What is the difference between an OFC appointment and a consular interview?
In India, a US visa application usually needs two appointments. The OFC (Offsite Facilitation Center) appointment is where your fingerprints and photo are taken — a short biometrics visit. The consular appointment is your visa interview with a U.S. consular officer at the Embassy in New Delhi or a Consulate in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata or Hyderabad. The OFC visit comes first, before the interview date.
The two can be in different cities, and each has its own availability — which is why many applicants pick whichever city has the earliest dates for each step.
Some applicants who qualify for an interview waiver only need the OFC step; eligibility depends on the current State Department rules for your category, so check it before booking.
Full guide: OFC vs Consular Appointment: What's the Difference?
OFC (biometrics) vs Consular (interview) appointments for US visas in India — what each is, why they're separate, and why they can be in different cities.
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