Going abroad is a tedious task and there are various processes involved. One of the processes is visa application. However, the US visa process is incomplete with an OFC appointment. It is the initial process in which the candidate is required to provide the biometrics and photographs at the consulate. If you are an aspirant to travel abroad, then read the full blog to get answers to all your questions. Further, you will get information related to the OFC application meaning, all the required documents and tips for scheduling an appointment.
Let us now look at what is OFC appointment, further the documents required for the same.
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The US embassy introduced the OFC appointments to accelerate the process of visa applications. It is a crucial part of the intake procedure. The main purpose of the appointment is to get the candidates’ biometrics and photographs. Previously, fingerprints and photos were collected during the interview. However, the process is now divided into two applications. The first step is an appointment at OFC, and the next step after this process is the US visa interview. The OFC full form is the Offsite Facilitation Center, particularly for aspirants studying abroad.
Let us look at the documents required to appear for the appointment.
You should carry these documents when you go through the biometric process. The documents required for OFC appointment b1/b2 are as follows:
Remember, in addition to the above documents, you must also submit a passport-size photo and the fee receipt of your visa application. These are equally important for your application.
NOTE: When appearing for the biometrics process, refrain from getting any cuts on your hands and putting mehendi.
Now that you are thorough with the OFC appointment documents. Let us now see how to book an appointment.
Booking an OFC is a crucial part of the visa application process. However, following these few steps to schedule an appointment would ensure a smooth process. Let us now look at the process of scheduling an appointment at the Offsite Facilitation Center.
To book an OFC appointment US visa, follow the below steps:
Step 1: Log on to the official website of the US embassy and register by filling in all the details.
Step 2: In the new application section, find the DS-160 form and fill it with accurate information.
Step 3: Now, the candidate will be required to pay the visa fees.
NOTE: There is no separate charge to book the OFC appointment US visa, as the cost for the same is included in the visa.
Step 4: The next step in the process is scheduling the two appointments with the embassy. One is for the biometrics, which is the OFC appointment and the other is the visa interview.
Step 5: On the day of your scheduled interviews, it's essential to bring all the necessary documents. However, remember not to bring any personal items or your mobile phone.
Now that you understand what the OFC appointment means and how to book it, let's explore the process of rescheduling it if the need arises.
Once the appointment is scheduled, if the candidate desires to reschedule it, he/she may do so. However, the window is open for 48 hours before the closing timeline. Moreover, if the selected date is not suitable for the applicant, then they must reschedule three working days prior. Failing to do so may result in the candidate have to wait until the scheduled date passes. Here are the steps to reschedule an appointment:
Step 1: Log on to the official website where you originally scheduled the appointment.
Step 2: Find the option “manage your visa appointments” and select rescheduling.
Step 3: Select a new date and time for the appointment according to the availability of slots.
Step 4: Finally, review and confirm the selected details.
Let us now look at what happens after the appointment.
The next step after your OFC appointment is the visa interview with the US consular at the embassy. After the interview, the candidate is required to go back to the OFC to collect the passport and other documents. However, for those eligible for the US visa interview waiver, the process is even more convenient. They can simply drop the required documents in the drop box, saving them the hassle of another visit.
Listed below are the candidates eligible for the waiver:
However, the candidates unable to figure out in which category they fall under must connect to the embassy.
Further, let’s see where the applicant schedule OFC appointment.
There are five OFC appointment centres located all over India at the moment. The details of these centres are mentioned below.
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | S – 1 American Plaza, (Hotel Eros Managed by Hilton), International Trade Tower Nehru Place, New Delhi 110019 |
| Mumbai, Maharashtra | Trade Center, Gr. Floor, G Block, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai – 400051 Trade Center, Gr. Floor, G Block, Bandra-Kurla Complex |
| Kolkata, West Bengal | Jasmine Tower, 31, Shakespeare Sarani (1st Floor) Kolkata 700017 |
| Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Good shepherd, No 82, Kodambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 6000 |
| Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh | 1-8-384/385, Gowra Grand, S.P. Road Begumpet, Secunderabad 500003 |
Now, let us look at some tips for scheduling the OFC appointment.
There are various things to keep in mind both while scheduling and on the day of the appointment. Mentioned below are some tips that will help you to carry out the process smoothly.
Keeping these few tips in mind will ensure a hassle-free process. Let us now see the difference between OFC and Consular appointment.
Are you wondering what is OFC and Consular appointment? The visa application is a vital process for your journey and both OFC and Consular appointments play an integral part. Moreover, these appointments serve different purposes. OFC focuses on the collection of biometrics, and Consular involves the visa interview. Listed below are some of the differences between the appointments.
| OFC Appointment | Consular Appointment |
|---|---|
| The main purpose of OFC appointments is to collect information such as biometric fingerprints. | The main purpose of a consular appointment is to conduct the visa interview and determine eligibility. |
| This appointment does not take place at the embassy. | This appointment takes place at the embassy where the visa is processed. |
| Required before the visa interview. | Required at the time of the interview. |
| The duration of the appointment is less than that of a Consular Appointment. | The duration is not fixed and may vary according to the complexity of the appointment. |
Now that you are thorough with OFC vs Consular appointment. Let us conclude what we’ve discussed in the blog.
Summing up, the OFC full form is the Offsite Facilitation Center, which plays a vital role in the US visa application. If your goal is to study in USA then booking an OFC appointment with the visa interview is important. Moreover, the documents required for the interview are a passport, a copy of DS-160, and proof of confirmation. For more information, connect with Gradding.com; our experts will guide you through the entire process.
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the OFC.
An OFC full form for visa is the Offsite Facilitation Center. It is the first step when the candidate is applying for a US visa. Moreover, it is a process of getting the biometrics and photographs at the consulate.
The OFC appointment meaning is obtaining bio-metric fingerprints and photos from the candidates. The consulate will require you to submit all the documents for a hassle-free visa application.
There are no separate charges for the OFC appointment. However, the visa application cost includes the fees for biometrics and photographs.
Yes, you may cancel your OFC appointment once, but you will have to pay the visa fees again if you cancel it for the second time or beyond that. Further, you will be blocked for 120 days before you can book a new appointment.
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