Do we need to renew OCI

[webzombie]

My son's OCI was issued in 2009 when he was 14. That passport expired, and his current passport was issued in 2013 / expires in 2023. We never updated the OCI to this passport as it wasn't required in the past. And, there hasn't been a new passport issued since he turned 20 in 2015.

My question is - Is the current OCI valid, and do I need to renew his OCI now - or - wait till he gets a new passport in 2023 (that would be the first new passport since he turned 20).

Appreciate your help if someone knows the answer. The consulate hasn't been much help. Thank you.

[arkaa]

As per the rules,
- OCI needs to be updated every time a new passport is obtained if the person is under 20.
- Update once after 20, and no need to update till 50.
- Update once after 50, and no need to update for the rest of life.

AFAIK, passports for minors are issued for 5 years. I assume you renewed your son's passport a bit early when he turned 18 to get the 10 year passport. So, to answer your questions:

a) A OCI has lifetime validity (if you look under "Visa Type" on page 1, it should say "LIFE LONG"), as long as the holder has a valid non-Indian passport. Your son can travel with the OCI as the Indian govt has relaxed the rules till June 2021 - https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/News?id=24973

b) Your son renew his OCI now (will take about 6 weeks), and since he is already 20 he doesn't have to renew till he gets a new passport after turning 50 (i.e probably in 2053). I don't see any advantage in waiting till 2023, in fact they might increase the fees a bit by then.

To sum up, no harm done - your son's OCI status is fine, it is valid. Just get it renewed and he is set for the next 30 years. Might be a good idea to enclose a cover letter explaining why he (your son) waited till now to renew the OCI - something like didn't have a need to travel to India, so kept postponing etc.

Note: When travelling with OCI, along with the current passport you should also carry the old (expired) passport whose number is on the OCI. Sometimes the IO may ask to see it.

[webzombie]

thank you !!