An Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) appointment is a vital part of the streamlined US visa application process. It separates the collection of your biometrics (fingerprints) and visa photographs from your visa interview at the consulate. This allows for a more efficient workflow, expediting the overall application processing time. By attending a separate OFC appointment beforehand, the consulate can focus on the interview itself, where a consular officer will assess your qualifications and eligibility for the visa.
Yocket presents this blog to resolve all your queries regarding OFC appointments - the scheduling process, the necessary documents, the varied OFC centers in India, and some tips for smoothing the OFC appointment. So, consider reading on if you have queries about anything OFC-related.
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What is an OFC Appointment for US Visa?
OFC stands for Offsite Facilitation Center, a place set up by the US Embassy to submit your fingerprints (biometrics) and visa photo before your main US visa interview.
You need to book an appointment to visit the OFC. Once your biometrics and photo are taken, they stamp your DS-160 confirmation page-you’ll need this stamp to track your visa status and schedule your visa interview.
How to Schedule an OFC Appointment?
Here's a step by step process on how to schedule an OFC appointment:
- Step 1: Go to the US Embassy's official website in India and register by entering the necessary information.
- Step 2: Look for and fill out the DS-160 form.
- Step 3: You can pay the visa fee at a designated bank or online. Note that the US Visa interview includes the OFC biometrics fee, so there is no requirement to pay an additional fee for the OFC appointment.
- Step 4: Make two appointments on the embassy's website or by calling them. You will need to provide biometrics to the OFC during the first appointment, and you will have an embassy visa interview during the second.
- Step 5: Attend your appointment with the OFC to turn in your biometric data.
You now know how to go about scheduling an OFC interview for a US visa. But some documents must be sorted before going for the interview. Let's find them out in the next bit!
What are the Documents Required for an OFC Appointment?
The following documents would be required for an OFC appointment:
- Passport: Please bring both your current and any previous passports you may own.
- Appointment Confirmation Copy: To get inside the OFC center, you need to show this copy, a printed copy of the appointment confirmation is required.
- DS-160 Confirmation Copy: Bring a printed copy of the DS-160 confirmation page to gain access to the OFC center.
Although the documents needed for biometrics verification for US visas for Indians are similar to those of other nationalities, find a breakdown of the respective documents for greater clarity in the next session!
Documents Required for Biometrics of US Visa in India
The documents you need for a biometrics appointment for a US visa in India are:
- Printed copy of your appointment confirmation letter.
- Confirmation page from the DS-160 application form you submitted online, including the CEAC barcode (this applies to first-time applicants and some renewals).
- One recent passport photograph (meeting US visa specifications).
- Your current passport.
- Any previously issued passports containing a US visa (if applicable).
Next, find a table of OFC appointment centers across India!
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OFC Appointment Centres in India
There are many offsite facilitation centers in India, as tabulated below. Indians may choose them based on accessibility and convenience.
|
Indian Cities |
Address Details |
|---|---|
|
Mumbai |
Trade Center, Gr. Floor, G Block, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra East Mumbai 400051 |
|
Kolkata |
Jasmine Tower, 31, Shakespeare Sarani (1st Floor) Kolkata 700017 |
|
Chennai |
Good Shepherd, No 82, Kodambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600034 |
|
New Delhi |
American Citizen Services Unit, U.S. Embassy |
|
Hyderabad |
1-8-384/385, Gowra Grand, S.P. Road Begumpet, Secunderabad 500003 |
In the final section, we have noted some tips for smoothening your OFC appointment!
Tips for OFC Appointment
Below are the tips for OFC Appointment:
Before your scheduled appointment:
- Recheck Documents: Ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork, such as a printed copy of your DS-160 confirmation page, your OFC appointment confirmation, and your passport (valid for at least six months beyond the duration of your intended stay).
- Schedule Your Appointment Strategically: Plan your OFC appointment for your visa interview. This guarantees that your photograph and fingerprints will be processed promptly.
On the Day of Your Scheduled Appointment:
- Reach Early: Try to arrive at the OFC center fifteen minutes or much earlier for your appointment. This accommodates unforeseen postponements.
- Stay Organized: Assemble a folder with your passport, confirmation page for DS-160, confirmation of your OFC appointment, and any additional documents.
- Observe the Guidelines: You will receive process guidance from the OFC team. Absorb what they say, remain courteous, and cooperate completely.
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From the Desk of Yocket
The Offsite Facilitation Center appointment is an essential step enabled by the US Embassy to expedite the visa application process if your goal is to study in the US. Remember to book your OFC appointment in conjunction with your visa interview. At the OFC center, your passport, the DS-160 form, the visa application, and a printed confirmation of your OFC appointment must all be with you.
As you get ready for your OFC visit, consider scheduling, filing documents, and following security protocols. Note that those in need can receive language support and that some people can qualify for a drop box program that waives the necessity for a visa interview. Need additional help with your preparation for visa interviews? Connect with our Yocket experts to resolve your queries and get end-to-end assistance on everything studying abroad!