If your Indian passport and PGWP expire on the same date, you might assume you have to wait until exactly one year before expiry to start the renewal — but there's some nuance depending on the renewal reason.
What group members clarified:- For a standard renewal due to approaching expiry, you can apply once less than a year remains — so if your passport expires December 10, 2024, you could technically apply starting December 11, 2023.
- Certain other circumstances allow renewal earlier than the one-year window, such as a change in personal particulars (e.g., after marriage), a change in appearance/photo, or if the old passport is damaged or lost.
- One member's experience suggested renewal is possible essentially any time if you select a reason like 'change of appearance,' though this may vary by application center and shouldn't be relied on as a guaranteed workaround.
Given the differing experiences shared, it's worth confirming your specific renewal reason and eligibility window directly with the Indian passport/VFS office serving your region before applying, since interpretations of the 'less than a year' rule can vary.