What is ofc appointment? The answer to this most commonly asked question is OFC is a Facilitation Centre that the United States Embassy has set up in order to fasten up the processing speed of the visa applications.These facilitation centres are purposefully set up by the US Embassy to reduce the time processing for visas.When a candidate attends a interview,the main entities that are required for submission are the fingerprints and photograph.Some of the documents that are required for an OFC Appointment are passports,Form DS-160 and an appointment confirmation copy.There are also several appointment centres set up in India in major cities such as Mumbai,Chennai,Delhi,Kolkata for the OFC appointments.Candidates should make sure that they cross check each and every documents carefully before attending the appointment session.

Workings Of An OFC Center

The main question that arises in maximum of the applicants mind before going for the appointment is what are ofc appointments actually.The workings of an OFC centre remains a curiosity for many people.In a OFC Centre there are no interviews that take place.Candidates have to carry the required documents at the centre namely the passport,appointment confirmation copy as well as personal photographs.Whenever the summon comes from the centre for your name,the biometrics process takes place as well as the visa photo process.However,a candidate has to adhere to all the strict instructions that are maintained in the appointment centre.In the centre,a candidate is not allowed to take his/her bag or smartphone inside.If a candidate needs assistance,there is always someone available to understand local language which is quite reassuring for the candidate.The whole process is undertaken by a third party consulting companies.As a result of which,US Embassy officials are nowhere to be found in the centre.Candidates should be very well keep in mind that their visa interview and OFC appointment are not the same thing.Every candidate has to go through the checking and scanning process in the OFC Appointment centres.

Documents Requirement For OFC Appointment

What is visa ofc appointment and what are the main documents that are required to appear with at the centre are the curious questions that a candidate enquiries.Before appearing for an OFC appointment,candidates should duly cross check these documents to avoid any kinds of backlash:

  • Original Passport: The candidate should bring his/her current passport as well as the old passports.
  • Appointment Confirmation Copy: It is a compulsion to carry the copy of confirmation page to the OFC centre.
  • DS-160 Confirmation Copy: A copy of DS-160 form is also mandatory to carry at the OFC centre without which you will be denied entry into the centre.

OFC Process Of Biometrics And Photograph

The answer to what are ofc appointments involves the process of biometrics verification as well as photo verification process.Biometrics verification involves the scanning of ten fingers of an individual and is also known as ten printing.After the biometrics process,the OFC centre executives will click your visa and thereafter your role in the OFC centre ends.After that you need to attend the US embassy for your scheduled appointment or visa interview.After completing the interview,candidates need to visit the same OFC centre that they visited in the first place.A candidate has to go back there in order to get their passport,irrespective of the visa application getting approved or not.To get your passport from the centre,a candidate needs to have the printed form DS-160 along with him/her.

OFC Appointment For Different Kinds Of Visa

There are various kinds of visa where OFC appointments are necessary.Some of the visas along with their purpose are listed below:

  • F1 Student Visa: Allows a student to enter the United States as a full time or part time student.
  • H1B Visa: This visa applies to workers in speciality occupations or as fashion models of distinguished merit and ability.
  • O1 Visa:This visa applies to those who possess extraordinary ability in fields like sciences, arts, education,etc.It also applies to those who show extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and get national or international recognition.
  • J1 Student Visa: This visa applies to those individuals who participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs.
  • M1 Visa: This is for applicants who visit the United States to enrol in vocational studies.

Fees For OFC Appointment

There is currently no price required for OFC appointment.However candidates are required to pay the visa application fee which by default includes the biometric fees USD 160(INR 13,280).The visa application process appears a bit pricey for some candidates.

Facilitation Centres For OFC Appointments In India

What are ofc appointments and are there any centres of OFC appointments in India are the repeated questions that candidates from India have. The answer is,yes,there are several OFC appointment centres in India in some of the major cities.The list given below shows the address as well as the cities where the OFC centres are located:

  • Mumbai: Trade Center, Gr. Floor, G Block, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra East,Mumbai 400051
  • Delhi: S – 1 American Plaza, (Hotel Eros Managed by Hilton), International Trade Tower Nehru Place,New Delhi 110019
  • Chennai: Good Shepherd, No 82, Kodambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam,
    Chennai 600034
  • Kolkata: Jasmine Tower, 31, Shakespeare Sarani (1st Floor),
    Kolkata 700017
  • Hyderabad: 1-8-384/385, Gowra Grand, S.P. Road Begumpet,
    Secunderabad 500003

FAQ

Ques. What is the difference between VAC and OFC?

Ans. OFC (Offsite Facilitation Center) appointments are for biometric data collection, while VAC (Visa Application Center) appointments are for submitting visa applications and supporting documents.

Ques. What does OFC mean in visa appointment?

Ans. For faster processing of visa applications, the US embassy has set up an Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC). Here, candidates give their fingerprints (Biometric) and visa photographs before their US visa interview. You need to book an appointment to visit the OFC centre

Ques. Is an OFC appointment different from a visa interview?

Ans. The OFC appointment is a process that is conducted to speed up the visa process. It takes place before the visa interview which requires applicants to provide their biometric information including fingerprints and photographs.

Ques. What is the meaning of OFC appointment in Dropbox?

Ans. Technically, 'OFC' Stands for 'Offsite Facilitation Center' and the Visa appointment system is asking you to book an appointment to drop off your US Visa documents at an Offsite Facilitation Center(OFC).

Ques. How much is the gap between OFC and VAC?

Ans. There is no minimum or maximum gap limit between the OFC appointment and the Visa interview appointment. However, it should be kept in mind that the students cannot have a visa interview and OFC appointment on the same day.

Ques. Does VAC mean biometrics?

Ans. Prior to your interview at the Consulate or Embassy, you are required to provide your Biometrics information which includes fingerprints and a digital photograph at a Visa Application Center (VAC).

Ques. Are Dropbox and OFC appointments the same?

Ans. While an OFC appointment is legally required for most visa applicants, certain individuals may not be required to attend this appointment. Those who do not need to attend an OFC appointment qualify for the Drop Box program and can simply place the necessary documentation for their visa application at a local Drop Box.

Ques. Is Dropbox and OFC appointments the same?

Ans. While an OFC appointment is legally required for most visa applicants, certain individuals may not be required to attend this appointment. Those who do not need to attend an OFC appointment qualify for the Drop Box program and can simply place the necessary documentation for their visa application at a local Drop Box.

Ques. How many days before ofc can we submit ds160?

Ans. If for any reason, you don't plan to complete your application within the next 30 days, you must download your application to your computer by clicking the SAVE button towards the bottom of the page completed last by you.

Ques. What happens if I miss my OFC appointment for a U.S. visa?

Ans. If you cannot attend the rescheduled appointment, please cancel or reschedule your appointment at least three working days prior to your appointment date. Otherwise, you will need to wait until the appointment date has passed to reschedule a new one