can you do an OCI Re-Issue or Update While VFS is Down?
Yes - because the OCI process is handled on the Government of India's own portal (ociservices.gov.in), which is separate from VFS and still online. VFS was mostly the middle-man. Since 1 July 2026, VFS has suspended Indian services in Australia, but the online re-issue and passport-update steps can still be prepared and submitted correctly.
Source: VFS Global suspension notice.
Cost and timeline with EazyViza
We will handle the OCI re-issue and passport update for you, with clear fixed pricing and lawyer-supervised before it will be submitted:
- OCI Card Re-issue / Passport Update: ₹7,499, prepared in 2–4 business days.
See it on our OCI & Citizenship services page because we don’t overstuff showcasing services in informational/educational content. (Government processing time is separate and set by the authorities.)
How EazyViza helps
We first tell you whether you even need a full re-issue or just a simple update, so you do not pay for something you do not need. Then if needed, we fill the government form correctly, check your new photo and passport details, meet the strict rules, and submit it properly online. Every application is lawyer-supervised, with fixed pricing and direct WhatsApp support.
Got a new passport? Inquire now on WhatsApp → and we will sort it out.
Sources & live updates
This is a developing situation. Always confirm current rules on the official channels.
- Government of India OCI portal & FAQs: ociservices.gov.in
- Government of India press release — simplified OCI re-issue process: cgisf.gov.in
- VFS Global — Temporary Suspension notice: services.vfsglobal.com
- Related guide: VFS Global Down? Get your OCI, passport or visa sorted
Last reviewed: 16 July 2026. General information only, not legal advice, and covers a live situation that may change. Always confirm the latest re-issue rules on the official Government of India OCI portal.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to re-issue my OCI card every time I get a new passport?
It totally depends on your age. Up to age 20, yes every time. After turning 20, you need it re-issued only once. Between 21 and 50, a re-issue is not mandatory; you only upload your new passport online. You must also upload your passport once after completing 50 years, but that is a free online update, not a new card.
What is the difference between an OCI re‑issue and a passport update?
A re‑issue means a new physical OCI card is printed (required up to 20, and once after turning 20). A passport update is simply uploading your new passport copy online so your records stay current, no new card is printed. For ages 21–50, you generally only need the update.
Can I do an OCI re‑issue while VFS is suspended in Australia?
The online part of the process (form and passport upload) is done through the government portal and is still working. The step VFS normally handles is submission and verification, which is currently paused. You can prepare everything now so it is ready the moment services resume.
How much does an OCI re‑issue cost and how long does it take?
EazyViza's OCI Card Re-issue / Passport Update service is ₹7,499 per application, with the pack prepared in 2 to 4 business days. Government processing time is separate and set by the authorities as per current circumstances.
Do I still need to carry my old passport with my OCI card?
If you are between 21 and 50 and have only done an online passport update (not a full re-issue), you should carry your OCI card, the old passport linked to it, and your new passport when travelling. Always confirm the latest rule before you fly.
