What is OFC Appointment for US Visa?

The OFC (Offsite Facilitation Center) appointment for a US visa is part of the visa application procedure. You will have to gather and furnish various documents while completing the step-by-step process. Before the consulate appointment, you will have to go for your OFC appointment if you wish to get the process done quickly.

Important Links : Student Visa | Student Visa for USA

What is the OFC appointment for a US visa? 

The OFC appointment for a US visa is a vital part of the proceedings for a visa. Most applicants have to give their biometric details, including photographs and fingerprints. Earlier, Biometrics are not only taken during visa interviews but done separately for OFC appointments.

What is the Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC)?

OFCs were set up for fast-tracking the processing of visa applications. You will need to provide your photographs and fingerprints at this appointment while showing all required official documents. These appointments are held at VACs (Visa Application Centers) before you meet with the US consular officer.

Resources for USA Visa

• USA Study Visa Requirements
• J1 Visa
• M1 Visa
• Difference Between L1 and H1 Visa
• F1 Visa Interview Questions
• What to do After F1 Visa Rejection
• F1 Visa Documents Checklist
• SEVIS Fee for F1 Visa
• Post-Study Work Visa in USA
• OFC Appointment for US Visa

Documents Needed for US Visa OFC Appointments

The documents required during the appointment include the following:

1. Original passport and also the expired passport if applicable.

2. A printed copy of the visa application page.

3. A printed copy of the confirmation page for OFC appointments.

Ensure that you have all documents neatly arranged and printed before you set out for the appointment. 

How to Book an OFC Appointment for a US visa? 

You will have to book your appointment to visit the OFC center. Your DS-160 confirmation page is stamped after you have provided your biometric details and photographs. You should show your stamped form and passport at the time of the interview at the consulate. You will need your passport number, ten-digit barcode number on the DS-160 confirmation page, and the visa application fee receipt for the appointment. 

You can schedule the appointment when the visa interview is scheduled. You can go to the website, http://www.ustraveldocs.com/, and choose the New Application/Schedule Appointment for this purpose on the left screen.

The OFC interview takes place just before your visa interview. The latter will not be held at the OFC facility but at the local embassy with the consular officer. 

You cannot take anything apart from your documents for the OFC appointment, including your mobile phone. 

What To Expect During An OFC Appointment?

At the OFC appointment, you will have to furnish your passport and printed hard copies of your visa application and OFC appointments. You will also be required to complete the biometric (or fingerprinting) and get your visa photo taken. 

What Happens After an OFC Appointment? 

After the OFC appointment, you will attend the visa appointment/interview with the US consular at the local US embassy. After the visa appointment is conducted, you need to return to the OFC center to collect your passport after furnishing the printed copy of your visa application. 

For visa interview waivers, you need not have to get your fingerprints taken. Rather, you can submit the required documents at the “Drop Box” facility. Visa applicants who qualify for the visa interview waiver are the following:

Individuals below the age of 14

• Individuals above the age of 80
• Applicants who have applied for visa renewal under the same category
• Applicants whose visas fall under the following categories – A-1, A-2, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, C-3, and NATO. 

Those who are unsure if they fall under visa interview waiver should connect with the local US embassy.

OFC Appointment Centers in India

The VACs are located in different cities in India. Here is more information on some of the locations of VACs for your convenience:

How to Reschedule OFC Appointment for US Visa? 

If you have already made your interview appointment at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ and wish to reschedule, you can log in to your account and choose the option called Reschedule Visa Appointment. You must remember that the closing timeline is 48 hours for appointments. If you cannot attend on the selected date, make sure that you reschedule or cancel the appointment at least three working days before the same. Or else, you will have to wait till the passing of the appointment date before you schedule a fresh one. 

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