When can I schedule my OFC appointment?
Your OFC appointment can be scheduled when your visa interview is scheduled. You will not be able to attend your visa interview until you present the required documents, biometrics and the photos taken at the OFC. Double-check all the required documents before visiting the OFC center.
Is there a visa interview at the OFC center?
Contrary to popular belief, note that there is no such thing as a visa interview at an OFC center. All you have to do is to provide the documents we’ve mentioned before – namely the passport, the appointment, and DS-60 confirmation. Concurrently, note that you’ll have to wait to be called.
What is an offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) appointment?
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.
How many times one can reschedule the US visa and OFC appointment?
You must schedule the VAC appointment at least one day before the interview appointment date. What are the number of times one can reschedule the US visa and OFC appointment without having to pay the visa fee again? Three cancellations i.e Four reschedules allowed on same MRV fee.
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.
What does OFC mean in visa process?
Offsite Facilitation CenterFor 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.
What is difference between OFC and VAC 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 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).
Can OFC and visa interview be on the 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. 7.
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 book only OFC appointment?
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 do I book OFC appointment?
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.
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.
Why US visa slots are not available?
As a result of increasing infection rates and Covid deaths, the U.S. Consulates and Embassy in India have temporarily closed all operations. Regular visa appointments were not being issued either. A few, limited visa slots for are being released for non-immigrant work visas like H1-B, F1 student visa and L1.
How Long Does US visa dropbox take?
Dropbox Visa Stamping Processing Time? Dropbox visa processing can take between 3 to 21 days.
Do I need to carry photo for US visa OFC?
Once you are called, your all 10 fingers are scanned (fingerprints). This is also known as ten printing. Your photo for Visa is clicked by OFC center executives. No need to carry your visa photos with you.
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.
What documents are needed 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.
Is there any dress code for OFC appointment?
Not specifically but you are expected to wear decent dressing. It's always better to wear formal dress during the interview with the officer. For biometric, you can wear casual but choose your dress sensibly adhering to the guidelines in photo specification given by the US consulate.
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 an Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) appointment?
To make the visa process faster, the US embassy has set up the Offsite Facilitation Center where applicants give their biometrics and visa photos b...
What are the documents required to book the OFC appointment?
Your passport Appointment confirmation copy The stamped DS-160 form Visa application fee receipt
What is the fee for an OFC appointment?
There is no separate fee required to be paid for an OFC appointment. The visa fee you pay includes the OFC appointment fee as well.
What is the OFC fingerprinting and visa photo process?
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 . Onc...
What should you expect at an OFC center?
As mentioned before, all you need to at the OFC center is to provide your biometrics and the documents. There are robust security specifications at...
Where are the OFC locations in India?
There are numerous OFC locations in India. All the major metropolitan cities such as Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata have OFCs t...
How can GyanDhan help with your US student visa process?
The following step after the successful submission of the application is to schedule a visa interview. The US student visa interview is the final c...
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 documents are required for Indian passport?
As we pointed out beforehand, the same documents that are necessary for any country are required for Indian applicants as well: your passport, the DS-160 confirmation page, and the appointment confirmation page . As you can see, attending your OFC appointment isn’t stressful or complicated, granted that you are prepared for it and know what to expect.
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!
How many fingers are needed for fingerprinting?
As you might suspect, the fingerprinting process is quite straightforward and to the point. The process is also known as ten printing since it involves all your 10 fingers.
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.
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.
When can an OFC appointment be scheduled?
Your OFC appointment can be scheduled when your visa interview is scheduled.
What is the fee for an OFC appointment?
There is no separate fee required to be paid for an OFC appointment. The visa fee you pay includes the OFC appointment fee as well.
What is an Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) appointment?
You have to take the appointment beforehand to go to the OFCs. You will also need to show a range of documents at the OFC to get the process done.
How can GyanDhan help with your US student visa process?
The following step after the successful submission of the application is to schedule a visa interview. The US student visa interview is the final checkpoint a student needs to get through to successfully travel to the US for studies. Therefore, acing the visa interview should be a top priority.
What to do after a visa interview?
After the completion of the process, you will have to visit the US consulate for the visa interview at the appointment date. After your visa interview, you will have to visit the OFC again to collect your passport. It doesn't matter whether your application is approved or not.
What happens if you fail to furnish documents for OFC?
If you fail to furnish the required documents, you will not be allowed to enter the facility and you will have to reschedule your appointment.
Does GyanDhan work in US consulates?
To help you in this process, GyanDhan has cherry-picked experts that have worked in US visa consulates for over several decades, have taken countless visa interviews themselves, and have an immense understanding of the in-and-out of the visa interviews. These experts will assist you with the mock interviews, give you feedback and tips, prepare your profile, and help you in slot booking.
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.
