OFC Appointment For US Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting a visa that’s to a US visa is no joke. Seriously, appointments after appointments!

One of them is the OFC appointment. Many people do not know what to expect at an OFC appointment. But the good news is that it’s not scary.

It’s a straightforward process, and there is no need to fear. No interview happens here.

So, that’s the misconception you should be clear on before scheduling the OFC appointment for US visa. In this blog, we have provided in-depth details to help you understand the following things:

1. What is an OFC appointment? What’s the need?
2. Essential documents and a step-by-step guide to applying for an OFC appointment.
3. Are there any fees for OFC?
4. Where are OFC Centers located?
5. What should you do if the OFC site doesn’t show available slots?

So, let’s get started.

What is an OFC Appointment? Why Is it Needed?

OFC stands for Offsite Facilitation Center. It’s a part of the process to get a US visa. Its main aim is to simplify the entire process of visa approval.

The good news is that there are no interviews during the OFC application. Here, visa applicants are called for biometrics, also known as ten printing (due to 10 fingers), and visa photographs. Generally, OFC appointments take 15–30 minutes, depending on the rush.

Also Read: New F1 Visa Rules for USA: All You Need To Know

Step-By-Step Guide to Schedule Your OFC Appointment

You can schedule your appointment at the Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) easily by following these steps: 

• Step 1: Begin by visiting the official website for US visa appointments at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ 
• Step 2: You will need to create a new account. After creating your account, log in using your credentials.
• Step 3: Choose New Application/Schedule New Appointment from the left. This option will take you through the process of scheduling your OFC appointment.
• Step 4: Next, you will have to select the location of the OFC and then select a suitable time slot.
• Step 5: After you have selected your preferred location and time, click the Submit button. After submitting, there will be a confirmation page. You have to keep a printout of this confirmation page

Also Read: Student Visa for USA for Indian Students in 2024 (Guide)

How To Reschedule Your OFC Appointment?

If unexpected events prevent you from attending your scheduled appointment at the Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC), you can reschedule quite easily. Here’s how to do it:

• Step 1: Visit http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ 
• Step 2: Log in to your account.
• Step 3: Choose the “Change Your Appointment” option to reschedule.
• Step 4: Select the location and slot when you want.
• Step 5: Click submit and you will see a confirmation page. Keep a printout of it with you.

What Is The Fee For An OFC Appointment?

There are no separate fees for OFC appointments. You only need to pay once for a visa interview.

How Many Times Can We Reschedule The OFC Appointment?

You can reschedule OFC appointments for a maximum of 2 times. 

What’s The Maximum Gap Allowed Between The OFC Appointment And The Visa Interview?

As long as the system allows, there’s no need to worry about the maximum or minimum gap between OFC and visa interviews.

The OFC appointment focuses on collecting biometric information, while the consular interview is where the actual visa decision is made. These two appointments are distinct steps in the visa application process. The duration of the gap depends on the number of visa applications under processing. For most applicants, it is between 15 – 30 days. 

What If You Reach Late For OFC Appointment?

If you arrive late for your OFC appointment, you won’t be able to reschedule for the same day. Instead, you’ll need to wait 24 hours before you can fill out the form again to secure a new appointment date.  

What Are The Documents Required for OFC Appointment?

Here are the documents you should carry to the OFC Appointment:

1. Original passport.
2. If your passport was canceled previously or if the previous passport expired, please carry the old passport with you along with the original one.
3. Copy of your visa application.
4. Copy of OFC appointment confirmation.
5. Visa application fee receipt.
6. Stamped D-160 document and copy.

Are There Any Offsite Facilitation Centers In India?

Yes, there are OFC centers located in major Indian cities. Here is a list of the major OFC centers in India. You can schedule your appointment at any center regardless of your resident state.

What to Expect During an OFC Appointment

The OFC appointment is an important step in the visa application process. You will need to submit several documents. Be prepared to present your passport along with printed copies of your OFC appointment confirmation and visa application. Additionally, you will go through the biometric process, which involves providing your fingerprints and having your photograph taken for your visa. The process doesn’t take much time. 

Also Read: Study in USA Guide for Indian Students 2024

What’s the Process After OFC Appointment?

Following the OFC Appointment, you will need to visit the US Embassy for your visa interview. Once the interview is completed successfully, you will have to return to the OFC center to collect your passport. Please carry a printed copy of the visa application form to collect your passport.

What to do if a US visa OFC appointment is not available?

It can sometimes be difficult to find an available US visa OFC appointment slot. In that case, try checking the appointment website regularly, as slots may open up due to cancellations. 

Otherwise, you could try at an OFC center further away. Though it is a hassle, at least you will get your visa on time. Check the website 2-3 times daily but never overdo it because you could get locked out due to suspicious activity. 

Things To Remember For OFC Appointment

When preparing for your OFC (Offsite Facilitation Center) appointment, keep the following points in mind:

1. OFC appointment always happens before visa interview. So, if you are required to attend an OFC appointment, please plan accordingly.
2. Some people do not need to go to an OFC appointment. Such individuals qualify for a used Visa waiver. They just need to submit documents at the Dropbox center.
3. OFC centers have strict security. You won’t be allowed to carry anything apart from your documents. So, either leave everything like your mobile, wallet, and keys with someone outside the center or place it in the locker.
4. All the documents listed in the checklist are mandatory to enter the OFC center. Without all the documents, you would be denied entry and need to reschedule the appointment, which will delay the US visa application process.

What Happens After an OFC Appointment?

Once you finish your OFC appointment, the next step is to attend your visa interview with a consular officer at your nearest US embassy. 

After the interview, you will need to return to the OFC center to collect your passport. It’s important to note that your visa application must be approved in order to receive your passport. 

If you qualify for a visa interview waiver, you will not be required to provide your fingerprints. Instead, you can submit the necessary documents using a “Drop Box” facility. Those eligible for the interview waiver include:

• Applicants under 14 years old
• Applicants over the age of 80
• Those renewing their visa in the same category
• Certain visa categories such as A-1, A-2, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, C-3, and NATO. 

To check your eligibility for an interview waiver, contact your local US embassy.

How Can SelectRight Help Your Journey?

For many students, the thought of securing a visa to the USA can feel overwhelming. This is understandable since there is a highly selective process followed by the US embassy when issuing student visas. However, a record number of US visas were granted to Indian students in 2023. There’s every reason to believe that you also can achieve your dream of studying in the USA. Keep in mind that obtaining a visa is just one important step—getting admitted to the right university is another crucial milestone in your journey to study abroad. And this is where SelectRight can make a significant difference.

SelectRight uses a sophisticated AI algorithm that analyzes over 8 million data points to identify the best universities and programs tailored to your needs. The system takes into account your academic, personal, and professional data to generate a possible shortlist of universities where you have the highest chances of admission, and financial aid, and can easily pursue your career goals. 

Here’s how SelectRight works:

1. Create an account on our AI-enabled platform. 
2. Complete your profile and input your academic scores, preferred specialization, and budget.
3. The AI algorithm processes your information to generate a custom list of programs and universities that match your criteria.
4. Compare these options with the detailed insights and data we provide.
5. Make your final decision with the guidance of our expert counselors.
6. Connect with alumni and experts to start building your network.

By following these steps, SelectRight makes your search for the ideal study program abroad easier than ever before. Join and find your #1 program today. 

After you’ve found the right program and secured your admission, the next big step is financing your education. The cost of studying in the USA can be significant, and finding the best education loan with a low-interest rate can save you a substantial amount over the course of repayment. This is where FundRight steps in to simplify the process.

FundRight is a powerful loan bidding platform that connects you with over 15 top lenders, including leading public banks and international NBFCs. Instead of you approaching each lender individually, FundRight brings the offers to you, allowing lenders to compete for your loan. This means you’re more likely to secure the best possible interest rates and terms.

The process is straightforward. You fill out your profile, including your academic and financial details. FundRight then presents your profile to its network of lenders. Within a short time, you’ll receive multiple loan offers to compare. This ensures you can make an informed decision that best suits your financial needs. Some students have saved up to ₹23 lakhs simply by choosing a loan with a lower interest rate and taking advantage of additional value-added services provided by FundRight.

Take control of your education financing. Start with FundRight today and secure the best loan for your studies in the USA.

What’s Next? Bon Voyage!

Hopefully, with this article, we could remove your fear of the OFC appointment and clarify the process. We wish you all the best for your journey forward toward the USA.

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