Schedule OFC Appointment for US visa: Fees, Documents & Centres

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.

Remember: Before going for a visa interview at the Consular Sections, you should complete an Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) appointment for US visa.

This appointment involves giving your fingerprints and a visa photo, making the OFC appointment for the US visa application process easier. 

The OFC appointment happens at visa application centres (VACs) before you meet with a US consular officer. Make sure to bring your passport, DS-160 (nonimmigrant visa application) form, visa application, and a printed copy of your OFC appointment for the US visa confirmation. 

This appointment comes before the visa interview, so schedule it when your interview is planned. This blog will cover everything you need to know about the OFC appointment for the US visa.

What is the Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC)?

The US embassy has established the OFC to speed up visa processing, especially for students. The full form of the OFC appointment is the Offsite Facilitation Center. During an OFC appointment for the US visa, you will have to provide your fingerprints (Biometric) and visa photographs before their 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.

Documents required for US visa OFC appointment

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.

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.

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 present your 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.

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

Things to keep in mind

Important Points to Remember Before Your OFC Appointment for the 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.

Final Thoughts

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 to schedule your OFC appointment in alignment with your visa interview, as the two go hand in hand. The OFC process involves submitting essential documents, providing fingerprints, and taking a visa photo at designated visa application centres (VACs). You must carry your passport, DS-160 form, visa application, and a printed OFC appointment confirmation.

In preparation for your OFC appointment, consider crucial points such as timing, document submission, and adherence to security measures. 

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!

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