The OFC (Offsite Facilitation Center) appointment for a US visa is part of the visa application procedure. You will have to gather and furnish various documents while completing the process step-by-step. Before the consulate appointment, you will have to go for your OFC appointment if you wish to get the process done quickly.
Full Answer
How long does it take to get a visa appointment?
Visa Processing Time. Although visa processing time is typically three working days, processing time for specific cases may vary due to individual circumstances and other special requirements. Current Appointment Wait Time in Abuja Current Appointment Wait Time in Lagos Current Appointment Availability Schedule an Appointment
How to apply for US visa appointment?
- You must schedule two appointments, one for the Visa Application Center (VAC) and one for the visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate.
- First, schedule your appointment at an Visa Application Center. ...
- Second, schedule your visa interview appointment at the Embassy or Consulate.
How many times can I reschedule my US visa appointment?
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. Can I reschedule US visa appointment after OFC? a.
How to prepare for an USA visa appointment?
- A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date of at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific ...
- Your DS-160 confirmation page;
- Your e-mail address; and
What is Ofc US visa appointment?
An OFC appointment is intended to simplify and speed up visa processing. During this appointment, your biometrics and visa photograph will be taken. It's a simple and straightforward process that occurs before your visa interview. Once you complete your OFC appointment, you will be able to attend your visa interview.
What is VAC and OFC?
But according to the new rules, prior to your interview at the Consulate or Embassy, you are required to give the Biometrics information that includes fingerprints and photograph at one of the five Visa Application Center (VAC). The Visa Application Center are also known as Offsite Facilitation Centers (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.
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.
Do I need OFC appointment?
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.
Is OFC and Dropbox appointment same?
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). So, do not be confused with the text with OFC on the top.
What documents are required 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.
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.
What should I wear to my biometrics appointment?
If you should miss your biometrics appointment as scheduled, your application will be considered abandoned. Wear business attire in order to promote a professional image to the ASC staff. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
Is photo required for US visa biometrics?
Visit the U.S. Embassy on the date and time of your biometrics appointment. You must bring a printed copy of your appointment letter, your DS-160 confirmation page, one photograph taken within the last six months, your current passport and previously issued passport that contains your U.S. Visa.
Can we carry mobile for US visa biometrics?
You must carry this document for your US Visa Interview Appointment. According to Embassy guidelines all persons that enter the VAC site are subject to a security inspection: 1. The use of cell phones and cameras are prohibited.
How many days will it take to get passport after visa stamping?
It takes around 2-3 calendar days after the interview to get the passport and visa delivered.
What is VAC in UK visa?
When you apply for a UK visa from overseas, in most cases you will need to attend an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC). Once you have submitted your application and attended your VAC appointment, your application will be considered by an Entry Clearance Officer at a decision making centre.
What is VAC appointment details?
VAC Stands for Visa Application Center. When you see VAC at the end, it is a confirmation for the user that you are booking an appointment for giving Biometrics at the VAC office before your in-person visa interview. This still continues to be the same for Biometrics appointment booking even after Nov 28th, 2021.
What happens at 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.
What is VAC Canada?
Visa application centres (VACs) are private companies that have formal contracts with the Government of Canada. They. securely send your passport to the visa office.
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?
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.
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 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.
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.
What does the sticker on the USC appointment say?
After that, the staff member puts a sticker on the appointment letter that says, “Your Appointment at USC is Confirmed.”
How many minutes before appointment to go to a doctor?
Please do not arrive more than 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
Where is biometric information collected?
Biometric information, including fingerprints and digital photographs, will be collected at the VAC.
Do you need to take photocopies of your parents' visa?
Child applicants should take photocopies of their parents’ valid visas in the same category in which the child is applying
Before Nov 28th, 2021 – Dropbox Appointment Booking had IW
When you apply for US Visa Renewal using the dropbox option, as part of the appointment booking screen to drop off documents, it used to look like in the below screenshot. It used to show the page heading as “ Schedule OFC Appointment “ and the dropdown to select interview location used to say ‘ IW ‘ at the end.
US Visa Biometrics Appointment Booking Screen has VAC
When you book an in-person US Visa appointment, the first step is to book a biometrics appointment. When you are booking the biometrics appointment, on the booking screen you would see VAC at the end of the consulate name as you can see in the below screenshot.
Confusion – Dropbox Appointment Booking shows VAC
Starting from Nov 28th, 2021, the US Visa Dropbox appointment booking screen started to show VAC on the appointment booking screen dropdown, instead of IW. It looks like in the below screenshot. This is the source of big confusion to many. Many are not sure if they are booking a Biometrics appointment or Dropbox appointment.
Having VAC can mean Dropbox Appointment as well
Based on many users’ experiences in the past 10 days or so and also confirmation from USTravelDocs Customer Support, it is confirmed that Dropbox or Interview Waiver Appointment booking screen would also show ‘ VAC ‘ for the last few letters at the “ Select Interview Location ” dropdown, next to the consulate name.
How to verify, if you booked Dropbox Appointment with VAC in dropbox ?
There are a few things you can check to make sure you are booking or have booked a dropbox appointment