This article was last updated and fact checked on April 28, 2025 by Mani Karthik.
When I had to reschedule my US visa appointment a few years ago due to a family emergency, I was worried I’d lose my application fee and have to start the entire process over again.
The stress was real!
But after figuring out the rescheduling system and helping countless friends and family members do the same, I’ve learned that rescheduling a US visa appointment isn’t as complicated as it seems.
Whether you’re dealing with a sudden illness, work conflict, or simply found a better appointment date, rescheduling your US visa interview is completely doable.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to reschedule your appointment without losing your fee or facing unnecessary delays – something I wish I had when navigating this process for the first time.
In this article...
Quick Overview: Rescheduling US Visa Appointments
You can reschedule your US visa appointment through the official US Travel Docs website by logging into your account, selecting the appointment you wish to change, and choosing a new date and time.
For most Indian applicants, rescheduling is free if done more than 3 business days before your original appointment.
Otherwise, you’ll need to pay the visa fee again. Available slots depend on your visa type and the current demand at your chosen consulate.
💡 Pro Tip: Check for new appointment slots after midnight Indian time! The US Embassy often releases new appointment slots around 12:00-1:00 AM IST, and you might find significantly earlier dates if you check during these off-peak hours.
When traveling to USA, travel insurance is much recommended.
Two great plans are, Atlas America and Safe Travels USA.
However there are other choices like these, as well.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reschedule Your US Visa Interview
1. Log into Your Account
- Visit the Official US Travel Docs India portal
- Click on “Log In” at the top right corner
- Enter your email address and password used during registration
- Navigate to “My Account” or “Dashboard”
2. Access Your Appointment Information
- Find and select “Scheduled Appointments” from your dashboard
- Locate the specific appointment you wish to reschedule
- Click on the “Reschedule Appointment” button or link
3. Choose a New Date and Time
- Browse through the available calendar dates
- Select your preferred date (highlighted dates have openings)
- Choose an available time slot from the options presented
- Confirm your selection
4. Review and Confirm Changes
- Carefully review your new appointment details
- Check the date, time, and consulate location
- Verify any rescheduling fees if applicable
- Click “Confirm” or “Submit” to finalize the change
5. Save Your New Appointment Confirmation
- Download and print your new appointment confirmation letter
- Save a digital copy on your phone and email it to yourself
- Note your new appointment ID and reference number
Rescheduling Timeline and Fee Rules
Understanding when you can reschedule without penalties is crucial:
| Rescheduling Timeframe | Fee Implications | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3+ business days before appointment | No additional fee | Most flexible option |
| Less than 3 business days before | New visa fee required ($160) | Considered a no-show |
| After a missed appointment | New visa fee required | Must reschedule within 1 year |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Rescheduling
- Waiting until the last minute – The 3-day rule is strictly enforced; reschedule early to avoid fees
- Not checking all consulate locations – Sometimes other cities have earlier available dates
- Failing to cancel old appointment – Always cancel properly to avoid being marked as a no-show
- Misunderstanding the confirmation – Ensure you receive and save the new confirmation details
- Forgetting to update DS-160 information – If your travel dates have changed significantly, update your DS-160
I once helped a cousin who almost made a costly mistake – he was planning to simply not show up for his appointment and book a new one later.
I explained that he would be marked as a no-show, potentially affecting future applications, and would definitely have to pay the fee again. We rescheduled properly, and his visa process went smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can I reschedule my US visa appointment?
There is no official limit to how many times you can reschedule. However, multiple reschedules might raise questions during your interview about your travel intentions. Try to limit rescheduling to once or twice if possible.
Will rescheduling affect my visa approval chances?
No, rescheduling itself doesn’t affect your approval chances as long as it’s done properly. However, if your travel dates change significantly, be prepared to explain the changes during your interview.
Can someone else reschedule my appointment for me?
Yes, someone else can log in to your account and reschedule on your behalf if you’ve shared your login credentials with them. However, for security reasons, it’s best to do it yourself when possible.
What if there are no available dates before my travel?
If you can’t find suitable dates, check different consulate locations in India. Mumbai might be full, but Chennai or Hyderabad might have openings. Also, check the website at different times, especially late night hours when new slots are often released.
Can I reschedule my emergency appointment?
Emergency appointments are generally not eligible for rescheduling. They are granted for specific urgent situations and are expected to be used as allocated.
Getting Earlier Appointment Dates: Insider Tips
Finding earlier dates can feel like searching for hidden treasure, but these strategies work:
- Check multiple times daily – New slots appear randomly throughout the day
- Try the midnight trick – Log in between 12:00-1:00 AM IST when the system often refreshes
- Consider all consulates – Be willing to travel to a different city for an earlier date
- Look for canceled appointments – These reappear in the system and can be booked by anyone
- Use the mobile app and website simultaneously – Sometimes one shows different availability
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re extremely flexible, check the appointment system early Monday mornings around 8:00 AM IST. This is when many weekend cancellations reappear in the system, giving you a higher chance of finding an earlier slot.
What to Do If You Must Miss Your Appointment
If an emergency prevents you from attending and you can’t reschedule in time:
- Document your emergency situation (medical certificates, flight cancellations, etc.)
- Log in and cancel your appointment even if it’s last minute
- Write a brief explanation letter to bring to your future appointment
- Be prepared to pay the visa fee again
- Reschedule as soon as possible
Summary
- Reschedule your US visa appointment through the official US Travel Docs website
- Do so at least 3 business days before your appointment to avoid additional fees
- Check for new slots late at night when the system often releases appointments
- Consider all consulate locations in India for earlier availability
- Always properly cancel appointments you can’t attend
- Save and print your new confirmation details
- Be prepared to explain significant date changes during your interview
Rescheduling your US visa appointment might feel stressful, but with proper planning and understanding of the rules, it’s a straightforward process.
Remember that the system is designed to be flexible because the consulate understands that circumstances change.
With the steps outlined above, you’ll be able to adjust your appointment with minimal hassle and continue your US visa journey smoothly.
Wishing you the best of luck with your interview and upcoming travels to the United States! ✈️
