What is OFC Appointment for US Visa and How to Book it

An OFC appointment for US Visa is the mandatory biometrics step in the US visa application, where applicants submit fingerprints and photographs before their US visa appointment at the consulate. It is completed at a dedicated Offsite Facilitation Centre (OFC) in India. 

Key facts about OFC appointment for US visa: 

• It takes place before the visa interview and is required for almost all non-immigrant visa categories. 
• The appointment involves only biometrics - no questions about travel purpose or documents beyond basics. 
• Applicants must carry their passport, DS-160 confirmation page, and appointment letter. 
• OFC centres are separate from consulates and are available in major Indian cities. 
• You must schedule the OFC slot online through the US Travel Docs portal after paying the visa fee. 

This article explains how to book an OFC appointment, required documents, city-wise locations, biometrics steps, rescheduling rules, and common applicant issues. It also helps you understand how the OFC stage fits into the larger visa application process, ensuring a smooth journey toward your final visa appointment.

Why Is the OFC Appointment Required for US Visa Processing?

The OFC appointment is required because biometrics are collected separately to speed up security checks and reduce crowding on visa interview day. It confirms identity before the final US visa appointment. 

• Speeds up your visa interview day since biometrics are already completed. 
• Reduces long queues and crowding at the consulate, improving applicant experience. 
• Allows visa officers to focus only on your eligibility, not on administrative steps. 
• Minimises the risk of delays or rescheduling caused by biometric mismatches on interview day. 
• Helps first-time applicants feel less overwhelmed by splitting the process into two manageable steps. 
• Improves overall security screening by verifying identity in advance. 
• Ensures a more predictable and stress-free interview schedule. 

Overall, this step ensures smoother processing, strong security screening, and a hassle-free experience during the main US visa appointment. 

 

How to Schedule an OFC Appointment for US Visa in India?

Scheduling your OFC appointment for US visa is the first organised step after submitting your DS-160 form and paying the MRV fee. This process ensures your biometrics are completed ahead of your main US visa appointment, reducing stress later. The scheduling flow is done entirely online through the official US Travel Docs portal. 

Quick Overview of the Scheduling Flow 

Before diving into the step-by-step guide, here’s a compact snapshot of how the scheduling journey progresses from account creation to confirming both appointments. 

Step	Action	What It Does
1	Create profile	Starts your US Visa Application profile on Travel Docs
2	Pay MRV fee	Activates appointment scheduling options
3	Pick dates	Lets you select OFC + visa interview slots together

This table offers a quick look at the flow so you understand where each step leads before following the detailed instructions.

Step-by-Step Process to Book an OFC Slot

To successfully book your OFC slot, you must follow a structured process on the US Travel Docs website. These steps ensure no errors occur in linking your DS-160 form and your US visa appointment. 

• Start by creating or logging in to your profile on ustraveldocs.com/in, the official US Visa Application portal. 
• Enter essential details such as passport information, DS-160 confirmation number and your visa category. 
• Continue by paying the MRV fee through accepted payment modes like NEFT, IMPS or wallet options. 
• Wait for the payment receipt to get activated—this typically takes 3–24 hours depending on the mode. 
• Navigate to “Schedule Appointment” and choose your OFC date and time first. 
• After selecting the OFC appointment, choose your consular interview date since both must be booked together. 
• Finally, download and print the appointment confirmation letter, which you will need at both OFC and the consulate. 

Following these steps ensures your OFC appointment is properly linked to your US visa application and prevents booking errors or mismatches. 

Interested in knowing what do you need for US Study Visa? Read our guide on US Study Visa Requirements

 

What Documents Are Required for the OFC Appointment?

Carrying the correct documents to your OFC appointment for US visa is essential, as the staff must verify your identity before taking biometrics. A missing document can lead to delays or even rescheduling, so being prepared is important.

Mandatory Documents You Must Carry 

Below are the essential documents that every applicant must present at the OFC centre. These items are required for identity verification and biometrics processing. 

• Valid passport (current and any old passports if applicable, as they may contain visa history). 
• DS-160 confirmation page with the clearly visible barcode. 
• OFC appointment confirmation letter, printed from the US Travel Docs portal. 
• Visa fee payment receipt, in case staff need to verify your MRV status. 
• A recent passport-size photograph, only if instructed (otherwise, OFC usually takes the digital one). 

Optional but Helpful Supporting Documents

These documents are not always required but may help if minor discrepancies appear in your US Visa Application details. 

• A printout of your US Travel Docs profile page, showing your personal and visa details. 
• Copies of previous visas (US or other countries) for smoother identity checks. 
• Proof of corrected details (if you recently updated your DS-160 or profile information). 

This step prepares your application for the final US visa appointment, making the entire process more organised and stress-free. 

Here is the complete checklist for F1 Student Visa for USA. Read it.

 

What are the Fees and Costs for Booking an OFC Appointment?

The OFC appointment does not require a separate payment because the biometric process is already included in the overall US visa application fee. However, students must understand the complete cost structure involved before selecting their appointment slot. 

1. US Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee) 

This is the only mandatory fee linked to scheduling the OFC appointment. Once you pay it, you can book both your OFC and visa interview dates. 

Applicable for Indian students: 

Visa Type	Purpose	Fee (Approx.)
F-1 Student Visa	Full-time academic studies	$185 (~ INR 16,500)
M-1 Visa	Vocational/non-academic studies	$185
J-1 Visa	Exchange programmes	$185

Important notes: 

• The MRV fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. 
• You must pay this before selecting the OFC appointment. 

2. SEVIS I-901 Fee (Mandatory for F-1, M-1, and J-1 Students) 

Although not directly related to the OFC appointment, the SEVIS fee is a compulsory part of the student visa process and must be paid before the interview. 

Category	SEVIS Fee	INR Conversion
F-1 / M-1	$350	~ 31,300
J-1	$220	~ 19,600

3. Additional OFC-Related Expenses Students Commonly Incur 

Most students end up paying a few extra costs connected to the OFC visit: 

• Travel and stay expenses if the OFC centre is located in a different city. 
• Document printouts for DS-160 confirmation, MRV receipt and appointment letters. 
• Fresh photographs, if the applicant needs a professional studio image before the visit. 
• SMS or courier services, only if chosen during booking for passport delivery updates. 

4. Rescheduling an OFC Appointment 

There is no separate rescheduling fee. However: 

• Your MRV fee must still be valid. 
• If you exceed the allowed rescheduling attempts or the fee validity ends, you may need to repay the MRV fee. 

What to Expect During the OFC Appointment?

The OFC appointment is an essential part of the OFC appointment for US visa process, designed to capture your biometrics before you step into the consulate. Knowing what to expect helps reduce stress and ensures you carry the right documents and follow the required steps smoothly. 

OFC Biometrics Procedure Explained

The biometrics process at the OFC centre is simple, structured and applicant-friendly. It is designed to verify your identity and prepare your profile for the final US visa appointment at the consulate. 

• The session begins with a quick document check, where staff verify your passport, DS-160 confirmation page and appointment letter. 
• Next, a digital photograph is taken, which becomes part of your official US Visa Application and may appear on your visa. 
• After the photo, all ten fingerprints are scanned using a biometric device to match your identity with security records. 
• Once biometrics are done, staff provide an acknowledgement or stamp confirming successful completion. 
• With no interview questions or document scrutiny involved, you simply exit once the process is finished. 

The OFC biometrics process typically takes 10–15 minutes, making it one of the simplest parts of the US Visa Application. By completing biometrics in advance, you ensure faster processing on your interview day and a more organised experience during your final US visa appointment. 

 

OFC Appointment Locations in India (2025)

OFC (VAC) centres are located across major Indian cities to make the OFC appointment for US visa accessible to applicants nationwide. Choosing a centre close to your residence helps minimise travel time and ensures smoother biometrics submission. 

OFC/VAC Centres Across India 

Before viewing the table, note that these centres operate separately from US consulates, and applicants must visit the specific OFC location selected during scheduling. 

City	OFC/VAC Centre Address	Notes
New Delhi	Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Concourse Level	Serves North India applicants
Mumbai	Trade Centre, Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC)	One of India’s busiest VACs
Hyderabad	Quatus Business Tower, Hitech City	Ideal for applicants across Telangana & AP

 Most applicants choose the OFC location nearest to their residence, but you may select any city as long as it matches availability during scheduling. Each centre follows the same biometrics process, ensuring standardised and efficient handling of all US visa application profiles. 

Discover the jobs, cost, benefits and further options for Studying in USA

 

Common Issues with OFC Appointments and How to Resolve

Applicants often face small hurdles during their OFC appointment for US visa, mostly due to DS-160 errors, payment delays or missing documents. Knowing these issues in advance helps keep your US visa application on track. 

Common OFC Issues and Their Solutions 

Below are the most frequent OFC issues applicants encounter and the easiest ways to resolve them. 

• DS-160 Number Mismatch: 
  Happens when the DS-160 used during scheduling is incorrect. 
  Fix: Update the number on Travel Docs or reschedule with the correct one. 
• MRV Fee Not Activated: 
  The receipt may take time to reflect. 
  Fix: Wait 3–24 hours and confirm the reference number is correct. 
• Wrong Appointment Date: 
  Applicants sometimes choose an unsuitable OFC slot. 
  Fix: Reschedule through the portal (allowed limited times). 
• Missing Documents: 
  Missing DS-160 or confirmation letters causes refusal at entry. 
  Fix: Keep printed copies ready the day before. 
• Biometric System Delays: 
  Temporary technical glitches may occur. 
  Fix: Wait at the centre; staff usually resolve it quickly. 
• Incorrect Personal Details: 
  Minor errors in name or passport number can cause confusion. 
  Fix: Update details online and carry supporting documents. 
• Late Arrival: 
  Arriving beyond the grace period may lead to rescheduling. 
  Fix: Reach 15–20 minutes early. 

If you miss your OFC slot, you can usually reschedule it through the Travel Docs portal, as long as your US visa interview date is still pending. 

 

Conclusion

The OFC appointment is a crucial first step in the US visa process, ensuring that your biometrics are captured and verified before the main interview. By understanding how to schedule the OFC appointment, the documents required, the centre procedures and common issues, applicants can confidently move through each stage of their US Visa Application. This preparation not only reduces interview-day pressure but also minimises delays or errors.  

With clear planning, timely documentation and awareness of rescheduling rules, your OFC appointment becomes a quick, organised and stress-free experience that supports a successful overall US visa appointment journey.

Contact our experts and have a 1:1 sessions to clarify all doubts.