updating PPAs (provisional patent applications)

[ppa]

is it possible to update PPAs and how to do it, or does one need to refile for every update?

Also, how long do I have to pay for a PPA if I do not do it online immediately when filing PPA? How is the payment done the easiest outside of USA?

[Brad]

You cannot add new material to any patent application after it has been filed so you cannot update it.  You should file a new application.  We sometimes have 2-5 PPAs that we later merge together into a full non-provisional utility application. 

If you did not pay the fee you will get a letter from the patent office telling you how to make payment.  However, in this case it would be safest and easiest for you to file your application again as a new PPA and make sure you pay the fee online this new version.