The OFC (Offsite Facilitation Centre) is crucial for Indian students applying to US academies, simplifying the admission process. The OFC appointment US visa centre gathers biometric data and required documents from students, ensuring a smoother admission process. Starting May 30, 2023, the US Department of State will raise the student visa fee from $160 to $185.
In this blog, we will explore what an OFC appointment for a US visa entails, the necessary documents, key considerations when visiting an OFC, and OFC locations in India. Let’s delve into understanding the OFC and what to expect during a US visa OFC appointment.
What Is An OFC Appointment?
The appointment of an OFC US Visa is a step in the process of applying for a US visa. It involves providing biometric data and a visa photograph at an Offsite Facilitation Centre (OFC). The appointment is scheduled before the visa interview at the consulate.
What Is The Offsite Facilitation Centre (OFC)?
The Offsite Facilitation Centre (OFC) is a service that allows visa applicants to submit their biometric information and documents before their interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The OFC appointment visa is operated by a contractor and is separate from the Embassy or Consulate. The purpose of the OFC is to speed up the visa process and reduce waiting times for applicants.
What Are The Documents Required For OFC Appointment?
The following documents must be submitted in order to schedule a US OFC appointment. You must bring physical copies of these documents to your appointment.
- Your passport
- Appointment confirmation copy
- The stamped DS-160 form
- Visa application fee receipt
What Is The Fee For An OFC Appointment?
An OFC appointment does not require an additional fee to be paid. The OFC appointment charge is included in the visa fee you pay.
What Is the Fingerprinting and Visa Photo Process at OFC?
The phases of US entrance involving the OFC appointment US visa include fingerprinting and visa photo processing. The OFC collects biometric data through a simple process of scanning your fingerprints. Your documents must be submitted there.
Your photographs will be taken in the office for verification and documentation. The visa interview is the next stage after data submission at the OFC. After the visa interview, you will return to the OFC to pick up your passport.
How To Book An OFC Appointment For A US Visa?
If you are planning to apply for a US visa, you will need to book an OFC appointment for your biometrics. OFC stands for Offsite Facilitation Centre and it is where you will have your fingerprints and photo taken. Here are the steps to book an OFC appointment for a US visa:
- Online DS-160 form completion and confirmation page printing are required.
- Online or at a specified bank, pay the visa fee.
- Create an account on the US visa appointment website and enter your DS-160 confirmation number and visa fee receipt number.
- Choose the visa type, category, and post that you are applying for.
- Select an available date and time for your OFC appointment and confirm your booking.
- Print the OFC appointment confirmation page and bring it with you to the OFC centre along with your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, and visa fee receipt.
You should book your OFC appointment at least one day before your visa interview at the US embassy or consulate. You can reschedule or cancel your OFC appointment online up to 24 hours before the scheduled time. Make sure to arrive at the OFC appointment US visa centre at least 15 minutes before your appointment and follow the instructions of the staff there.
How To Reschedule OFC Appointment For US Visa?
If you need to reschedule your OFC appointment for a US visa, you can follow these steps:
- Log in to your account on the US visa appointment website.
- Click on “Reschedule Appointment” and select the reason for rescheduling.
- Choose a new date and time for your OFC appointment from the available slots.
- Confirm your rescheduling and print the new appointment confirmation page.
- Bring the new confirmation page along with your passport and other documents to your OFC appointment.
Note: You can reschedule your OFC appointment US visa up to two times, but you must do it at least 24 hours before your original appointment date. If you miss or cancel your OFC appointment more than two times, you will have to pay a new visa fee and start the process again.
What To Expect During An OFC Appointment?
An appointment with the OFC appointment US visa is required for anyone applying for a US visa. Prior to the real visa interview at the consulate, a brief interview is held at an Offsite Facilitation Centre (OFC). The OFC appointment is to collect biometric data and verify the applicant’s identity and visa eligibility.
- The OFC appointment is scheduled one or two days before the consulate interview and typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes.
- Arrive at the OFC at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
- Bring important documents including your passport, appointment confirmation letter, and DS-160 confirmation page.
- Dress appropriately for the appointment and follow the instructions provided by the OFC staff.
- The OFC appointment US visa is not an evaluation of your qualifications or intentions; it is primarily a security and administrative procedure to expedite the visa process.
What Should I Keep In Mind While Visiting An Offsite Facilitation Centre?
Because it deals with large amounts of sensitive data, an Offsite Facilitation Centre (OFC appointment US visa centre) must adhere to stringent security protocols. You are not permitted to bring your luggage or smartphone inside.
- The procedure is straightforward and is handled by a third-party organisation; no US embassy personnel will be present.
- Make certain that all of the information you provide is correct. A minor error, such as a modest modification in your home address in your passport and D160 form, your surname in all but one document, etc., will result in the cancellation of your visa.
- There will be specific dates set forth for OFC appointments. As a result, expect a small crowd on the day and aim to arrive on time.
Where Are The OFC Locations In India?
OFCs can be found in major Indian cities such as Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata. Applicants can choose the nearest centre.
The following table shows the address of Offset Facilitation Centres in India.
| City | Centre Address |
| Mumbai, Maharashtra | Trade Centre, Gr. Floor, G Block, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai – 400051 Trade Centre, Gr. Floor, G Block, Bandra-Kurla Complex |
| New Delhi | S – 1 American Plaza, (Hotel Eros Managed by Hilton), International Trade Tower Nehru Place, New Delhi 110019 |
| Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Good shepherd, No 82, Kodambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600034 |
| Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh | 1-8-384/385, Gowra Grand, S.P. Road Begumpet, Secunderabad 500003 |
| Kolkata, West Bengal | Jasmine Tower, 31, Shakespeare Sarani (1st Floor) Kolkata 700017 |
What Happens After An OFC Appointment?
An OFC appointment is a mandatory meeting to collect biometrics for a U.S. visa or green card application. After the appointment, you receive a confirmation notice for your visa interview. Important points for the interview:
- Purpose of travel: Explain your reason for visiting the U.S.
- Background information: Discuss education, employment, and previous travel.
- Eligibility criteria: Meet the requirements for your visa or green card.
- Documentation: Bring all necessary documents to the interview.
- Language proficiency: Be comfortable with English unless exempt.
- Honesty and confidence: Answer truthfully and confidently.
The visa interview is crucial for approval, so be prepared, organized, and composed.
FAQs
1. What is a US visa OFC appointment?
An OFC appointment is a required step for Indian students applying for US visas. It involves visiting a designated centre to provide biometric data and submit documents, streamlining the visa application process.
2. What documents are required for an OFC appointment?
You will need to bring your valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa application fee receipt, OFC appointment US visa confirmation page, and relevant supporting documents (e.g., I-20 form for students).
3. What should I keep in mind when visiting an OFC?
Arrive on time, dress appropriately, follow instructions, bring all required documents, and be prepared for biometric data collection. Being organized and prepared will help ensure a smooth OFC appointment and visa application process.
PS: If there’s anything more you want to know about, add it to the comments section!
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