If you’re planning to study in the US, the OFC (Offsite Facilitation Center) appointment is a must for getting a US student visa. The US embassy set up the Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) to speed up the visa process. This appointment involves giving your fingerprints and a visa photo, making the OFC appointment for the US visa application process easier.
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Whether you're applying for the first time or reapplying, understanding the US visa OFC appointment process is key to keeping your application on track. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from what to expect, how to schedule it, required documents, and a few helpful tips to make the process hassle-free.
What is OFC Appointment for US visa?
The US embassy has established the OFC to speed up visa processing, especially for students. The OFC full form in visa is the Offsite Facilitation Center. During an OFC appointment for US visa, you will have to provide your fingerprints (Biometric) and visa photographs before your scheduled US visa interview.
Note: To visit the OFC centre, you must book an appointment.
After completing the biometrics and photo session, the DS-160 confirmation page is stamped. During the visa interview at the consulate, you are required to present your passports along with the stamped DS-160 form.
Remember: Before going for a visa interview at the Consular Sections, you should complete an Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) appointment for US visa.
Who needs an OFC Appointment for US visa?
An OFC appointment is generally required by most US visa applicants, including those seeking student, tourist, or work visas, particularly:
- Students applying for an F1 visa to study in the USA.
- Tourists seeking a B1/B2 visa for leisure or business travel.
- Professionals applying for H1-B or L1 visas.
- Immigrants applying for family-based or employment-based green cards.
However, applicants eligible for the Interview Waiver Program (Dropbox) may not need an OFC appointment. Check your eligibility on the US travel website.
Processing Time of OFC Appointment for US visa
The processing time for a US visa OFC appointment depends on the availability of slots at the designated centre. In most cases, the estimated processing timeline is :
| Step | Time Taken |
|---|---|
| OFC Appointment (Biometrics Submission) | Average time: 15–30 minutes Busy days (Monday & Friday): Up to 45 minutes |
| Visa Interview (After OFC) | Usually within 1–15 days |
| Visa Processing & Stamping | 7–21 days, depending on the visa type |
| Administrative Processing (if required) | Weeks to months |
Note: It's recommended to schedule the OFC appointment in US visa well in advance of any planned travel to accommodate any unforeseen delays.
Documents required for OFC appointment for US Visa
When visiting the Offsite Facilitation Centre (OFC), you must bring specific documents for verification. The required documents for an OFC appointment for the US visa include:
- Passport: Bring your current passport and any old passports you may have.
- Appointment Confirmation Copy: It is essential to have a printed copy of the Appointment Confirmation. You must present this copy to enter the OFC centre.
- DS-160 Confirmation Copy: Carry a printed copy of the DS-160 confirmation page for entry into the OFC centre. Without this copy, you will not be permitted to enter the centre.
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How to Schedule OFC Appointment for US Visa ?
To secure a US visa through an OFC appointment for the US visa, follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of the US Embassy in India and create an account by providing the required details.
- Search and complete the DS-160 form.
- Pay the visa fee online or at a designated bank.
- Schedule two appointments, either online or by contacting the embassy. The first appointment is for the OFC, where you'll provide biometrics, and the second is for the visa interview at the embassy.
- Attend the scheduled OFC appointment to submit your biometric information.
How to Check OFC Appointment for US Visa Availability & Wait Times?
Checking the availability of OFC US visa appointment slots is crucial for effective visa planning. It allows you to anticipate any potential delays and schedule your interview accordingly. You can check OFC US visa appointment slots through:
- Official US Visa Portal: Log in to your CEAC account to view available slots for your location before confirming.
- Visa Application Centers (VACs): Contact the visa application centre for real-time updates.
- US Travel Docs Website: Visit ustraveldocs.com to check the estimated wait time for your location.
- Email Alerts: Sign up for email notifications on the US embassy or consulate’s website for updates on appointment slots.
What is Wait Time for OFC Appointment for US Visa?
OFC appointment for US visa wait times can vary depending on location and visa category. For instance, in India, the wait times for B1/B2 visa appointments can be several months, while student visas (F-1) may have shorter wait times.
Here’s an overview of OFC appointment US visa wait time for different cities in India.
| City | Estimated Wait Time |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | 5–10 days |
| Mumbai | 7–14 days (longer for work visas) |
| Chennai | 4–8 days |
| Hyderabad | 5–12 days |
| Kolkata | 4–7 days |
Tip: Check early and book in advance to avoid last-minute delays.
Note:
- Peak seasons (May-August, November-January) may have longer wait times of upto 30 days.
- Emergency appointments may be available for urgent travel (e.g., medical emergencies, academic deadlines).
What to Expect at an OFC Center?
Contrary to a common misconception, the OFC centre does not host visa interviews. You will be asked to submit the specified documents (passport, confirmation copy, etc.).
Upon being called, you will undergo the OFC fingerprinting and visa photo process, followed by a thorough checking and scanning procedure. For assistance before the appointment, you can approach someone proficient in their native language at the centre.
Note: No US embassy officials are present, as a third-party company manages the entire process.
OFC Fingerprint and Photo Process
Step 1: Many are unaware of the OFC centre's procedures. Notably, no visa interview is held at the OFC centre. You must present your US visa OFC appointment documents, including your passport, OFC appointment copy, and DS-160 confirmation.
Step 2: Upon arrival, wait for your turn.
Step 3: When called, your fingers are scanned.
Step 4: Your photo is taken on-site, eliminating the need to bring visa photos.
Step 5: Following this process, attend the US consulate for the scheduled visa interview.
Step 6: After your visa interview, return to the OFC centre to collect your passport if the visa application is approved. For those opting for Premium delivery, the passport will be delivered. If the visa is rejected, there is no need to visit the OFC centre again.
How to Reschedule or Cancel OFC Appointment for US visa?
In case you’ve missed the US visa appointment OFC or need to change the date, you can reschedule or cancel it online. The process is straightforward, but there are specific steps and guidelines to follow. Here’s how you can proceed:
Rescheduling
- Log in to your US visa application profile on the CGI Federal website.
- Go to the ‘Reschedule Appointment’ option.
- Choose a new date and location based on availability.
- Confirm the changes and print the updated OFC appointment confirmation letter.
Cancelling
- Log in to your profile on the CGI Federal website.
- Click on "Cancel Appointment."
- Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the cancellation.
Note:
- You can reschedule an OFC appointment US visa only a limited number of times before paying a new fee.
- Ensure you cancel at least 24 hours before the appointment.
- No extra fee is required unless rebooking after multiple changes.
- Refunds are not provided if you cancel your appointment.
OFC Appointment Centres in India
Offsite Facilitation Centers in India are in various cities, as listed in the table below:
| Cities | Address |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | Trade Center, Gr. Floor, G Block, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra EastMumbai 400051 |
| Kolkata | Jasmine Tower, 31, Shakespeare Sarani (1st Floor)Kolkata 700017 |
| Chennai | Good Shepherd, No 82, Kodambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600034 |
| New Delhi | S – 1 American Plaza, (Hotel Eros Managed by Hilton), International Trade Tower Nehru Place, New Delhi 110019 |
| Hyderabad | 1-8-384/385, Gowra Grand, S.P. Road Begumpet,Secunderabad 500003 |
OFC Appointment Fees
The OFC appointment fee is included in the US visa application fee (MRV fee). You do not need to pay separately for biometric submission. The fees may vary based on the visa category:
| Visa Type | Approx. Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 (Business/Tourist Visa) | INR 16k($185) |
| F1 (Student Visa) | INR 16k($185) |
| H1B (Work Visa) | INR 18k($205) |
| L1 (Intra-Company Transfer) | INR 18k($205) |
| O, P, Q, R (Specialty Visas) | INR 18k($205) |
Key Points to Keep in Mind Before Your OFC Appointment for US Visa
Here are some important Points to remember before your OFC Appointment for US visa:
- Timing and Scheduling: Your OFC appointment is scheduled before the visa interview, so ensure that both appointments align.
- Document Submission and Biometrics: Only after submitting the required documents and completing the biometric process during the OFC appointment will your visa interview be conducted.
- Location of Visa Interview: The OFC is not where the visa interview takes place; your visa interview will occur at your local US embassy.
- Personal Items: Avoid bringing personal items like mobile phones and bags to the Offsite Facilitation Centre due to strict security measures.
- Security Checks: Expect a thorough checking and scanning process upon entering the OFC.
- U.S. Embassy Officials: US embassy officials won't be present at the OFC, as third-party organisations manage it.
- Language Assistance: If you need assistance before your OFC appointment, personnel speaking your local language can provide support.
- Interview Waiver: Some individuals may not need to attend the OFC appointment if eligible for a visa interview waiver; they can submit necessary documents at a local drop box.
- Notification for the Drop Box Program: Candidates in the Drop Box program will receive a notification once their visa application is processed.
- Required Documents: Ensure you bring all necessary documents to the OFC, as failure to do so may lead to appointment rescheduling, causing delays in your visa process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, navigating the OFC appointment for a US visa involves:
- A step-by-step process.
- Understanding necessary documents.
- Being aware of key details.
If you aspire to study in the US, the OFC appointment is a crucial step enabled by the US embassy to streamline the visa application process.
Remember that language assistance is available for those in need, and certain individuals may be eligible for a visa interview waiver through a drop box program. Need more help? Leap Scholar's expert counsellors can help you get your visa sorted. You can get in touch with us and book a free counselling session today!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What is the meaning of OFC appointment for US visa?
Ans. The OFC appointment is integral to the US visa application process. OFC stands for Offsite Facilitation Centre, where you undergo biometric data collection, including fingerprints and photographs, ahead of your scheduled US visa interview. Booking an appointment to visit the OFC is mandatory.
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Q. What is the difference between VAC and OFC appointment?
Ans. The distinction between OFC and VAC appointments lies in their purposes. OFC (Offsite Facilitation Center) appointments focus on biometric data collection, encompassing fingerprints and visa photographs. In contrast, VAC (Visa Application Center) appointments revolve around the submission of visa applications and supporting documents.
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Q. Is there a gap between OFC and visa appointment?
Ans. While there is no specified minimum or maximum gap between OFC and visa appointments, applicants should be mindful not to schedule both on the same day. Students, in particular, need to plan accordingly, allowing sufficient time between the OFC appointment for the US visa and the subsequent visa interview.
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Q. What happens after an OFC appointment?
Ans. Following the completion of the OFC appointment for the US visa, the next step involves attending the visa interview with a US consular officer at the local US embassy. Subsequently, after the visa interview, applicants must return to the OFC centre to collect their passports.
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Q. Can we change the visa interview date after OFC?
Ans. Yes, you can reschedule your visa interview date for a future date, with a maximum allowance of two reschedules. To initiate the rescheduling process, you must access the relevant online portal or contact the consulate directly, sticking to the guidelines and procedures outlined by the US embassy.
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Q. Can I reschedule my US visa appointment after OFC?
Ans. Certainly, you have the option to reschedule your OFC appointment for the US visa on the main portal. This flexibility allows for adjustments in the biometrics collection process, and you can also coordinate with the consulate to book a new visa interview appointment.
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Q. Can I cancel my OFC appointment for US visa?
Ans. Cancellation of an OFC appointment for the US visa is permitted once, after which you can reschedule it. However, in the event of a second cancellation, you will need to pay the visa application fee again before being able to reschedule the appointment.
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Q. What is the maximum difference between OFC and consular appointment?
Ans. The gap between your Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) appointment and the consular interview varies; it's essential to schedule the OFC appointment before the visa interview, ensuring both appointments align appropriately.
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Q. Is OFC appointment same as drop box appointment?
Ans. No, an OFC appointment is for biometric data collection, including fingerprints and photographs, before your visa interview. A drop box appointment, on the other hand, is for eligible applicants to submit documents without attending an in-person interview. The two serve different purposes in the visa process.
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Q. What should I wear to my visa OFC appointment?
Ans. There is no strict dress code for the OFC appointment, but it is best to wear formal or smart casual attire. Avoid clothing that covers your face, such as hats or scarves, as you will need to take a photograph. Wearing professional attire creates a good impression, even though this is just a biometric collection step.
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Q. Is mobile allowed in an OFC appointment?
Ans. Mobile phones are generally not allowed inside the OFC centre, and you may need to deposit them before entry. Some centres allow switched-off phones, but restrictions vary by location. It is best to check the rules in advance and carry only necessary documents to avoid inconvenience.
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