Applying for a U.S. visa can be stressful, especially with all the steps involved and little room for error. If you're an international student or professional heading to the U.S., you’ve probably come across something called an OFC (Offsite Facilitation Center) appointment—and wondered what it actually means.
The OFC appointment usually takes place 1 to 3 days before your actual U.S. visa interview at the embassy or consulate. When you book your visa appointment through the official scheduling portal (like CGI Federal or USTravelDocs), you'll be prompted to choose two dates:
- The OFC appointment – for biometrics (photo and fingerprints)
- The visa interview – the actual consular interview
The system will ensure your OFC appointment is scheduled before your visa interview, so you don’t need to worry about doing them in the wrong order.
Important Tip: Don’t skip the OFC appointment! If you show up to the visa interview without having completed your biometrics, you’ll likely be turned away and asked to reschedule—causing delays that could impact your travel or program start date.
Table of Contents
What Should I Prepare Before Going to the OFC Appointment?
What Will Happen During the OFC Appointment?
What Happens After the OFC Appointment?
What Is an OFC Appointment?
OFC stands for Offsite Facilitation Center. This is a preliminary appointment required for most U.S. visa applicants, conducted before the actual visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
At this appointment, biometric data — namely your photograph and fingerprints — will be collected. It's an essential part of the U.S. Department of State’s security and identity verification protocol.
If you are applying for a non-immigrant visa (such as an F-1 student visa, J-1 exchange visa, or H-1B work visa), you will likely need to schedule an OFC appointment. Some applicants may be exempt, such as:
- Children under 14
- Seniors above 80
- Applicants eligible for visa renewal via the Interview Waiver Program
Always check your U.S. visa application portal (typically through CGI Federal or the USTravelDocs website) to confirm whether you're required to attend.
What Should I Prepare Before Going to the OFC Appointment?
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Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.
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DS-160 Confirmation Page: This form is required for all non-immigrant visa applicants and includes a barcode for identification.
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OFC Appointment Confirmation: The printout showing your appointment time and location.
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Visa Fee Receipt: Proof that you’ve paid the required visa fee, if applicable.
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U.S. Embassy/Consulate Interview Appointment Confirmation: Some locations request this, so bring it just in case.
Optional but smart to carry:
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A copy of your I-20 (if you’re an F-1 student)
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Any supporting documents relevant to your program or visa category
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A folder or document holder to keep everything organized
Pro Tip: Dress neatly—your digital photo taken at the OFC will appear on your visa.
What Will Happen During the OFC Appointment?
The OFC appointment is usually short and straightforward. There’s no interview or questioning involved—it’s just about capturing your biometrics.
Here’s what typically happens:
1. Security Check: Once you arrive at the OFC center, you’ll go through a basic security screening.
2. Document Verification: Staff will verify your passport and DS-160 confirmation page.
3. Photo Capture: They’ll take a digital photo of you. Make sure your face is clearly visible—no glasses or hats unless for religious reasons.
4. Fingerprint Scanning: Your fingerprints will be scanned and linked to your visa application.
What Happens After the OFC Appointment?
Once your OFC appointment is complete, you’re officially one step closer to getting your U.S. visa. But your journey isn’t over yet—the next step is your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Here’s what happens after your OFC appointment:
1. Wait for Your Visa Interview Date
The OFC appointment and the visa interview are usually spaced 1–3 days apart.
In the meantime, double-check all your documents and prepare for the visa interview questions.
Make sure you bring all required original documents on the day of your visa interview, especially your I-20, financial proof, passport, and academic records if you’re an F-1 student.
2. Attend Your Visa Interview
This is the actual decision-making step. A U.S. The consular officer will review your case, ask questions, and determine whether to approve, deny, or request further evidence.
Be honest, confident, and clear about your purpose in the U.S.
3. Track Your Visa Status
After your interview, you can track the status of your application on the U.S. Department of State's CEAC portalor through your appointment scheduler’s tracking system.
If approved, your passport will be held for visa stamping and returned to you in about 3–7 business days, depending on processing times in your region.
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