What is OFC Appointment for US Visa: Step-by-Step Guide 2026

An Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) appointment is a mandatory pre-visa step where your biometric details, specifically your ten fingerprints and a digital photograph, are collected. This quick process, typically completed in 15 to 30 minutes, takes place at a Visa Application Center and does not involve any visa interview.

The purpose of the OFC appointment is to record your biometrics and verify key documents such as your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, and appointment letter. Completing this step ensures your records are properly linked to your visa application and helps your subsequent consular interview proceed smoothly.

During an OFC appointment, only your fingerprints and photograph are collected. There is no visa interview at this stage.

Here is exactly what happens when you visit the Offsite Facilitation Center:

• Step 1 - Arrive at the center: Reach the OFC at least 20-30 minutes before your scheduled time for security checks.
• Step 2 - Document check: Present your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, OFC appointment confirmation, and visa fee receipt.
• Step 3 - Wait for your turn: You’ll be called in order based on your appointment slot.
• Step 4 - Fingerprint scan: All ten fingerprints are scanned digitally.
• Step 5 - Photo capture: A visa photo is taken at the center (you do not need to bring your own).
• Step 6 - Confirmation: You’re free to leave and prepare for your visa interview once biometrics and photo are done. The whole process is straightforward and completed in under 30 minutes.

Suggested: Know everything about F1 visa interview questions to be prepared. 

The documents needed for an OFC appointment must include your passport and DS-160 confirmation page. 

Here is the complete list of documents you should keep handy for your OFC appointment:

• Valid Passport (and old passports, if any): Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the US.
• DS-160 Confirmation Page: A printed copy with a clear barcode, showing your completed visa application.
• OFC Appointment Confirmation Letter: This printout confirms your date, time, and location for the OFC visit.
• Visa Fee Payment Receipt (MRV): Proof that you have paid the US visa application fee.
• Photographs (if requested): Two 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) color photos with a white background might be required only if the digital photo capture fails at the center.
• Form I-20 (for F-1/M-1 students): Shows your admission to a US institution.
• SEVIS Fee Receipt (for student visas): Proof that you have paid the mandatory SEVIS fee.
• Additional documents (if applicable): Minors might need a birth certificate and parents’ passport copies.

Important reminder: Carry only printed documents since digital copies on mobile phones are not accepted at OFC centers.

Suggested: Do check out the list of F-1 visa interview documents to make sure you have the perfect checklist.

To book an OFC appointment, filling out the DS-160 form and paying the US visa fee are the major steps. 

Here are the exact steps you need to follow to book your OFC appointment without missing anything:

Step 1: Fill the DS-160 Form

Complete the DS-160 form online with your personal, travel, and background details. Download and print the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode after submission, as it is required for booking and entry.

Step 2: Create a Profile on US Travel Docs

Visit the official US visa portal and create your profile using your passport details and DS-160 number. This account is used to manage both your OFC and visa interview appointments.

Step 3: Pay the US Visa (MRV) Fee

Pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee of $185 (₹16,833) using UPI, NEFT, IMPS, or debit/credit card. The payment usually becomes active within 3 to 24 hours, after which appointment slots can be checked.

Step 4: Log In and Schedule Appointments

Log in to your account and select 'Schedule Appointment' once the fee is activated. You need to book the OFC (biometrics) appointment first, followed by the visa interview.

Step 5: Choose OFC Location and Date

Select your preferred OFC center, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata, and pick an available date and time slot based on availability.

Step 6: Confirm and Print Appointment Letter

Review all details carefully and confirm your appointment. Download and print the OFC appointment confirmation letter, which is mandatory for entry into the OFC center.

The OFC appointment should ideally be booked at least 1-3 days before your visa interview, as biometrics must be completed first. You should schedule your OFC appointment only after completing the DS-160 form and paying the US visa fee. 

Since OFC slots fill up quickly, it is recommended to schedule it as early as possible once interview slots are available to avoid delays.

Suggested: Know about F-1 visa slot booking to avoid confusion during the process.

To reschedule an OFC appointment, you must do it through your US Travel Docs account, as walk-in changes are not allowed. 

Here are the exact steps to reschedule your OFC appointment:

• Step 1: Log in to US Travel Docs: Sign in to your account using the same credentials you used while booking the appointment.
• Step 2: View Existing Appointment: Open your current OFC appointment details from the dashboard.
• Step 3: Select 'Reschedule Appointment': Click the reschedule option to open the appointment calendar.
• Step 4: Choose New Date and Time: Pick a new available OFC slot based on current availability.
• Step 5: Confirm Changes: Review the updated details and submit your request.
• Step 6: Download New Confirmation Letter: Print the updated OFC appointment confirmation, as it is required for entry.

Important note: You can reschedule your OFC appointment up to 2 times at no extra fee.

There is no separate fee for an OFC appointment, as it is already included in the US visa application (MRV) fee of $185/₹16,833 for most student and visitor visas. This single fee covers both the biometric appointment at the OFC and the visa interview at the consulate. 

The amount is non-refundable and non-transferable, and no extra payment is required even if you reschedule your OFC appointment within the allowed limit.

After the OFC appointment, you attend your US visa interview and then wait for your passport to be stamped or returned based on the interview result. 

Here is what you need to know about what happens after the OFC appointment:

• Attend the visa interview: Visit the US embassy or consulate on your scheduled interview date with all required documents.
• Biometrics are already completed: No biometric process happens at the interview since fingerprints and photos are done at the OFC.
• Passport is retained after approval: The consulate keeps your passport for visa stamping if your visa is approved.
• Track visa status: You can check your visa status online while your passport is being processed.
• Passport delivery or pickup: Your passport is sent to your address if you select premium delivery. If not, you will be informed to collect it from the designated pickup location.
• If the visa is refused: You do not need to return to the OFC, and your passport is returned without stamping.

There are 5 OFC appointment centres in India, and the most commonly used ones are New Delhi and Mumbai due to higher slot availability.

Here are the official OFC centres where you can book your appointment:

• New Delhi: American Citizen Services Unit, U.S. Embassy, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, 110021
• Mumbai: Trade Center, Ground Floor, G Block, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai, 400051
• Chennai: Good Shepherd, No. 82, Kodambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai, 600034
• Hyderabad: Survey No. 115/1, Financial District, Nanakramguda, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500032
• Kolkata: Jasmine Tower, 31, Shakespeare Sarani (1st Floor), Kolkata, 700017

Please note: You can book your OFC appointment at any centre, regardless of the city where you live or where your visa interview is scheduled.

The majority of the students make mistakes like showing up with incorrect or missing documents and missing their OFC appointment slot, which can delay the entire visa process. 

Here is what you should keep in mind to avoid problems on your OFC appointment day:

• Incomplete or incorrect DS-160 details: Even small errors in your name, passport number, or address can lead to rejection at the OFC entry point.
• Not carrying printed documents: Digital copies on your phone are not accepted; all confirmations and forms must be printed.
• Assuming photos are always optional: While photos are taken at the center, you might be asked to provide 2×2-inch photos if the digital capture fails.
• Arriving late or too early: Reaching late can cancel your slot, while arriving too early might not allow entry, so aim for 20-30 minutes before your time.
• Carrying restricted items: Phones, bags, wallets, and electronic items are not allowed inside the OFC center.

For many students, the OFC appointment feels confusing simply because no one explains why it matters and what exactly happens there. Most stress comes from small things like missing a document, not knowing photo rules, or booking the wrong date, which can easily be avoided with the right guidance. If you treat the OFC appointment as a checklist-based task instead of a mystery step, the process becomes much smoother and far less stressful.

This is where Yocket Premium steps in to make your visa journey easier. From step-by-step visa guidance to document checks and appointment planning, it helps you avoid costly mistakes before they happen.