What is an OFC appointment for a US visa and what documents should I carry?
An OFC (Offsite Facilitation Center) appointment is a mandatory 15 to 30 minute biometrics visit before your US visa interview, where your photo and ten fingerprints are captured. Carry your valid passport, printed DS-160 confirmation page, appointment confirmation letter, fee receipt, and visa-specific documents like your I-20 for F-1.
Your OFC (Offsite Facilitation Center) visit is the biometrics step of your US visa process, run by authorised centres like VFS Global a few days before your consular interview. Staff there only capture your digital photograph and ten fingerprints in a 15 to 30 minute session; there is no interview and no decision is made. Carrying the right printed documents is what makes the visit smooth.
Mandatory Documents for Your OFC Appointment
| Document | Key Check |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Valid at least six months beyond your planned stay; bring old and expired passports too |
| DS-160 confirmation page | Printed with the barcode clear and fully visible; phone copies are usually refused |
| OFC appointment confirmation letter | Confirms your date, time and exact centre location |
| MRV visa fee receipt | Proof that your visa application fee has been paid |
Extra Documents by Visa Category
| Visa Type | Additional Documents |
|---|---|
| F-1 / M-1 student | Original signed Form I-20 plus printed SEVIS fee receipt |
| J-1 exchange visitor | Form DS-2019 plus printed SEVIS fee receipt |
| H-1B / L-1 work | Form I-797 petition approval notice |
| All applicants (recommended) | One recent 2x2 inch colour photograph as a technical backup |
My Advice
Pack a clear plastic folder with only these papers, and leave your phone, smartwatch and bags with a companion or in your vehicle since most centres have no lockers. Keep your fingertips free of cuts, ink or mehndi so the scans work first time, and be ready to remove eyeglasses for the photo. After biometrics, the officer stamps your DS-160 confirmation page; guard that stamped sheet carefully because you must present it at your consular interview a few days later.
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