OFC Appointment for US Visa: Complete Guide for 2025

Are you planning your journey to the U.S. in 2025? Whether you’re a student, tourist, or business traveler, an OFC appointment (Offsite Facilitation Center) is a crucial part of your U.S. visa application process. This guide covers everything you need to know about the OFC appointment for a US visa, from what an OFC appointment is, to the documents required for F1 Visa, fees involved, and how to schedule one smoothly.

What is an OFC Appointment?

An OFC (Offsite Facilitation Center) appointment plays a crucial role in the US visa application process. During this step, officials collect your biometric information, such as fingerprints and photographs, before your actual visa interview. Most non-immigrant visa applicants, including those applying for student (F1), tourist (B2), and work (H1B) visas, must attend this appointment. Visa Application Centers (VACs) across India conduct these sessions to streamline your interview at the US Embassy or Consulate. Unlike the main interview, the OFC appointment doesn’t involve any questioning; staff simply verify your documents and capture your biometrics.

Who Needs an OFC Appointment for a US Visa?

Most applicants seeking a non-immigrant US visa from India must attend an OFC appointment. This includes individuals applying for student visas (F1), tourist visas (B2), business visas (B1), and work visas (H1B, L1). Essentially, if your visa category requires an in-person interview at the US Embassy or Consulate, you’ll first need to attend an OFC appointment. However, applicants eligible for the interview waiver (dropbox) program may not need an OFC visit unless specifically instructed.

Types of US Visa 

Visa Type	OFC Appointment Required	Biometrics (Photo & Fingerprints)	Documents Needed
F1 (Student Visa)	Yes	Yes	DS-160 confirmation, Appointment letter, Passport, I-20 form
B1/B2 (Visitor Visa)	Yes	Yes	DS-160 confirmation, Appointment letter, Passport
H1B (Work Visa)	Yes	Yes	DS-160 confirmation, Appointment letter, Passport, I-797
L1 (Intra-company Transfer)	Yes	Yes	DS-160 confirmation, Appointment letter, Passport, I-129S
J1 (Exchange Visitor)	Yes	Yes	DS-160 confirmation, Appointment letter, Passport, DS-2019
Dependent Visas (H4, L2, F2, etc.)	Yes	Yes	DS-160 confirmation, Appointment letter, Passport, Dependent documents (I-20, I-797, etc.)

Documents Required for OFC Appointment F1 Visa

Here are the documents required for an OFC appointment for an F1 Student visa  from India:

1. Valid Passport – Must be current and valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.
   
2. DS-160 Confirmation Page – With the barcode clearly visible.
   
3. OFC Appointment Confirmation Letter – A printout of your scheduled OFC appointment details.
   
4. US Visa Application Confirmation Email – From the US Travel Docs website.
   
5. Visa Fee Payment Receipt – Proof of payment for your visa application fee.
   
6. Recent Photograph (if applicable) –  Generally, a digital photo is taken at the OFC, but carry a passport-size photo as a backup.

How to Schedule an OFC Appointment for US Visa

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to schedule an OFC appointment for a US visa:

1. Complete the DS-160 Form – Fill out the DS-160 online and save the confirmation page with the barcode.
   
2. Create a Profile on US Travel Docs Website – Visit ustraveldocs.com and register with your email ID.
   
3. Pay the Visa Application Fee – Make the payment online or through authorized banks; save the receipt.
   
4. Schedule Appointments – Log in to your US Travel Docs account and schedule both the OFC appointment and consular interview.
   
5. Choose Your VAC Center and Date – Select a nearby Visa Application Center (VAC) and pick a convenient time.
   
6. Print Confirmation Page – Carry the printed OFC appointment confirmation on the scheduled day.

How to Check OFC Appointment Availability and Wait Times

To check OFC appointment availability and wait times, visit the official US Travel Docs website. Log into your account using your registered email ID and password. After logging in, select your visa category and the city where you plan to schedule your OFC appointment. The system will display available slots and the earliest available dates for biometric appointments at nearby Visa Application Centers (VACs).

Keep in mind that OFC appointment wait times can vary based on location, visa category, and time of year, especially during peak student seasons. It’s advisable to check frequently, as slots may open up due to cancellations or rescheduling.

What Happens at the OFC Appointment?

At the OFC appointment, the primary purpose is to collect biometric data, which includes fingerprints and a photograph for the US visa application process. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Document Verification: Upon arrival at the Visa Application Center (VAC), your documents, including the DS-160 confirmation page and passport, will be verified.
   
2. Fingerprinting: A staff member will take your fingerprints electronically. This is a standard procedure for all US visa applicants, ensuring proper identification.
   
3. Photograph: Your photograph will be taken at the OFC center. This is the official photo for your US visa, so ensure you are well-prepared.
   
4. No Interview: Unlike the consular interview, there is no interaction with US embassy staff at the OFC appointment. It’s strictly for biometric data collection.
   

Once the OFC appointment is completed, you’ll be ready for the main visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate.

What is the Processing Time After OFC Appointment?

After the OFC appointment, the processing time for your US visa application typically involves the following steps:

1. Biometric Data Submission: The data collected at the OFC appointment (fingerprints and photograph) is uploaded to the US immigration system.
   
2. Visa Interview at the Consulate: The next step is your US visa interview at the US embassy or consulate, where a consular officer will make the final decision on your visa application.
   
3. Visa Processing: After the interview, if approved, your visa will be processed. It can take anywhere from 3-10 business days to receive your visa, depending on your application and any additional administrative processing required.

How to Reschedule or Cancel an OFC Appointment

To reschedule or cancel an OFC appointment, follow these simple steps:

1. Log into Your US Travel Docs Account: Visit the official US Travel Docs website and log in using your credentials (email and password).
   
2. Navigate to Your Appointment Section: Once logged in, go to the “Appointment” section where your scheduled appointments are listed.
   
3. Select the Appointment: Find the OFC appointment you wish to reschedule or cancel and click on it for more details.
   
4. Choose Reschedule or Cancel: You will be given the option to reschedule to a different date or cancel the appointment if you no longer need it.
   
5. Follow the Prompts: If you choose to reschedule, the system will allow you to select a new date and time for your OFC appointment, based on availability. If you choose to cancel, confirm the cancellation.
   
6. Confirmation: After rescheduling or cancellation, you will receive a confirmation email. Ensure you print the updated confirmation for your records.

OFC Appointment Centres in India

Major OFC Appointment Centers in India:

1. Delhi – Located in the capital city, this center serves a large number of applicants.
   
2. Mumbai – Situated in the financial hub of India, catering to numerous visa applicants.
   
3. Chennai – Serving the southern region, this center is easily accessible for applicants from Tamil Nadu.
   
4. Hyderabad – Located in the tech city, it caters to applicants from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
   
5. Bangalore – Serving Karnataka, this center is situated in the IT capital of India.
   
6. Kolkata – Serving the eastern region, this center is located in West Bengal.
   
7. Ahmedabad – Catering to applicants from Gujarat, this center is strategically located.
   
8. Jaipur – Serving Rajasthan, this center is located in the state’s capital.
   
9. Chandigarh – Catering to applicants from Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.
   
10. Kochi – Serving Kerala, this center is located in the southern part of India.

OFC Appointment Fees and Payment Process

OFC Appointment Fees

Every visa applicant must pay the visa application processing fee for the visa category being applied for, unless the application fee is not required. The OFC appointment fee is a part of the US visa application process. This fee is not separate from the visa application fee. The cost may vary depending on the type of visa:

Visa Type	All fees = $ in US currency
Visitor Visa (B1/B2)	$185
Student Visa (F1)	$185
Work Visa (H1B)	$205
Crewmembers – Airline, Ship (D)	$185
Athletes. Artists & Entertainers (P)	$205
Media and Journalists (I)	$185

Source: Travel.State.Gov – U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE – BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS

Payment Process for OFC Appointment

The payment for the OFC appointment can be done online or through designated payment methods. Here’s the typical process:

1. Login to the Official US Visa Website: Go to the US Visa Information and Appointment Services website specific to your country.
   
2. Complete the DS-160 Form: Before paying the fee, fill out the DS-160 form and generate the confirmation page.
   
3. Choose Payment Method: You will typically have several payment options, such as:
   • Online Payment: Through credit card or debit card.
   • Bank Payment: Through a bank draft or transfer to the designated bank accounts (if online payment is not an option).
   • Cash Payment: At designated payment centers (depending on your region).
     
4. Schedule Your OFC Appointment: After completing payment, schedule the OFC appointment as per available slots.

5. Payment Confirmation:
   • After the successful payment, you will receive a confirmation receipt.
   • Keep a copy of the payment receipt as it is required during the OFC appointment.

Key Tips Before Your OFC Appointment

Here are some Key Tips to Remember Before Your OFC Appointment – 

1. Carry All Required Documents – Ensure you have your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, OFC appointment confirmation, and visa fee payment receipt.
   
2. Reach Early – Arrive at least 15–30 minutes before your scheduled time to avoid any last-minute issues.
   
3. Dress Neatly – Since your photo and fingerprints are taken, dress formally and avoid accessories like caps or sunglasses.
   
4. No Electronic Devices Allowed – Do not bring mobile phones, laptops, or smartwatches — they are not permitted inside the OFC center.
   
5. Keep Your Fingers Clean – Fingerprints are essential — avoid mehendi, cuts, or anything that may obstruct biometric capture.
   
6. Be Polite and Prepared – The process is usually smooth and quick. Cooperate with the staff for efficient processing.
   
7. Double-Check the Center Address – Make sure you’re going to the correct OFC location in your city as mentioned in your appointment confirmation.
   
8. Don’t Miss the Slot – Missing your OFC slot may delay your visa interview, so set reminders and plan your commute.

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Important F1 Visa Interview Questions to help you get Started 

When preparing for an F1 visa interview, it’s crucial to be ready for questions that assess your intentions, qualifications, and ability to support yourself during your studies in the U.S. Here are some common F1 visa interview questions you might encounter:

1. Why do you want to study in the United States?

• Explain your reasons for choosing the U.S. as your study destination. Mention the specific program, university, and opportunities that align with your academic and career goals.
  

2. Why did you choose this particular university/college?

• Highlight what makes the university stand out, such as its reputation, specific course offerings, faculty, research opportunities, or facilities.
  

3. How did you decide on this course/field of study?

• Talk about your passion for the subject and how it aligns with your future career plans. Discuss your academic background and how this program fits into your long-term goals.
  

4. How will this course help you in your career?

• Demonstrate how your studies in the U.S. will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue your professional aspirations in your home country or globally.
  

5. How do you plan to pay for your education?

• Explain your financial plans clearly – mention your personal savings, family support, scholarships, or any loans you’ve arranged. Present proof of your financial resources confidently.
  

6. Do you have any relatives in the United States?

• If you have relatives in the U.S., be honest. However, make it clear that you plan to return to your home country after your studies to fulfill your career goals.
  

7. What are your plans after completing your studies?

• Emphasize your intention to return to your home country after completing your degree and contribute to its development. Be specific about how you will use your education to achieve your career goals.
  

8. What is your educational background?

• Provide a brief overview of your academic history, including your previous degrees, achievements, and any relevant extracurricular activities or internships.
  

9. Do you have a scholarship or financial aid?

• If you have received any scholarships or financial aid, be ready to provide details, including the amount, the organization providing it, and how it will help you cover your expenses.
  

10. What is the source of your funds?

• Be specific about the sources of your funding, whether it’s personal savings, family support, a loan, or a scholarship.
  

11. How many people are in your family, and what do they do?

• Be prepared to briefly discuss your family members and their professions. This helps the visa officer understand your background and ties to your home country.
  

12. How long do you plan to stay in the U.S.?

• Specify the duration of your program and your intent to return home after completing your studies.
  

13. Do you intend to work while studying?

• If you plan to work on or off-campus, clarify your intentions and demonstrate your understanding of the U.S. immigration rules regarding work for F1 visa holders.
  

14. Why did you not choose to study in your home country?

• Focus on the unique opportunities and resources that studying in the U.S. will provide, such as access to world-class faculty, cutting-edge research, and global exposure.
  

15. Have you ever been to the United States before?

• If yes, mention the details of your previous visit(s). If no, explain why you have not visited yet and reaffirm your intent to study.
  

16. Are you planning to bring your family with you?

• Typically, F1 students do not bring their families right away. Clarify your plans, and if you do plan to bring them later, mention that you will follow the appropriate visa procedures.
  

17. What are the career prospects in your home country after you complete your degree?

• Demonstrate your knowledge of the job market in your home country and explain how your degree will provide you with a competitive advantage.
  

18. Do you plan to apply for an extension of your stay after graduation?

• Reaffirm your intent to return home after completing your studies, and provide a clear plan for how your education will help you build a career in your home country.
  

19. How do you plan to adjust to the U.S. culture and environment?

• Demonstrate your readiness for the cultural shift by mentioning the steps you’ve taken—such as learning about American culture, joining local or international student groups, or participating in cultural exchange programs.
  

20. What do you know about your university’s location?

• Prepare to discuss the city or town where your university is located – highlight its features, explain the living costs, and share why it’s the right fit for your studies.
  

Being confident and honest during your F1 visa interview is crucial. Make sure to have all your documents in order, and practice your responses to these common questions to improve your chances of approval.

Conclusion

Your OFC appointment plays a crucial role in securing your U.S. visa. When you carry the correct documents and follow the right guidance, you simplify the process and reduce stress. Moreover, by partnering with Supreme Forex, you gain access to transparent, reliable forex services that ensure smooth financial planning. Whether you’re heading to the U.S. for study or travel, Supreme Forex helps you manage your currency needs confidently, making your journey easier from the very start.