OFC appointment for US visa

Updated on May 30, 2024
Fact checked 
OFC appointment for US visa

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The process of applying for a visa takes time and can occasionally be difficult, particularly if you intend to study in the US and need to arrange an appointment for a US visa in addition to obtaining a student visa.

The US Embassy has established a number of OFC centres where you can provide your digital photo and fingerprints. International candidates must schedule OFC appointments in order to finish the US student visa application process since they want to study in the US.

What is an OFC appointment for US student visa?

The OFC was created by the US embassy to expedite the visa application process, particularly for students. Before your planned US visa interview, you will need to produce your fingerprints (biometric) and visa photos during an OFC appointment for the US visa.

After the biometrics and photo session are finished, the DS-160 confirmation document is stamped. You must bring the stamped DS-160 form and your passports to the consulate for the visa interview.

The OFC appointment is essential to the application process for a US visa. The OFC is where you go to get your fingerprints and photo taken in order to provide biometric information for your upcoming US visa interview. It is necessary to make an appointment in order to visit the OFC.

Also read: US Student Visa Guide

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What is OFC appointment full form?

You must be wondering what is OFC appointment full form. The full form of OFC is the Offsite Facilitation Center.

Here, prior to their appointment for a US visa, candidates provide their biometric fingerprints and passport photos.

Documents needed for OFC appointment 

The documents needed for an OFC appointment are as follows:

  • Passport: Take your previous passports in addition to your current one.
  • Appointment confirmation copy: A printed copy of the appointment confirmation is required to be carried. To visit the OFC centre, you must present a copy of your appointment confirmation page.
  • DS-160 confirmation copy: In order to access the OFC centre, you must also provide a printed copy of the DS-160 confirmation page. You won't be able to enter the centre without this.

Also read: Guide to apply for a US student visa

Schedule OFC appointment for US visa

The procedure below should be followed in order to obtain a US visa through an OFC appointment:

  • Go to the US Embassy's official website and register by entering the necessary information.
  • Look for and fill out the DS-160 form.
  • You can pay the visa cost at a designated bank or online.
  • Make two appointments on the embassy's website or by calling them. You will need to produce biometrics to the OFC during the first appointment, and you will have an embassy visa interview during the second one.
  • Attend your OFC appointment to submit your biometric data.

Also read: Types of US Student visa

In this article, we discussed what is OFC appointment for US student visa. An essential phase in the US visa application process for students is the OFC appointment. To confirm identity and improve security, biometric data must be provided at a specified location.

With a thorough understanding of the OFC appointment's objective and appropriate preparation, applicants can confidently navigate the visa application process.

More assistance needed? The knowledgeable counsellors at Edvoy can assist you in obtaining your visa. You can contact them right now to schedule a free counselling appointment!

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