An Offsite Facilitation Center 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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Table of Contents |
What is an OFC Appointment for a US Visa?
The Offsite Facilitation Center is the full form of the OFC appointment. The US Embassy created the OFC to expedite the visa application process, particularly for study abroad aspirants. Before the scheduled US visa interview, you will need to produce your fingerprints (biometrics) and visa photos during an OFC appointment for the US visa.
On completion of the biometrics and photo session, the DS-160 confirmation document is stamped. You must bring the stamped DS-160 form and your passports to the consulate for the visa interview.
Now that you have a brief understanding of what OFC is, know that you must schedule an appointment for the same. Wondering how? Keep reading to know!
Check out our video on how to Fill a DS-160 Form,
How to Schedule an OFC Appointment?
The steps outlined below should be followed to obtain a US visa through 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!
Documents Required for OFC Appointment
You must carry certain documents to the Offsite Facilitation Centre (OFC) for verification purposes. The following documents must be submitted for an OFC appointment to obtain a US visa:
- 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!
Suggested: Bank Balance Required for US Student Visa
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
Be prepared for the OFC appointment for US Visa by paying attention to the following points:
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!