Did you know that your US visa journey begins with OFC (Optical Finger Print and Capturing), not the visa interview? Most Indian students simply concentrate on visa interview preparation, unaware that the OFC appointment comes first. Unlike your visa interview, where you can prepare answers, your OFC appointment has a strict set of rules entirely. Show up with the wrong documents, missing paperwork, or an invalid ID, and you will be sent back immediately. The consequence? Rescheduling delays that push back your visa interview and risk missing your university intake deadline.
So what is OFC appointment for US visa, and how can you complete the process stress-free? Keep on reading to find everything from a document checklist for the step-by-step scheduling process, and ace your OFC appointment on the first attempt.
What is an OFC Appointment? (Offsite Facilitation Center)
An OFC appointment is your biometric enrollment session required for the US visa process. During this visit, authorities take your fingerprints and photo for security authentication purposes. The US Department of State mandates this appointment for most visa categories. It includes F-1 student visas, H-1B work visas, and B1/B2 tourist visas. The process helps U.S. authorities verify your identity and conduct background checks.
The entire process is straightforward and noninvasive. You won’t face any questioning about your visa purpose during this appointment. Officials just take your biometric data and check your documents. Most applicants complete their OFC appointment within 30 minutes. However, waiting times may vary depending on the centre’s crowd.
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Now you know what is OFC visa appointment is, but where do you attend it? OFC centres operate in multiple Indian cities. VFS Global manages these centres on behalf of the US Embassy and Consulates in India. You can find them in the following cities,
| City | Address |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | Trade Centre, 'G' Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai - 400051 |
| Delhi | Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Mezzanine Level, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi - 110001 |
| Chennai | 365, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai - 600018 |
| Kolkata | 5th Floor, Rene Tower, Plot No. AA-I, 1842 Rajdanga Main Road, Kasba, Kolkata - 700107 |
| Hyderabad | 8-2-700, 3rd Floor, Srida Anushka Pride, Road No. 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad - 500034 |
| Bengaluru | VFS Global Centre, Bengaluru |
Checklist: Documents Required for OFC Appointment (2026 Update)
Now that you know what is visa OFC appointment is, you need to know the correct documents to bring to prevent appointment delays and rescheduling hassles. Here's your comprehensive checklist for 2025:
- Valid Passport - Must have 6+ months validity beyond intended stay. Bring original plus any old passports showing previous US travel.
- DS-160 Confirmation Page - Print the page with the barcode once the online application is finished. Officials use it to pick up your form.
- OFC Appointment Confirmation Letter - Print from the visa appointment website once booked. You need it for the entry into the centre.
- Visa Fee Payment Receipt - Receipt of USD 185 payment (~INR 15,400 for 2025). Print from confirmation email of payment.
- Government-Issued Photo ID - Aadhaar, PAN, or Driving License for identification purposes. To match passport information exactly.
- Recent Passport-Size Photograph - 2x2 inches, white background, and taken in the last 6 months. Duplicate in case of any technical glitches.
- I-20 Form - Student visa Certificate of Eligibility. Issued by your US university upon admission.
- SEVIS Fee Receipt - Payment receipt of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Print the receipt upon online payment.
How to Schedule Your OFC Appointment: A Step-by-Step Process
Scheduling your OFC appointment requires careful attention to sequential steps. Here’s your step-by-step guide,
Step 1: Complete Your DS-160 Form
Complete the DS-160 form on the CEAC (Consular Electronic Application Center) website with your personal, educational, and travel history. Respond to all questions honestly, upload an acceptable digital photograph (full face, white background), and electronically submit the form. Print the confirmation page immediately and retain your DS-160 confirmation number for later use.
Step 2: Pay the US Visa Fee
Register an account on the US visa appointment website, choose your visa type, and pay the MRV fee (USD 185 for a student visa (around INR 16,332) through NEFT, credit/debit card, or cash at participating banks. Keep your receipt number handy after payment, as it is needed for booking appointments. The fee is non-refundable and can be used within one year from payment.
Step 3: Schedule Your OFC and Consular Appointments
Log onto the visa appointment site, choose your desired OFC branch, and select a convenient slot (usually within 1-2 weeks). Book your consular interview on a date following your OFC appointment, both of which can be scheduled within the same session. Print the confirmation letters for both appointments, as they serve as your entry passes.
Difference Between OFC Appointment and Visa Interview
Many applicants confuse OFC appointments with visa interviews; they're completely different stages. The OFC appointment is for collecting your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) before the visa interview, while the visa interview is an in-person meeting with a consular officer who decides whether your visa will be approved. Here’s the overview of differences to help you prepare appropriately for each stage of your US visa application process.
| OFC Appointment | Visa Interview |
|---|---|
| Passport (original) | Financial documents (bank statements, sponsor letters) |
| DS-160 confirmation page | Academic records (transcripts, I-20, admission letters) |
| OFC appointment letter | Employment letters (if applicable) |
| Visa fee payment receipt | Supporting documents proving ties to the home country |
Tips for OFC Appointment Day for Indians
Now that you are aware of what are OFC appointments, you need to ensure the appointment goes on smoothly without hassles. Below are some simple strategies to help you go through the appointment confidently.
Timing and Arrival
Plan your arrival strategically to ensure smooth processing at the OFC centre. Here are some tips to follow,
Always plan your arrival to achieve smooth processing at the OFC centre. Some tips to follow are.
- Arrive 15-20 minutes before your appointment time for security checks and queues
- Verify the precise address and entry point in advance using Google Maps or the VFS Global website
- Make traffic conditions and available parking arrangements
- Have the centre's contact number handy.
Dress Code and Appearance
Your personal appearance should be professional and consistent with your documentation for verification. Adhere to the following tips for the same.
- Dress professionally in modest, conservative attire
- Your appearance should be consistent with your passport photo
- Keep your face visible, and take off hats, caps, and sunglasses
- Remove excessive jewellery and hand coverings for fingerprint scanning
- Inform officials about any hand injuries affecting fingerprint quality
- Tie back long hair covering your face
Behaviour and Conduct
Maintain proper conduct and follow protocols throughout your appointment. Here’s what to do,
- Maintain a polite and cooperative attitude with all staff
- Follow instructions carefully and keep your phone switched off
- Speak clearly during biometric collection
- Don't argue or raise your voice if delays occur
- Respect other applicants' privacy by maintaining an appropriate distance in queues
What Happens After Your OFC Appointment?
After completing biometric collection, you receive a token or receipt. This document confirms your successful OFC appointment completion. Keep it safe, though it's rarely requested later. Your biometric data gets transmitted to the US Embassy or Consulate electronically within 24-48 hours after your appointment. The consular section examines this data before your interview.
No further action is needed from your end after the OFC appointment. Just wait for your visa interview date. Utilise this time and prepare well with common visa interview questions for students.
Ensure a Smooth and Stress-free OFC Appointment with Expert Guidance
Your OFC appointment is a crucial milestone in your US visa journey. Even though a simple biometric collection process, it actually sets the stage for your final consular interview. Be sure to take all necessary documents along, meet on time, and remain composed during the process. Each accomplished task is one step further towards possessing that visa stamp.
Ready to start your US education journey? Leap Scholar helps thousands of students complete the complex visa process successfully. Our expert counsellors provide personalised guidance from university selection to visa approval. Visit Leap Scholar today and let us turn your American dream into reality with end-to-end support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the fee for an OFC appointment?
The OFC appointment itself has no separate fee. However, you must pay the visa application fee before scheduling your OFC appointment. For F-1 student visas in 2025, the fee is USD 185 (approximately INR 15,400) according to the U.S. Department of State. This payment covers both your OFC and consular interview appointments.
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Can OFC and visa interviews be on the same day?
No, OFC and visa interviews cannot occur on the same day. Your OFC appointment must be scheduled before your consular interview date. Most applicants schedule these appointments 1-2 weeks apart. This gap allows time for biometric data processing and transmission to the consular section.
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What should I wear to my OFC appointment?
Wear neat, conservative clothing that looks professional and presentable. While there's no strict dress code, avoid revealing or overly casual attire. Your appearance should reasonably match your passport photograph. Remove hats, sunglasses, and excessive accessories before entering the centre.
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How long does the OFC appointment take?
The entire OFC appointment process typically takes 20-30 minutes, including waiting time. The actual biometric collection (fingerprints and photograph) takes only 5-10 minutes. Arriving early and having all documents ready helps expedite the process further.
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What is the difference between OFC and VAC appointments?
OFC (Offsite Facilitation Center) and VAC (Visa Application Center) are essentially the same thing. Different countries use different terminology for these biometric collection centres. In India, VFS Global operates these centres for US visa biometric collection, sometimes called OFC or VAC interchangeably.
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What is the OFC full form in a visa?
OFC stands for Offsite Facilitation Center. These centres facilitate the US visa application process by collecting biometric data on behalf of US Embassies and Consulates. VFS Global operates these centres across multiple Indian cities for applicant convenience.
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Do we need to submit the DS-160 before the OFC?
Yes, completing and submitting your DS-160 form is mandatory before scheduling your OFC appointment. You cannot book any appointments without the DS-160 confirmation number. The system requires this number during the appointment scheduling process on the visa website.
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Can we change the OFC appointment?
Yes, you can reschedule your OFC appointment through the visa appointment website. Log in to your profile and navigate to the appointment management section. The system allows free rescheduling, but frequent changes may delay your visa processing timeline significantly. Reschedule only when necessary.
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