What is OFC Appointment for a US Student Visa?

The US embassy has established offsite Facilitation Centers (OFCs) to streamline the visa application process. In an OFC appointment, candidates need to provide biometric information: their fingerprints and digital photographs. They are required to book this appointment before attending their US visa interview. 

Earlier, biometric information was collected during personal interviews, but since recent changes to the process, it is now collected during OFC appointments. These appointments are conducted at Visa Application Centers (VACs). If you intend to study in the USA and require a US student visa, you must know how an OFC appointment takes place. In this article, we will take you through this process in detail.

Documents Required for OFC Appointment

In order to visit the OFC, you will need a set of documents. Ensure that you have scheduled your OFC appointment before the date of your visa interview. The documents required at the OFC center are listed below:

• Passport: Bring your old passports along with your current passport.
• Appointment Confirmation Copy: You need to carry a printed copy of the appointment confirmation page to enter the OFC center.
• DS-160 Confirmation Copy: You must also present a printed copy of the DS-160 confirmation page. You will not be allowed to enter the center without this document.

OFC Fingerprinting and Visa Photo Process

The fingerprinting process at the OFC center is quite simple and straightforward. Since you need to use all your 10 fingers, the process is also called ten printing. The step-by-step process to be followed at the OFC location is given below:

• Step 1: Most people do not know what is required at the OFC center. The OFC center does not conduct visa interviews. Here you must present your documents like passport, appointment confirmation copy, and DS-160 confirmation copy.
• Step 2: After reaching the center, you must wait for your turn.
• Step 3: Your fingers will be scanned after you have been called.
• Step 4: Your photo will be taken there, so you do not have to carry your visa photos with you.
• Step 5: Once you have completed the process, you will need to attend the visa interview on the scheduled appointment date.
• Step 6: Following your visa interview, you need to go back to the OFC center to collect your passport. 

Remember that you need to return to the OFC center to get your passport, even if your visa application has not been approved. If you have selected premium delivery, your passport will be delivered to your residence. 

OFC Appointment Fee

Are there any fees associated with your OFC appointment? It is usually costly to apply for a visa since each applicant must pay a series of fees based on their country of residence. However, in this case, your US visa interview fee includes the OFC biometric fees, so you do not need to pay anything for the OFC appointment separately.

What Happens After an OFC Appointment?

After your OFC appointment, you must attend a visa interview at your local U.S. embassy with a U.S. consular officer. Upon completion of your visa interview, you need to return to your original OFC location and collect your passport(s). Remember that you will be required to provide your DS-160 printed form in order to obtain your passport(s).

If you qualify for a visa interview waiver, you do not have to attend an OFC appointment. Instead, you need to place the necessary documents in a drop box facility. These visa applicants are eligible for an interview waiver:

• Individuals under 14 years of age
• Individuals over 80 years of age
• Individuals renewing their visas in the same category
• An Individual whose visa falls under these categories: A-1, A-2, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, C-3, and NATO

Please check with your local US embassy if you are not sure whether you qualify for an interview waiver or not.

OFC Locations in India

OFCs are available in several locations across India. There are OFCs in major cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, New Delhi, and Kolkata. You can find OFC centers near your location on the internet to determine which location or city is the most convenient for you. 

These centers are generally located near your local U.S. embassy. At your local OFC center, you'll find people who speak your language. As outlined above, you must make an appointment before visiting such a center. There are no prominent differences between making an OFC appointment in India and in any other country.

Important Points to Remember

Along with the information provided above, you must keep the following points in mind:

• An OFC appointment is scheduled before a visa interview. Until you present the necessary documents and have your biometrics and photographs taken at an OFC appointment, you will not be able to attend the visa interview. 
• Your visa interview will not be conducted at an OFC location. It will be conducted at your local US embassy with a consular officer. 
• An OFC is strictly regulated in terms of security. Apart from the necessary documents, you cannot bring any personal belongings with you, including a cell phone.
• OFC locations are generally managed by third-party organizations; US embassy representatives will not be present at an OFC facility.
• At your local OFC facility, you will be able to find individuals who speak your language.
• Although OFC appointments are legally required for most visa applicants, some individuals may not need to attend. Such candidates qualify for the drop box program. They need to submit the required visa application documentation at a local drop box. Check with your local US Embassy to confirm if you are eligible for the same.
• If you are eligible for the drop box program, simply place the required documents at your local drop box facility. After submitting your documents, you will be notified once your visa has been approved.
• Prepare all necessary documentation before attending your OFC appointment. If you are not able to provide the required documents at that time, you will not be allowed to enter the facility. Moreover, the entire visa application process will get delayed as you will need to reschedule your OFC appointment.