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The appointment with the OFC (Offsite Facilitation Center) for an American visa is a crucial part of the application process. While completing the step-by-step procedure, you must acquire and provide several papers. To complete the system swiftly, you must attend your OFC appointment before the consulate appointment.
What exactly is an Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC)?
OFCs were established to simplify the approval of student visa applications. You must bring your pictures, fingerprints, and government documentation to this appointment. Before meeting with a US consulate officer, these appointments are held in VACs (Visa Application Centers).
What is done during an appointment with the OFC for a US visa?
The OFC appointment for a US visa is essential to the visa application process. Most candidates must provide biometric information, such as pictures and fingerprints. Previously, biometrics were taken during visa interviews and separately for OFC appointments.
Documents Required for OFC Appointment
The following documents are necessary for the appointment of an OFC:
- Original and expired passports (if applicable).
- A hard printout of the visa processing page.
- A hard copy of the confirmation page for the appointment.
- Before you go for the visit, make sure that all of your paperwork is well organized and printed.
How Do I Schedule an OFC Appointment for my Visa?
With an appointment, you can enter or visit the OFC office. After you have given your biometric information and pictures, your DS-160 confirmation document is signed. You must present your validated paperwork and passport during the consulate meeting.
For the appointment, you might need your passport details. The ten-digit barcode number on the DS-160 confirmation sheet is a must for the visa application payment slip.
When the interview is arranged, you may make the appointment. To do so, go to http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ and select the Fresh Application/Schedule Appointment option on the left screen.
What Can You Expect From An OFC Appointment?
You must bring your passport and printed hard copies of your visa application and OFC appointments to the OFC appointment. You will also have to complete the fingerprint scanning process and have your immigration photo taken.
What Happens Following an OFC Appointment?
Following the OFC appointment, you will go to the local US embassy for a visa appointment/interview with the US consulate. After the visa appointment, you must return to the OFC center to receive your passport and provide a paper version of your visa application.
You do not need to get your fingerprints taken for visa interview waivers. Alternatively, you may drop off the necessary documents at the "Drop Box" service. The following visa applicants are eligible for the visa interview waiver:
- People under the age of 14
- People above the age of 80
- Applicants who have previously filed for a visa renewal in the same category
- Applicants with visas are in the following categories: A-1, A-2, G-1, G-2, and G-3.
How to Change an OFC Appointment for a US Visa?
If you have already scheduled a meeting at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ and need to reschedule, log in to your account and select the Postpone Visa Appointment option. Remember that the appointment closure deadline is 48 hours.
If you cannot attend on the scheduled day, please reschedule or cancel the appointment at least three working days in advance. Otherwise, you will have to wait until the appointment date has passed before scheduling a new one.
What is the longest time span between OFC and visa appointment?
There is no time limit between the OFC and the visa appointment. It should be noted, however, that students must have an OFC appointment and a visa interview on a different day.
FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q.1 When is the OFC interview for Dropbox's US visa?
The US Visa interview waiver program is sometimes called the US Visa Dropbox service. The Dropbox service makes it quick and easy for candidates to renew their visas by removing the requirement for an in-person visa interview.
Q.2 Is there a fee for an OFC appointment?
There is no additional charge for OFC appointments. The biometrics and image fees are solely included in the visa application price.
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