What to Do If You Miss Your US Visa Interview Appointment

This article was last updated and fact checked on October 23, 2024 by Mani Karthik.

So, you missed your US visa interview appointment. Oops! Don’t worry, you’re not the first person this has happened to, and it’s not the end of the world.

Life happens—whether it was an unexpected emergency, scheduling mix-up, or maybe even traffic that got in your way.

The good news? There’s a way to fix this.

Step 1: Understand What Happened

First things first: figure out why you missed it.

Was it a mistake on your part, or was there some kind of confusion?

This will help you communicate effectively with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate when you reach out to them. It’s essential to act quickly and responsibly when rescheduling.

Missing an interview is not the same as being denied a visa. It’s more like a missed appointment, and in most cases, it’s not a reflection of your visa eligibility.

However, keep in mind that embassies and consulates have their own policies for no-shows, so the sooner you act, the better.

Step 2: Contact the Embassy or Consulate

The next thing you need to do is contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where your appointment was scheduled.

You can usually find the contact information on the website of the specific embassy or consulate. Many embassies have dedicated contact forms or email addresses for visa-related inquiries.

When reaching out, be polite and concise. Explain the situation and ask about the procedure for rescheduling your interview.

Some embassies may allow you to reschedule online, while others might require a more formal request.

Pro Tip: Keep your tone respectful and straightforward. Embassies deal with tons of visa applicants every day, so the easier you make their job, the quicker you’ll get your new appointment.

Step 3: Check if You Can Reschedule Online

In many cases, embassies allow you to reschedule your interview online via their official scheduling system.

Log in using your credentials (you should have created an account when you first scheduled your visa appointment), and look for a reschedule option.

Follow the instructions to pick a new date and time for your interview.

Keep in mind that some embassies may charge a fee if you miss your original appointment without a valid reason.

Step 4: Pay Any Necessary Fees

If you missed your appointment without notice or valid reason, you might be required to pay a new visa application fee.

The fee for U.S. visa applications is generally non-refundable, so missing your appointment could mean paying it again.

Check with the embassy if you’re unsure about whether you need to repay the fee.

Some embassies allow a limited number of rescheduling opportunities without charging extra, while others might require you to start from scratch.

Step 5: Gather Your Documents Again

When you’re rescheduling your interview, use this time to double-check all your required documents.

Missing an appointment might have rattled you a bit, so take the opportunity to ensure everything is in order:

• DS-160 confirmation page
• Visa application fee receipt
• Passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.)
• Any supporting documents relevant to your visa type

Being super prepared this time around will ensure your next interview goes smoothly.

Step 6: Attend Your New Interview

Once you’ve rescheduled and have your documents ready, it’s time to attend your new interview.

Be sure to arrive early this time, allowing plenty of time for unexpected delays like traffic, long security lines, or parking issues. You don’t want to go through this process all over again!

Pro Tip: Set multiple reminders in your phone, or ask a friend or family member to remind you of your rescheduled interview. It’s always better to over-prepare than to miss it again.

Step 7: What Happens If You Miss Again?

If you miss your visa interview again, the process becomes more complicated.

Some embassies may limit the number of times you can reschedule, while others might require you to repay the visa application fee yet again.

Missing multiple appointments can also reflect poorly on your visa application, as it may raise concerns about your reliability or preparedness.

In the worst-case scenario, if you continually miss your appointments, you could risk being denied the visa altogether—so make sure to be on time for your rescheduled interview!

Conclusion: Don’t Panic, But Act Fast

Missing a U.S. visa interview can feel stressful, but the key is to act quickly and responsibly.

Reach out to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, explain your situation, and work on getting a new interview date.

Make sure you’re fully prepared and have all your documents ready for the rescheduled interview. Most importantly, don’t let it happen again—this is your second chance!

Rescheduling may feel like a hassle, but as long as you follow the right steps, you’ll still be on track for your U.S. visa.

Good luck with your rescheduled interview!