We see many students who are applying for a US visa for the first time. Then, an important step is the OFC Appointment for US Visa. Many people do not understand what it is. Simply put, OFC stands for Offsite Facilitation Center. There is no visa interview here, but your biometrics are taken. That is, fingerprints and a photo are taken.
This appointment is usually one or two days before the interview. You have to go there at the specified time with your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, and appointment letter. Also. Don’t worry, the process of OFC does not take much time if all the papers are in order.
Our experts explain these steps to the students in advance, so that they do not get scared and can prepare properly. Knowing the right information makes the whole process much easier.
What is OFC Appointment for US Visa?
Many students come to us and ask, What is an OFC Appointment for a US Visa? Then we explain it simply. OFC stands for Offsite Facilitation Center. This is not a visa interview. Here, your fingerprints and photo are taken, which is called biometrics. Usually, this appointment is done before the visa interview.
You have to go there on the specified date and time with your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, and appointment letter. The process is very easy and takes less time. As education consultants, we explain all the steps to the students in advance, so that they can prepare with peace of mind.
| Aspect | Description |
| Full Form | Offsite Facilitation Center, also known as, sometimes referred to as Offshore Facilitation Center or similar variations like Optical Fingerprint Capturing in informal contexts. |
| Purpose | To collect data for OFC with fingerprints of all your 10 fingers, as well as a digital image. and reviewing key details of the visa application prior to the actual visa interview. |
| Location | Either the OFC or the Visa Application Centers, also known as VACs, run by solution providers such as VFS Global, and not the US Embassy. |
| Interview? | No, there is no visa question or question about why you are traveling here. It’s just administrative/biometric authentication. |
| When it happens | Always before the consular visa interview, usually scheduled 1-7 days or up to a couple of weeks earlier, depending on availability. |
| Required for | Most nonimmigrant visa applicants, like B1/B2, F, J, H, L, etc., in countries with high visa demand (e.g., countries like India, the Philippines, etc.). Some countries or repeat applicants may qualify for an interview waiver and skip it. |
| What to bring | Valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page. also Appointment confirmation letter - Minimal other items (no heavy documents usually needed) |
| Duration | Typically 15-30 minutes (quick process: photo, fingerprints, and document check) |
| After OFC | Your DS-160 page gets stamped/verified. You proceed to the actual visa interview at the US Embassy/Consulate, where the consular officer makes the visa decision |
| How to book | Through the official portal (ustraveldocs.com for India), after filling DS-160 and paying the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee. You usually book an OFC with an interview. |
| Consequence of missing | You cannot attend the visa interview without completing biometrics, as it will cause delays or rescheduling |
| Key Benefit | Speeds up the embassy interview day (no biometrics taken there) and helps manage high applicant volumes at consulates |
What Happens During an OFC Appointment?
I have seen many students get confused about the OFC Appointment when applying for US Visa for the first time. So I will say it simply:
- Here, fingerprints and a photo are taken, not an interview.
- This appointment is usually 1-2 days before the interview.
- You will need your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, and appointment letter.
- The process is faster if all the documents are in order.
As education consultants, we explain these steps to the students in advance, so that they can prepare easily and properly.
Documents Required for OFC Appointment
We have many students who are applying for a US visa for the first time. I have discussed with them that many are confused about the OFC Appointment. OFC stands for Offsite Facilitation Center. There is no interview here, but biometrics and photos are taken. So it is an important step in the visa process.
Some documents must be carried for the OFC Appointment:
- First, the confirmation page of the DS-160 form
- A valid passport
- Visa fee receipt
- Appointment letter
If these documents are taken correctly, the process is completed quickly. As education consultants, we inform the students about this information in advance and explain how to prepare. This makes them not afraid and can easily complete the process.
In this way, everyone can make an OFC Appointment correctly and be ready for the next interview.
How to Book OFC Appointment for US Visa?
We see many students who are applying for US Visa for the first time. Then OFC Appointment for US Visa is a very important step. I will explain in simple terms how to book it.
- First, you have to log in to the official US Visa website and get your DS-160 form confirmation number.
- Then you have to select the visa type and location. OFC Appointment is usually done before the interview.
- You have to book the appointment date and time. It is important to take a printout.
- On the specified day, you have to go to the OFC center with your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, appointment letter, and other necessary documents.
We explain these steps to the students in advance, so that they can complete the appointment easily and safely. Having the right information makes the whole process much easier. Also, we help them in the entire process so they can plan their study abroad without stress.
When to Schedule an OFC Appointment?
Let me tell you when and why you should make an OFC Appointment for US Visa. Many students get confused when applying for a visa for the first time. So let's explain it step by step:
- OFC Appointment Time: It is usually a good idea to make this appointment one or two weeks before the US visa interview.
- Activities: Your biometrics are taken at this appointment, i.e., fingerprints and a photo are taken. The interview is not held here.
- Required Documents: DS-160 confirmation page, passport, and appointment letter must be taken with you.
- Time Management: It is very important to be on time, so that the process is easy and fast.
- Caution: If you follow the discipline, there will be no problems, and the process becomes much easier.
How to Reschedule an OFC Appointment for US Visa?
We see many students who have booked an OFC Appointment for a visa, but sometimes they have to change the date. OFC Appointment for US Visa means completing the biometric process of the visa at the Offsite Facilitation Center. Here we will tell you in simple terms how to reschedule an appointment.
What to Do to Reschedule OFC Appointment?
- First, you need to log in to the website where you booked the appointment.
- Select the “Reschedule Appointment” option.
- Select the new date and time as per your preference or one that is convenient for you.
- Once you confirm, the new date will appear as you choose, and you will get a new appointment confirmation page.
Go to the OFC Center on the specified day with that confirmation page and other necessary documents.
We will do this for you, or you can contact us. We explain all the students step by step, so that they can change the appointment easily and on time. Doing this makes the whole process much easier.
What is the OFC Appointment Fee?
Many students are a little scared to understand the OFC Appointment Fee for the first time. Simply put, the OFC Appointment Fee is the cost that you have to pay when you go to the OFC center. Here are some important facts to know in a simple way:
OFC Appointment Fee is only for biometrics and photographing.
- This fee varies according to the type of visa. For example, it may be different for a student visa and different for a tourist visa.
- Almost always, this fee has to be paid online, and after payment, you have to book an appointment slot.
- It is very important to save the confirmation mail or a paper copy after paying the fee.
We have seen many students who want to know about this fee in advance. Knowing it correctly reduces the fear and makes the OFC Appointment process much easier. This is a small but important step in the visa process.
| Visa Category (Nonimmigrant) | MRV Application Fee (USD) | Approximate Amount in INR (at 94 INR/USD) | Includes OFC Appointment? | Notes / Common Examples |
| Visitor (B1/B2) – Business/Tourism | $185 | ₹17,390 | Yes | Most common for tourists; no separate OFC charge. |
| Student/Exchange (F, M, J) | $185 | ₹17,390 | Yes | Includes F-1 student visas; covers biometrics at OFC. |
| Petition-based (e.g., H, L, O, P) | $205 (or higher for some) | ₹19,270 | Yes | Work visas; fee may vary slightly by subcategory. |
| Treaty Trader/Investor (E) | Higher (varies) | Varies | Yes | Check specific reciprocity schedule. |
| Other non-petition nonimmigrant | $185 | ₹17,390 | Yes | General default for many categories. |
What Happens After an OFC Appointment?
After the OFC Appointment is over, many students get a little worried, wondering what will happen next. In fact, the process is very simple.
First, fingerprints and a photo are taken at the OFC. After that, preparation for the visa interview begins. Generally speaking, the OFC Appointment is just the initial step.
- First, your biometric information is entered into the system.
- Then, your DS-160 form and other documents are verified.
- If you receive any notice or email from the OFC, you should read it carefully.
- Now you have to appear at the consulate on the day of the main interview.
It is very important to do everything on time in this process. Many students later realize that the OFC Appointment is just part of the preparation, and the main interview is the most important step in getting a visa. So it is better to prepare carefully after the OFC.
OFC Appointment Centres in India
| City | State/Region | VAC / OFC Address (Approximate / Most Recent Reported) | Notes |
| New Delhi | Delhi | Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Concourse/Mezzanine Level, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi - 110001 | Primary hub; often has more slots, especially for interview waiver/dropbox. |
| Mumbai | Maharashtra | Trade Centre / Parinee Crescenzo, 'G' Block / 101, 1st Floor, A Wing, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Bandra East, Mumbai - 400051 | High demand; serves western India. |
| Chennai | Tamil Nadu | Good Shepherd / 82, Kodambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600034 (or nearby variations like 365 Anna Salai, Teynampet) | Serves southern India; some centralized processing. |
| Hyderabad | Telangana | 1-8-384/385, Gowra Grand, S.P. Road, Begumpet, Secunderabad - 500003 | Serves Andhra/Telangana region. |
| Kolkata | West Bengal | 57B, Pataka House (4th Floor), Mirza Ghalib St, Taltala, Kolkata - 700016 (relocated from previous Jasmine Tower/Shakespeare Sarani location) | Serves eastern India; address updated in recent years. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid in OFC Appointment
Many students make some common mistakes when they go to OFC Appointment for their first US visa. I have seen many make these mistakes which complicate the whole process. There are some important things to keep in mind.
Incorrect or incomplete documentation: Sometimes students make mistakes with their passport, DS-160 confirmation page or appointment letter. If the paperwork is not correct, the entry may be missed.
Not arriving on time: A specific time is given for OFC Appointment. If you are late, you may have to make a new appointment.
Taking your phone or belongings with you: Mobile or electronic devices are prohibited from being brought to the OFC center. Many people take them by mistake.
Proper dress and behavior: It is important to have very simple clothing and calm behavior.
Avoiding these mistakes makes OFC Appointment much easier and faster. Proper preparation always saves time and stress.
Conclusion
In the end, the OFC application is a simple but important step in the US visa application process. Also, once again, I love to mention that small mistakes like incomplete documents, not arriving on time, or carrying the wrong items can complicate the whole process.
This is why it is recommended to choose study abroad consultants or experts for help. Guidance will help you to do things right and save time.
Therefore, it is extremely important to review all documents in advance, follow deadlines, and complete them correctly at the center. Also, those who follow these steps correctly will save much time, and the next step for them is obtaining a visa, which is quite simple. With proper preparation and knowledge, you can complete an OFC appointment easily, quickly, and stress-free. This saves time and energy.
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