How To | Work & Settle Abroad | Permanent Resident

Introduction

The appointment of OFC is essential to the entire visa application procedure for a US visa.

Document verification is a step in the visa application process that, almost always, takes time. Students who wish to further their studies in the United States must apply for a Student Visa and provide a variety of supporting documentation.

Here, we'll talk about the OFC and the paperwork needed for it. Additionally, you will learn how to set up an OFC appointment for a USA visa here.

What is the Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC)? - OFC Appointment Meaning

The Offsite Facilitation Center, or OFC, was established to speed up the visa application process. A facility or location outside of an organization's main workplace where business meetings, conferences, and training sessions can be held is referred to as a "offsite facilitation center" (OFC).

It is a designated area with the tools and amenities needed to enable a range of activities, such as brainstorming sessions, meetings for strategic planning, team-building exercises, and more.

An OFC's main goal is to give participants a neutral, distraction-free setting where they can concentrate on the topic at hand without the usual office distractions.

Additionally, it enables participants to leave their regular working environment and socialize with coworkers in an exciting new atmosphere.

What is the OFC appointment for a US visa?

Having an appointment with the Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) is necessary in order to obtain a nonimmigrant visa for the United States.

Before the visa interview Visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, a different meeting is organized.

The candidate must submit biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photo, at the time of the OFC appointment.

These particulars are kept in a database that is shared by many U.S. government organizations and are used to confirm the applicant's identity.

The OFC appointment can be made outside of the embassy and is often planned a few days or weeks before the visa interview.

To the OFC appointment, applicants should bring their passport and the letter confirming their appointment.

[Read More: Do's and Dont's on the Visa Interview]

How to Book an OFC Appointment for a US Visa? - Schedule OFC Appointment

These steps can be used to schedule an OFC (Offsite Facilitation Center) appointment for a US visa:

1. Create an account by going to the website of the US Embassy in your nation.
2. Complete the DS-160 online application for a nonimmigrant visa.
3. Make the visa payment. You can pay at a designated bank or online.
4. Make 2 appointments: one for the OFC and one for the embassy's visa interview. Both appointments can be made by calling the embassy's customer service line or online.
5. Attend the OFC appointment where your biometrics (fingerprints and pictures) must be submitted.
6. Attend the embassy appointment for taking a visa interview at the appointed time and day. Your trip intentions and other relevant information will be questioned of you. Be ready to produce any required paperwork when it's time.
7. Be patient while your visa is processed. The type of US visa and a number of other criteria influence the processing time for visas, which varies.

It is important to keep in mind that depending on the nation and visa type, certain procedures and requirements may change. It is advised that you carefully read the guidelines given by the US Embassy in your nation to make sure you follow the right procedure.

Documents Required for Booking OFC Appointment

For services like Aadhaar enrollment or upgrading, PAN card application, passport application, etc., appointments must be scheduled at an Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC). Depending on the service being used, different documents may be needed, but generally speaking, the following are needed:

• Identity documentation (such as a passport, Aadhaar card, voter ID, etc.)
• Evidence of address (such as a passport, Aadhaar card, electricity bill, etc.)
• Evidence of birthdate (such as a birth certificate or diploma from high school, etc.)
• If applicable, any relevant application forms.

[Check Out: List of Documents required for USA Immigration]

It is advisable to consult the OFC or the official websites of the service provider for the precise paperwork requirements for the service. It is also advised to bring copies of the original documents with you to the appointment.

Procedure after the OFC Appointment

• The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will gather and process the applicant's biometrics and other necessary data following the Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) appointment.
• The applicant's identity will be confirmed using this data, and eligibility for the desired immigration benefit will be determined using background checks.
• A face-to-face interview at a USCIS field office is required if the applicant is requesting and eligible for a green card to USA. The applicant will be informed by USCIS of the date, time, and place of the interview.
• The purpose of the interview is for USCIS to check the information on the application and determine whether the applicant is eligible for a green card.
• The application and supporting documentation will be examined by USCIS if the applicant is requesting a temporary visa, such as a visitor or work visa. The decision to grant or refuse the visa will thereafter be made by USCIS.
• The applicant will get the visa and be permitted to visit the US if the application is granted.

What is the Fees of OFC Appointment for a USA Student Visa?

Visa applicants can submit their biometric data, such as fingerprints and photos, at an Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) as part of the visa application procedure. In order to use these facilities, applicants must also pay the OFC charge.

Depending on the nation and the type of visa being filed for, different OFC fees apply. The cost could occasionally be incorporated into the overall cost of the visa application. In contrast, in some circumstances, there can be an additional charge that must be paid as part of the visa application process.

The OFC charge serves to cover the expense of running and maintaining the facilities where biometric data is gathered. The convenience of these locations and their extended business hours make it simpler for visa applicants to submit their biometric information.

The exact requirements for their nation and visa type, as well as any additional payments like the OFC charge, must be checked by visa applicants. Candidates can guarantee a quick and easy US visa application procedure by being aware of these costs and setting aside money for them beforehand.

OFC Appointment Centers in India

The following table provides an overview of OFC appointment centers in India:

In the End

It can be challenging to navigate the OFC appointment procedure for a US visa. However, with careful planning and preparation, the process can go smoothly and without incident.

Examine each requirement in detail, collect the required paperwork, and schedule appointments in advance. During your interview, be sure to be on time, dress appropriately, and provide honest, assured responses to all inquiries.

You can successfully apply to Immigrate to USA and set out on your journey to the land of opportunities if you are persistent and patient.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions for the OFC Appointment Process

How many days gap between ofc and visa appointment?

Between the OFC appointment and the visa interview appointment, there is no set amount of time that must pass. The students cannot, however, schedule their OFC appointment and visa interview for the same day.

Is OFC and visa interview same?

The idea that a visa interview will take place in the OFC center is untrue. Only the necessary pertinent aforementioned papers (such as a passport and a copy of a confirmation) will be requested from applicants.

Can I reschedule my OFC appointment only?

If your OFC is already done, you may reschedule your interview with VO. If you log in to your applicant homepage, you will find a "Reschedule Appointment" tab that will bypass the biometric (OFC) appointment and show you the available openings for the Visa Interview.