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A Guide to OFC Appointment for USA Visa

Updated on 31 January, 2024

Bulbul Sharma

Bulbul Sharma

Manager- Content @upGrad

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 OFC Appointment for US Visa 

The OFC appointment for a US visa is a vital part of the proceedings for a visa. Applicants are required to give their biometric details, including photographs and fingerprints. OFC appointment speeds up the visa process and is conducted before the US visa interview. 

What is 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

Documents Required for OFC Appointment

The documents required for the OFC appointment include the following:

  1. Original passport and 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.

USA Free Course

The USA hosts the largest number of international students from across the world. Over the past few years, it has become one of the most popular destinations for studying abroad. Reasons such as best-ranked institutions, excellent support facilities, flexible academic environment, and cultural diversity contribute to making it the most preferred destination amongst students planning to study abroad.

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 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) 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, the 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
  • 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 a visa interview waiver should connect with the local US embassy.

OFC Appointment Fee

The OFC appointment itself does not incur any separate charges. Applicants are solely responsible for covering the visa application fees, encompassing the cost of biometric services.

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:

Name of the StateName of the CityAddress Details*
MAHARASHTRAMumbai

American Citizen Services

U. S. Consulate General Mumbai

C-49, G Block, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai – 400051

WEST BENGALKolkata

American Citizen Services Unit

Consulate General of the United States of America

5/1, Ho Chi Minh Sarani

Kolkata – 700071

TAMIL NADUChennai

American Citizen Services Unit

U.S. Consulate

200 Anna Salai at Gemini Circle

Chennai – 600006 

NEW DELHINew Delhi

American Citizen Services Unit

U.S. Embassy

Shantipath

Chanakyapuri

New Delhi – 110021

ANDHRA PRADESHHyderabad

U.S. Citizen Services Unit

U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad

1-8-323; Paigah Palace

Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet

Secunderabad – 500 003

*Source: Official website

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 Reschedule Visa Appointment option. 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. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, securing an OFC (Offsite Facilitation Center) appointment is a pivotal step in the USA visa application process, serving as the preliminary stage where biometric information is collected. This guide underscores the importance of timely and accurate completion of this requirement, which streamlines the visa application by ensuring all necessary data is available prior to the consular interview. By understanding the process, preparing the required documents, and following the protocols for the OFC appointment, applicants can navigate this phase with confidence. The efficiency and organization of the OFC appointment reflect the United States' commitment to a secure, yet welcoming, visa process, facilitating international travel for business, study, and tourism. As such, prospective visitors to the USA should view the OFC appointment as an essential, well-structured step towards achieving their travel objectives, armed with the knowledge and preparation to ensure a smooth journey through the visa application process.

FAQs

Q. Is there a fee for the OFC appointment?

There is no separate fee for the OFC appointment. The fee is associated with the visa application, including biometric fees.

Q. Do I need to schedule an OFC appointment separately from my visa interview?

No, you don't need to schedule an OFC appointment separately, as it is typically scheduled as part of the overall visa application process. Once you complete the DS-160 form online, you receive instructions on when and where to attend the OFC appointment.

Bulbul Sharma

Manager- Content @upGrad

Bulbul is a self-driven professional and an expert writer & editor. She has been a part of the ed-tech industry for the past 2 years now and is motivated to provide study abroad aspirants with factually correct and relevant information. Her knack for impactful writing makes her blogs worth a read!

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