What is offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) visa appointment?
Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) visa appointment is the one you need to take attend prior to main visa interview. You need to submit photo and give finger prints at a location other than US Embassy . And the 2nd Visa Interview appointment will bee with US Embassy.
Can I schedule a US visa and OFC interview together?
Actual interview take place with a Consular appointed by the Federal government. Yes, you may schedule both and that's the process. Tools for everyone who codes. What are the number of times one can reschedule the US visa and OFC appointment without having to pay the visa fee again?
Where can I attend US visa appointment?
Location where you can attend US Visa. Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) visa appointment is the one you need to take attend prior to main visa interview. You need to submit photo and give finger prints at a location other than US Embassy .
How do I schedule an appointment after paying the visa fee?
Make the visa fee payment and make a note of the receipt or transaction number You will be able to schedule your appointment the next business day after the visa fee payment is made. After the payment, come back to the website and login with your credentials. You will see a “Continue” option on the left side menu.
How to get a visa for the OFC?
What is an Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) Appointment?
What is the US embassy's offsite facilitation center?
Do you need a copy of an appointment confirmation?
Does the US visa interview include biometrics?
See 2 more
About this website
What happens in OFC appointment US visa?
During your OFC appointment, you will be required to present your passports(s) as well as printed hard copies of your OFC appointment confirmation and visa application. At the center, you will also complete biometrics (fingerprinting) and have your visa photo taken.
Is OFC and visa Appointment same day?
Ans: You cannot have a visa interview and OFC both on the same day. However, you can select any combination of OFC and Consular appointments available in their system without worrying about any minimum or maximum gap.
What is OFC appointment for US visa Dropbox?
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).
What is the difference between OFC and consular appointment?
They're two different things and generally take place at two different places and time. In the OFC appointment, one need to provide fingerprints and photograph(taken there). Actual interview take place with a Consular appointed by the Federal government. Yes, you may schedule both and that's the process.
What should I carry for OFC appointment?
List of documents that you would need for OFC appointment for H-4 visa:Confirmation page of Form DS-160 with CEAC bar code.Printout of the original interview appointment letter.Payment receipt of the fees paid online before taking the appointment.Current and old passports.One photograph as per USA visa specifications.
How do I book OFC appointment?
You can schedule the appointment when the visa interview is scheduled. You can go to the website, http://www.ustraveldocs.com/, and choose the New Application/Schedule Appointment for this purpose on the left screen. The OFC interview takes place just before your visa interview.
What happens in Vac appointment?
Once you are at the VAC, the guards will point you toward a queue. Keep your passport and DS-160 confirmation page ready. Someone will check those documents and let you inside. Once you are inside the building, you must empty the contents of your pockets, hand over your bags, and get scanned for any metal.
Can I reschedule only OFC appointment?
Of course. You can reschedule your appointment (for a future date only) and up to a maximum of two times. If you are late or have missed your appointment on the scheduled day, the system will not allow you to reschedule or cancel, and you will be required to book a new appointment after 24 hours.
Do I need to carry photo for US visa OFC?
The biometric process at the OFC is quite straightforward. There is no visa interview at the center and you just need to show your documents. Once you are at the OFC, your fingers will be scanned on your turn. Your photograph will be clicked and you do not have to carry your photos here.
Can I reschedule US visa appointment after OFC?
The appointment booking system at USTravelDocs.com that points to CGI Federal website provides the option to reschedule/ change or cancel the existing appointment. You can use the reschedule option for OFC Appointment that is for Biometrics collection and Visa interview appointment at Consulate.
Can OFC and visa interview be in different locations?
Yes you can. There is no compulsion to select a particular interview location. The guidance just recommends you to to a location nearest to you. You can not only choose any of the locations but later if you change your mind you can even reschedule your appointment.
How many times OFC appointment can be rescheduled?
Applicants are only allowed to reschedule twice (not including the initial appointment) without penalty. If the second rescheduling attempt is canceled, an applicant will only be allowed to reschedule a new date after a waiting period of 90 days.
Can OFC and visa interview be in different locations?
Yes you can. There is no compulsion to select a particular interview location. The guidance just recommends you to to a location nearest to you. You can not only choose any of the locations but later if you change your mind you can even reschedule your appointment.
Can I reschedule US visa appointment after OFC?
The appointment booking system at USTravelDocs.com that points to CGI Federal website provides the option to reschedule/ change or cancel the existing appointment. You can use the reschedule option for OFC Appointment that is for Biometrics collection and Visa interview appointment at Consulate.
How many times I can login for visa appointment?
There is no limit to the number of times you can re-apply, but a visa application is not like a lottery ticket; the more often you try, the LESS likely you are to 'win.
Can we change only OFC appointment?
Of course. You can reschedule your appointment (for a future date only) and up to a maximum of two times. If you are late or have missed your appointment on the scheduled day, the system will not allow you to reschedule or cancel, and you will be required to book a new appointment after 24 hours.
How to book OFC appointment for US visa?
You can book an OFC appointment for US visa when the visa interview is scheduled. You can go to http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ and choose the New App...
Is there any OFC Appointment Fee?
There is no separate fee for OFC appointments. The fee for biometrics and photograph is included in the visa application fee only. The applicant do...
What is the full form of OFC?
The full form of OFC is Offsite Facilitation Center. OFCs are set up to fast-track the visa application process. You will need to show your photog...
What is the difference between an OFC appointment and an actual visa ...
Answer (1 of 3): OFC is where you will give Biometrics and VI is where you will give actual interview. When you schedule the dates for these two you have to schedule at a time both, you can’t schedule one at a time. Yes, you can schedule them side-by-side but you should keep at least one day of g...
Not able to Book US Visa Appointments - OFC shows Available
Hello Guys, Need some help here . Visa - H4, consulate - Mumbai, time - March, 2021; issue - not able to book an appointment date for the interview. I am trying to book an appointment date for H4 in mumber consulate. The portal is showing the available dates for “OFC”. But, when I select a date and time and hit continue. It gives a message as " There are currently no appointments available ...
OFC appointment Procedure for US Visa - MS in US
I need Help! I have my Biometrics appointment on 13th November '15 in Mumbai and Visa interview on 19th November '15 in Delhi. I had to last minute change my appointment dates as Lufthansa went on a strike and I would have missed my Biometric appointment.
There are currently no appointments available. Please press the Back ...
Today's Posts; Forum; Visas - USA; H Visa (H1, H4, H2, H3) If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
What Is an Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) Appointment?
Starting with the basics, an offsite facilitation center (OFC) appointment is required by the law for most applicants. That is to say, before attending your appointment at the Consular Sections, you will most likely need to schedule an OFC appointment.
What is the I-130 form?
The same goes for filing the I-130 form, which is part of the complicated process of getting a green card for a relative, the I-485 attorney fee, which is related to the adjustment of status, or the I-129F that allows you to bring a foreign fiancé in the US. So, most likely, the information you need for filing out any visa form can be easily found on our website!
Is visa application time consuming?
Each visa application process can be equally time-consuming and stressful. You have to gather a lot of documents, ensure that they are valid, not to mention that you have to double-check each piece of information to have some peace of mind. The odds are that this is how you’ve come across this article – while browsing for information about your OFC appointment. Hopefully, you’ll feel enlightened after reading this article!
Is it a good idea to do a bit of research before an OFC appointment?
It’s always a good idea to do a bit of research beforehand, as in this way, you’ll know what to expect and you won’t have any unpleasant surprises.
Do you have to have a confirmation page for an appointment?
Appointment confirmation page – it is compulsory to have a printed hard copy with you. In case you don’t have it with you, note that you won’t be allowed to enter.
Is an interview with the OFC the same as a visa interview?
On a final note, remember that your visa interview isn ’t the same thing as your OFC appointment, as it won’t take place at an OFC. You’ll have to go to the US embassy on a different date for the next phase of your application – namely the interview.
What is an OFC visa?
Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) visa appointment is the one you need to take attend prior to main visa interview. You need to submit photo and give finger prints at a location other than US Embassy . And the 2nd Visa Interview appointment will bee with US Embassy. You must schedule for OFC visa appointment atlease one day prior to Visa Interview with US Consulate.
How many days prior to visa interview do you have to reserve an OFC appointment?
You must reserve OFC appointment atleast one day prior to main Visa Interview.
What does OFC stand for in visa?
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 .
What does VAC stand for in visa application?
But, if you see VAC at the end of the consulate name, then you are booking a biometrics appointment. VAC Stands for Visa Application Center and when you see that you are booking an appointment for giving Biometrics at the VAC office before your in-person visa interview. See below screenshot for your reference.
How to tell if you are booking a Dropbox appointment?
Biometrics appointment is by checking what you see at the end of the Consulate or Embassy name in the dropdown next to “ Select interview location “ . If you see IW, which means Interview Waiver at the end of the Consulate name like “Kolkata IW” as in below screenshot, then you are booking a Dropbox Appointment.
How long does it take to get a visa stamped?
You will very likely get a decision on your visa stamping within 7 to 10 business days from the day you dropped off your documents.
When does the US visa expire?
But, due to COVID-19, US Dept of State has increased the 12 months from expiry to 24 months from expiry. It is valid until March 31st, 2021. You can read more at US Visa Dropbox Changed to 24 Months – FAQs.
Does the visa waiver dropbox change?
The criteria for US visa interview waiver or dropbox option has not changed with the introduction of appointment booking. All the The documents required has not changed, you are still required to submit all the required documents.
Does Dropbox require an appointment?
The appointment requirement for US Visa Dropbox applications applies to all of the US visa types that are currently eligible for interview waiver or dropbox. Below are the some of the most common visa types that are relevant for our readers.
When do you need to schedule an appointment for a VAC visa?
This stamped DS-160 form and your passport is required during the visa interview at consulate. You must schedule the VAC appointment at least one day before the interview appointment date.
Who is the consular appointed by?
Actual interview take place with a Consular appointed by the Federal government.
What happens if you reschedule an appointment?
Each time you reschedule, it is considered as cancellation of the previous appointment.
Can the US consulate make an appointment?
You can't. Us consulate will do it when time is right. They have stopped giving appointment for most of the visa categories. Except some categories.
Can I reschedule my VI?
Yes, it is possible to reschedule your VI if your OFC has already been completed. If you login to your Applicant Homepage, you will see a ‘Reschedule Appointment’ Tab which will directly show you the available slots for Visa Interview, by skipping the OFC appointment page, since your OFC will already be completed.
How to use this step-by-step guide?
There are two websites for scheduling US visa appointments. Which website to use depends on the country where you plan to schedule your visa appointment
PART 1: Schedule US visa appointment in Asia, Central America, parts of Europe, Africa and the Middle East
Determine the country where you plan to schedule your US visa appointment. If the country is in the below list, continue with instructions here from PART 1. If not GO TO PART 2.
PART 2: Schedule US visa appointment in North and South America, parts of Europe, Africa and the Middle East
Determine the country where you plan to schedule your US visa appointment. If the country is in the below list, continue with instructions here in PART 2. If not, GO BACK TO PART 1.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If need to travel to the US urgently, you may qualify for an expedited US visa appointment. Keep in mind that you must have a strong reason and must be able to provide documentary evidence to prove it.
CONCLUSION
That’s it, folks! Follow this step-by-step guide to schedule US visa appointment. If you have any questions or stuck at any step, feel free to comment here or email me.
How to apply for a nonimmigrant visa?
To schedule a nonimmigrant visa appointment, you must have the following information and documents available: 1 A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions. If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application; 2 Your visa application (MRV) fee payment receipt; 3 Your DS-160 confirmation page; 4 Your e-mail address; and 5 If applicable, required documents based on visa class (such as a petition approval for petition-based visas; more information about visa types and information about each can be found here ).
How long does a passport last for a nonimmigrant visa?
To schedule a nonimmigrant visa appointment, you must have the following information and documents available: A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions.
How to get an expedited visa appointment?
In all cases: You must first submit the online visa application form (DS-160), pay the application fee, and schedule the first available interview appointment. Only at this point will a consular section consider your request for an expedited appointment.
Does administrative processing include time?
These estimates do not include time required for administrative processing, which may affect some applications. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case.
Can a consular officer refuse a visa?
The consular officer will either issue or refuse the visa. If a visa applicant has not established that he or she is eligible for a visa, the consular officer must refuse that application. However, some refused visa applications may require further administrative processing.
How to get a visa for the OFC?
Step 1: Most people are not aware of what they need to do at the OFC center. First of all, there is no visa interview at the OFC center. Here , you have to show your documents, Passport, copy of your OFC appointment, and DS-160 confirmation. Step 2: Once you reach the center, you need to wait for your turn.
What is an Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) Appointment?
Offsite Facilitation Center is set by the US Embassy to fasten the visa application process.
What is the US embassy's offsite facilitation center?
For faster processing of visa applications , the US embassy has set up 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 center. After giving biometrics and photograph, the DS-160 confirmation page is stamped. Aspirants need to show their passport and the stamped DS-160 form at the time of the visa interview at the consulate.
Do you need a copy of an appointment confirmation?
You need a copy of the Appointment Confirmation Page to enter the OFC center.
Does the US visa interview include biometrics?
The visa fee that the applicant pays for the US Visa interview includes the OFC biometrics fee as well. An applicant doesn't need to give anything else for the OFC appointment separately.
