After completing your DS-160, the next step in your visa application is to schedule US visa appointment. This requires paying the visa fee and selecting the location and date for your visa interview. Some countries require an additional appointment for biometrics at a Visa Application Center.
The US visa appointment available dates vary from country to country and location to location. You can check the current wait times for visa appointments at the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.
You can schedule US visa appointment anywhere in the world. If you are traveling and would need to schedule your US visa interview appointment in a third country, you can very well do so.
It is not mandatory to schedule your appointment in the same location as in your DS-160. You are expected to schedule your appointment at the same location. But if you have to attend your visa interview at a different location, you are still allowed to do so.
IMPORTANT
You must complete the DS-160 form prior to scheduling your US visa appointment. If you haven’t yet, follow this detailed step-by-step guide on how to fill DS-160 form online for US visa.
Table of Contents
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How to use this step-by-step guide?
There are multiple websites for scheduling US visa appointments. Which website to use depends on the country where you plan to schedule your visa appointment
This step-by-step guide is for using the CGI Federal (US Travel Docs) website. You must use CGI Federal to schedule US visa appointments in Asia, Central America, parts of Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
I have listed out all sections and questions in this guide. For each question, there is a comment explaining what exactly needs to be entered.
Before you start your visa appointment on CGI Federal, go through my comprehensive guide on US visa appointment to understand the eligibility, prerequisites and country-specific appointment portals for scheduling the visa interview.
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Who Should Use CGI Federal (US Travel Docs) to Schedule US Visa Appointment
Determine the country where you plan to schedule your US visa appointment. If the country is in the below list, continue with the instructions here.
If the country is not in the below list, you may have to schedule your US visa appointment on AIS US Visa Info, NIV Appointment System or U.S. Visa Scheduling.
ASIA
- Bangladesh
- Cambodia
- China
- Hong Kong (and Macau)
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Mongolia
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Sri Lanka (and Maldives)
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Vietnam
OCEANIA
- Australia
- Fiji
- New Zealand
EUROPE
- Austria
- Bulgaria
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- Georgia
- Germany
- Hungary
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Moldova
- Norway
- Poland
- Romania
- Russia
- Slovakia
- Sweden
- Switzerland (and Liechtenstein)
- Ukraine
MIDDLE EAST
- Bahrain
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
AFRICA
- Algeria
- Burkina Faso
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Egypt (and Yemen)
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Liberia
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- Sierra Leone
- Tunisia (and Libya)
CENTRAL AMERICA
- Costa Rica
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Panama
CARIBBEAN
- Dominican Republic
- Haiti
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Steps to Schedule US Visa Appointment on CGI Federal (US Travel Docs)
Before you jump into creating your profile and filling out your appointment application, you must first read through the instructions thoroughly. Below are the steps to get to the instructions.
- Head over to the US Travel Docs website
- Select the country from the map where you would like to schedule your appointment
- Select “Yes” to the question “Is this your first time applying for a visa and/or visiting our site?”
- Select “Nonimmigrant” to the question “Are you applying for a nonimmigrant or immigrant visa?”
- Nonimmigrant visa information and instructions will be displayed
- Read through the instructions to familiarize yourself with the application, the steps and the payment options
01. New User Registration
After you read through the instructions, follow the below steps to register a new profile.
- Go to the US Travel Docs website
- Select the country from the map where you would like to schedule your appointment
- Select “No” to the question “Is this your first time applying for a visa and/or visiting our site?”
- Click on “Create Account” button under “APPLY FOR A U.S. VISA”
- You will be taken to “New User Registration” section
Enter the following information in “New User Registration” section
- Select Country For Visa [Comment: Country will automatically be displayed. This field is not editable]
- Email [Comment: Enter your email where you would like to receive communication]
- First Name [Comment: Enter your given name from the passport]
- Last Name [Comment: Enter your last name or surname from the passport]
- Password [Comment: Enter a new password for your profile]
- Confirm Password [Comment: Enter the same password as you entered above]
- I have read and understood the Privacy Policy [Comment: Check this box]
- Type in the characters displayed in the box below [Comment: Enter the captcha]
Click on the “Submit” button to register a new profile. Make a note of your username (your email) and password. You will need these credentials to save and come back to your application later.
Click on “New Application/Schedule Appointment” from the left side menu to start scheduling your appointment. When you click on “New Application/Schedule Appointment”, you will be taken to “Visa Type” section.
02. Visa Type
Enter the following information
- Select whether you are applying for a Nonimmigrant Visa or an Immigrant Visa [Comment:Select “Nonimmigrant Visa” for B1/B2. If you are scheduling an appointment for other types of visas such as H1B, L1, etc, select the appropriate type]
- Immigrant Visa
- Nonimmigrant visa
Click on “Continue” to go to the “Location” section.
03. Location
Enter the following information
- Please Select Your Country or State of Residence [Comment: Select the location where you want to schedule your visa appointment]
Click on “Continue” to go to the “Language” section.
04. Language
Enter the following information
- Language Of Interview [Comment: Enter the language in which you want to give your visa interview. You will be asked questions in this language]
Click on “Continue” to go to “Visa Category” section.
05. Visa Category
Enter the following information
- Please select a visa category that applies to you [Comment:Select “Business/Tourism, Crew and All Other Visas” from the options]
- Business/Tourism, Crew and All Other Visas
- Students and Exchange Visitors
- L1 (Blanket)
- H&L visas
Click on “Continue” to go to “Visa Class” section.
06. Visa Class
Enter the following information
- Select Visa Class: [Comment:Select “B1/B2 – VISITOR FOR BUSINESS AND PLEASURE” from the options]
- B1 – VISITOR FOR BUSINESS
- B1/B2 – VISITOR FOR BUSINESS AND PLEASURE
- B2 – VISITOR FOR PLEASURE OR MEDICAL TREATMENT
Click on “Continue” to go to “Review” section.
07. Review
Enter the following information
- Please make sure all selected information is correct before continuing [Comment: Review the information and make sure everything you have entered is correct so far]
Click on “Continue” to go to “Personal Data” section.
08. Personal Data
Enter the following information
- PASSPORT DETAILS
- Passport Number [Comment: Enter you passport number as in your passport and DS-160]
- Passport Issuance Date [Comment: Enter your passport issue date]
- Passport Issuance Place [Comment: Enter your passport place of issue]
- Passport Expiration Date [Comment: Enter your passport expiration date]
- Date of Birth [Comment: Enter your date of birth as shown in your passport]
- Nationality [Comment: Enter your nationality]
- First Name [Comment: Enter your given name from your passport]
- Last Name [Comment: Enter your last name or surname from your passport]
- Country of Birth [Comment: Enter your country of birth]
- Gender [Comment: Enter your gender]
- DS-160 Confirmation Number [Comment: Enter your DS-160 confirmation number]
- CONTACT INFORMATION
- Phone Number [Comment: Enter your phone number]
- Mobile Phone [Comment: Enter your mobile number]
- Email [Comment: Enter your email]
- MAILING ADDRESS
- Address Line 1 [Comment: Enter your address]
- City [Comment: Enter your city]
- State [Comment: Enter your state]
- Postal Code [Comment: Enter your postal/zip code]
Click on “Continue” to go to “Dependents” section.
09. Dependents
Enter the following information
- Please click “Add by Name” or “Add Existing Applicant” if you have a group/family member (including a child) who needs to apply for a visa with you. [Comment: Click on the “Add by Name” button to add the dependents that need to attend the visa interview with you]
If you would need to add your dependents, click on “Add by Name” button and enter the following information.
- Relationship [Comment:Select the relationship of your dependent from the options]
- Spouse
- Child
- Father
- Mother
- Daughter
- Son
- Other
- DS-160 Confirmation # [Comment: Enter your dependent’s DS-160 confirmation number]
- First Name [Comment: Enter your dependent’s given name from the passport]
- Last Name [Comment: Enter your dependent’s last name or surname from the passport]
- Gender [Comment: Select your dependent’s gender]
- Date of Birth [Comment: Enter your dependent’s date of birth as shown on the passport]
- Country of Birth [Comment: Enter your dependent’s country of birth]
- Nationality [Comment: Enter your dependent’s nationality
- Passport Number [Comment: Enter your dependent’s passport number]
- Passport Issuance Date [Comment: Enter your dependent’s passport date of issue]
- Passport Issuance Place [Comment: Enter your dependent’s passport place of issue]
- Passport Expiration Date [Comment: Enter your dependent’s passport date of expiration]
- Primary Phone # [Comment: Enter your dependent’s primary phone number]
- Alternative Phone # [Comment: Enter your dependent’s alternative phone number]
- Email [Comment: Enter your dependent’s email]
Click on “Save” to save your dependent’s information.
If you have more than one dependent that needs to attend the visa interview with you, click on “Add by Name” to add more dependents.
When finished adding all your dependents, click on “Continue” to go to “Age” section.
10. Age
Enter the following information
- Are you (the visa applicant) under 14 years or age? [Comment: Click “No” to continue]
- Are you (the visa applicant) 80 years of age or older? [Comment: Click “No” to continue]
11. Previous Visas
Enter the following information
- Do you have a previous B-1/B-2 visa (visitor visa)? [Comment: Click “No” to continue. Click “Yes” if you had a previous B1/B2 visa]
NOTE
If you select “Yes” to the above question, you will be asked a few questions to determine if you qualify for the visa renewal and interview waiver.
12. Documentation Delivery
Enter the following information
- Specify Documentation Delivery [Comment:Select “Pick Up” or “Delivery” from the options]
- Pick Up [Comment: Select this option if you would like to pick up your passport from visa application center or courier head office]
- Delivery [Comment: Select this option if you would like to receive your passport by mail to your home]
Click on “Continue” to go to the “Payment Options” section.
13. Payment Options
On this screen, you will see different payment options. Click on each option to see the instructions on how to make the visa fee payment.
At this point, the visa application is already saved. Familiarize yourself with the payment options and pick the payment method that works best for you.
Available Payment Methods
- Electronic fund transfer (ETF) from a local bank account
- Cash payment at a designated local bank
- Country-specific local payment options (mobile payments, wallets, etc)
a. Electronic fund transfer (ETF) from a local bank account
Follow the below steps to pay your visa fee by electronic fund transfer
- On this screen, select Electronic Fund Transfer
- A unique account number will be displayed
- Make a note of this unique account number as you will need this to make your visa appointment
- Make an electronic fund transfer to this unique account number from your local bank account
You will be able to schedule your appointment on the next business day after the visa fee payment is made.
NOTE
If more details such as bank name, bank address, etc are required to make an electronic fund transfer, those details will also be displayed along with the unique account number.
NOTE
You must transfer the correct amount. Incorrect amounts can lead to delays.
b. Cash payment at a designated local bank
Follow the below steps to pay your visa fee by cash at a designated local bank
- On this screen, select Cash at Bank
- A link to download/print the visa application deposit/collection slip will be displayed
- Print the visa application deposit/collection slip
- Fill all the necessary details on the deposit/collection slip
- Take the deposit slip with you to the bank and make the visa fee payment
- You will be given a receipt, save the deposit slip and receipt
You will be able to schedule your appointment on the next business day after the visa fee payment is made.
c. Country-specific local payment options (mobile payments, wallets, etc)
Follow the below steps to pay your visa fee by a local payment option such as mobile payment, wallet, etc. These options differ from country to country.
- On the payment screen, select your country specific local payment option (such as mobile, wallet, etc)
- Instructions on how to make the payment will be displayed
- Make the visa fee payment and make a note of the receipt or transaction number
You will be able to schedule your appointment the next business day after the visa fee payment is made.
After the payment, come back to the website and login with your credentials. You will see a “Continue” option on the left side menu. When you click this “Continue” option, you will be taken directly to the “Payment” screen.
Enter the following information on the “Payment” screen
- Receipt Number [Comment: Enter the receipt number of your visa fee payment]
Click “Continue” to schedule your visa appointment.
NOTE
If your receipt has become active, you will be taken to the schedule appointment screen. If not, you will be shown an error saying that the receipt number is not valid. In that case, try again after some time. Remember that the receipt number becomes active on the next working day of your payment.
NOTE
If you are renewing your previous visa, you may see an additional screen asking to select your visa priority. You may see 2 options – “Regular” and “No Show”. You must select “Regular”. “No Show” is for those who couldn’t make it to their previous appointment but using the same visa fee receipt number to schedule another appointment.
14. Schedule Fingerprints and Photo Appointment (applicable only in some countries)
On this screen, pick the date and time for your fingerprints and photo appointment.
Click on “Continue”.
Print your fingerprints and photo appointment confirmation. You will need a copy of this appointment confirmation for your fingerprints and photo.
NOTE
Appointment for fingerprints and photo is ONLY REQUIRED in certain countries such as India, Mexico, etc. The appointment for fingerprints and photo must be scheduled at least 1 day ahead of your actual visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate.
15. Schedule US Visa Interview Appointment
On this screen, pick the date and time for your visa interview appointment.
Click on “Continue”.
Print your US visa interview appointment confirmation. You will need a copy of your appointment confirmation for your visa interview.
NOTE
The appointment for visa interview must be scheduled at least 1 day after your fingerprint and photo appointment.
NOTE
The US visa appointment available dates can vary greatly from location to location. There may be several days wait in certain countries and cities. Before you book US visa appointment, I recommend checking the current wait times at the Bureau of Consular Affairs website to get an idea on when you can find an available slot.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I need to travel urgently. How can I apply for an expedited appointment?
If need to travel to the US urgently, you may qualify for an expedited US visa appointment. Keep in mind that you must have a strong reason and must be able to provide documentary evidence to prove it.
The following reasons are generally considered eligible for expedited appointments.
– Medical care for self or companion
– Death or funeral of an immediate family member
– Business related emergency travel
– Students starting or resuming study
You must first schedule your appointment for the earliest available date. After which, you will see a menu item in your dashboard called “Emergency Request” or “Expedited Request”. Fill and submit the expedited request. If you qualify for an expedited appointment, you will be notified via email with instructions to schedule your expedited appointment.
We are traveling together as a family. How do I schedule a family appointment?
If you are traveling as a family, you can schedule one visa appointment for the entire family.
Follow the instructions below.
1) Create just one profile/account for yourself (primary applicant) in the appointment system. Add your family members as “dependents”
2) On the payment page, you will be given a single receipt number and the total visa fee amount (for the entire family) to be paid
3) You must make the total visa fee payment for that receipt number
4) When the receipt number becomes active, you will be able to schedule a single appointment for the entire family
5) On the day of the appointment, you all have to arrive at the consulate at the scheduled time and everyone in the family will be interviewed together
I cannot log into my account. It says my account is frozen and wait for 72 hours. What should I do?
If the appointment system notices that your activities are suspicious, it freezes your account for 72 hours. Once your account is frozen, you will not be able to log in for 72 hours.
I assume that the following activities can trigger an account freeze –
1. Going into the appointment page too often on a given day. You will be shown a warning message if you have accessed the schedule appointment page too often – “You are approaching the maximum number of times you may view this page. Please complete your transaction at this time.”
2. Leaving the appointment page open in other tabs/browsers while you do other work.
If your account is frozen, there is not much you can do. You will have to wait for a good 72 hours to be able to access your account again.
There are no available appointments. My travel dates are approaching. What should I do?
If you are not finding any available appointments and your travel dates are approaching, trying the following.
1) Keep an eye on the current wait times in your location and also at all other locations in your country. When you see a drop in the wait times in any of those locations, check for available appointments in that location. You may be able to find an earlier appointment that way.
2) Try checking for available appointments after midnight or early morning. There will be fewer people on the system, so it would be easy to find an appointment during those times.
3) Attend your interview in another country. Look up the current wait times in other countries that are easy for you to travel to. You will have to pay the visa fee in that country again as the fee is not transferable between countries.
I want to schedule my appointment in a different country than the country in my profile. How do I change this?
The country on your account defaults to the country where you have created your account for the first time. This is fine if you create an account and schedule your appointment in the same country.
The system also uses the name, date of birth and passport number to look up any duplicate accounts. So, if you create a new account, the system will flag it and will ask you to merge.
If you need to change the country on your account or merge your new account with the old one, you must contact USTravelDocs customer service. They have the ability to change the default country on your profile or merge your old account with the new one. Their customer service is very helpful in fixing such issues.
I don’t want to schedule my appointment. Can someone else use my visa fee receipt number?
When you make the visa fee payment, the receipt number (also referred to as MRV number, CGI number) will become active. Once you use this receipt number to lookup available appointments, it’s then associated with your profile. You cannot transfer the visa fee to another applicant.
If you have never used the receipt number in your profile, you can have other applicants use it for scheduling their appointment.
NOTE: The visa fee is valid for 1 year from the payment date. It can only be used to schedule an appointment in the country where the payment was made.
I can’t make it to my appointment. The system says I cannot reschedule anymore. What should I do?
An appointment can be rescheduled for only
1) a certain number of times and
2) until certain days before your appointment.
If you are approaching the number of times you are allowed to reschedule, you will see a warning. At this point, you cannot reschedule any more. If you continue, your appointment will be canceled and your receipt number becomes unusable. You have to pay the visa fee again to schedule your appointment.
I’m renewing my visa. Do I qualify for interview waiver?
If you are renewing your visa, you may qualify for an interview waiver if the following conditions are met.
1) You are applying for the same type of visa as the previous visa
2) You are applying at the same location as your previous visa
3) Your previous visa is still valid or expired in the last 1 year
If you qualify for an interview waiver, you can use the dropbox facility to submit your documents at the visa application center.
The procedure to renew a visa is the same as scheduling a new appointment. While scheduling your appointment, you will be asked questions about your previous visa. If you qualify for the interview waiver, the system will prompt you to use the dropbox submission. Instructions and required documentation are sent to your email.
My visa was neither approved nor denied. I was told that my case requires administrative processing. What should I do?
If the visa officer is not convinced with your answers during the interview, they may issue you a Section 221 (g) and put your case in administrative processing. Administrative processing is required if additional background checks or verification of information is necessary.
If your case requires administrative processing, the visa officer will give a yellow paper (referred to as Section 221 (g)) and will ask you to check the status of your case online. Administrative processing usually takes 4-6 weeks, but in extreme cases, it can take several months.
NOTE: Do not check your visa status right after your visa is approved. It will usually be administrative processing and it can cause panic. This is quite normal and US consulate would need to do some final checks before attaching the visa sticker in your passport.
My visa was approved but the online status stays it’s in administrative processing. What should I do?
Do not check your visa status right after your visa is approved. It will usually be in administrative processing and it can cause panic.
Administrative processing after visa is approved is quite normal. US consulate would need to perform some final checks before attaching the visa sticker in your passport. During this time, your case status will be administrative process/review.
I couldn’t attend my visa appointment. Can I use the same visa fee receipt to schedule another appointment?
Yes. You will be considered a “No Show” applicant. You can use the same visa fee receipt number to schedule a new appointment.
After your visa interview date, your visa fee receipt number gets deactivated. You have to wait two working days for the visa fee receipt number to become active again. After which, you can schedule your appointment.
While scheduling your new appointment, right after you enter your receipt number, you will be asked to select the visa priority – “Regular” or “No Show”. You must select “No Show” and continue scheduling your new appointment.
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Conclusion
That’s it, folks! Follow this step-by-step guide to schedule US visa appointment. If you have any questions or stuck at any step, feel free to comment here or email me.
How to Schedule US Visa Appointment on AIS US Visa Info (GDIT/Yatri): A Step-by-Step Guide
DS-160 Form for US Visa: Everything You Need to Know
US Visa Appointment: Everything You Need to Know
Felix says
Hi, I requested to join your Visa Traveler Support Facebook Group but still pending approval.
I had a valid B2 US visa that expired about a week ago. I applied for a new visa sometime in March hopefully before the old one expired but my next available appointment was for September 17th, 2021. My current passport though expires on the 23rd March 2022. My worry here is, would I be issued a new visa with this passport? Just in case it won’t, applying for a new one won’t be ready before my appointment day, what do I do? Please help!
NB: I’m currently an international student in Canada originally from Ghana. My visa interview is in Calgary, Canada.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Felix! Yes, you will be issued your visa on your current passport. At the time of your visa interview, you will still have 6 months on your passport, so you will be fine. Certain countries require the passport to be valid for 6 months from the intended date of entry. But Ghana is excluded from that list, so you will receive your visa on your current passport.
IMPORTANT: I suggest NOT applying for a new passport before your US visa appointment. The reason is that most countries when they issue a new passport, they will cut an edge or punch a hole in the old passport. Then the old passport becomes invalid (except for the visas already in that passport). If your passport that is tied to your DS-160 and visa appointment becomes invalid at the time of your visa interview, you may not be allowed to attend your visa interview.
NB: I just approved your request to join the FB group
Aditi says
Hi Thirumal, thanks for the super helpful article! I scheduled an appointment for my H1B visa and cancelled it, as I was leaving the country for the next couple of months. I am now planning to make a quick trip to India for stamping. My previous receipt no is still showing as a read-only value, however, I am unable to actually book the appointment ( even though I can see the availability ). Would I have to make the payment again? I had cancelled the appointment in Feb 2021 but not rescheduled it since I was not sure about when to take it next. I am aware rescheduling can be done for free but not aware if cancelled appointments can also be rescheduled to a later date.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Aditi! The visa fee is valid for 1 year from the payment date. Since you paid your visa fee in Feb 2021, the fee must be still valid. I think the visa fee is not the reason why you are not able to book an appointment. I suggest contacting US Travel Docs customer service. They respond pretty quickly and usually very helpful too. Give that a try.
Pradeep Kumar says
I had filled my DS form and my wife has also filled DS form (B1/B2 Visa). After filling it I went to the CGIFEDERAL site for an interview appointment. I signed up there and filled in the necessary information. On one of the screens I was asked whether any family member you want to add, I added my wife at that step. I had got one CGI reference number for the payment of 2 people. I had deposited the fee at axis bank for two people. After depositing the fee The same bank reference number appeared against my name and my wife’s name. Me and my wife both satisfy the interview waiver conditions. But when I clicked continue, it brought me to schedule appointments and says appointments are not available. I want to ask when the interview waiver option appear as till these step the interview waiver option has not come.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Pradeep! If you qualify for the interview waiver, the system will automatically determine that based on your answers and prompt you with dropbox submission instructions. If it’s asking you to schedule the visa appointment, I assume one of you (or both) did not qualify for the interview waiver. Since you are scheduling a family appointment, if one of you does not qualify for the interview waiver, both must attend the in-person visa interview.
If you are certain that you both qualify for the interview waiver, I suggest contacting US Travel Docs customer service. They are very helpful in resolving issues like these. Hope that helps! Good luck!
If you end up contacting their customer service, please let us know how it went so others can benefit from it as well.
João says
Hi, I already have a visa interview scheduled in Brazil, but the embassies are still closed. I was told the embassy in Mexico City is opened and accepting third-country nationals. I’d like to know if I can switch my visa interview to Mexico? What do I need to do?
Thirumal says
Hi João! The visa fee is non-transferable to other countries. That means the visa fee you’ve paid in Brazil cannot be used in Mexico. So you will have to pay the visa fee again and schedule the interview in Mexico. You don’t have to fill a new DS-160 though. You can use the same DS-160.
To schedule your appointment in Mexico, follow the below steps
– Cancel your current appointment in Brazil (fee is non-refundable)
– Change the country on your profile to Mexico (if that doesn’t work, you may have to create a new profile for Mexico)
– Pay the fee using a credit card
– Schedule the appointment
Mahesh Chavda says
Hi, I am planning to travel to India and I will have to go through Visa Stamping. Initially, we decided that I will travel alone. But now we decided that I will travel with my wife and a kid. So, I have already paid visa fees for myself. Now, I want to add my wife as a dependent. I have not yet booked an appointment. My question is, can I add my wife as a dependent on the USTravelDocs website and pay visa fees only for herself? Has anyone done that in past? Your help is much appreciated.
Thirumal says
Hi Mahesh! I apologize for the late response. I haven’t done this myself, so I don’t have personal experience. If you haven’t figured a way to add your wife and kid to your appointment yet, I suggest contacting USTravelDocs customer service. They are usually very helpful in matters like these.
Raju says
I have created a profile in India for an interview appointment on USTravelDocs to book my visa appointment for H1B in past. Now from the US, I have moved to Germany for good. Now I want to apply a visiting visa to see my sister in the US. After finishing my DS-160 form I am trying to book interview dates on USTravelDOcs but it is showing my India profile. I want help in changing the profile completely to Germany country so that I can book my interview in Berlin location.
As its an Indian profile, its only showing Indian locations. When I tried to create with new email ID it is saying there is another profile available already with this passport number. Can anyone help with this issue?
Thirumal says
Hi Raju! This is a very common issue with USTravelDocs. It defaults to the country you have signed up for the first time. It won’t let you create a duplicate account either. This cannot be fixed from your side. You must contact USTravelDocs customer service. They have the ability to change the default country on your profile or merge your old account with the new one. Their customer service is very helpful in fixing such issues, so contact them as soon as you can to get that resolved. Good luck!
OSUALA FIDELIA says
Good day sir! My son is applying to study in the US, unfortunately, after paying the visa fee at GTB in Nigeria to schedule a date for him using the reference number given by the bank, it has been impossible. Once I key in the reference number it bounces back. Therefore I cannot schedule an interview date. The DS 160 form was submitted in April 2020. What can I do?
Thirumal says
Hi Osuala! All US embassies around the world are currently closed due to COVID-19. All existing appointments are suspended. They are not accepting any new appointments either. I was told that only emergency appointments are accepted at this point. Contact the US Travel Docs customer support. They will let you know what to do right now.
Akshay says
Hi Thirumal, I am a full-time employee with the same company for 6+ years and this is my 3rd stamping with the same employer. I never had any issues with dropbox but this time around it’s acting up. I must have filled my DS-160 and tried to schedule an appointment a month or so ago.
Even though I should be eligible for the dropbox but the system didn’t prompt me with dropbox eligibility/interview waiver questions. I think there’s a system error. Instead, the system is asking me to schedule an OFC appointment! And no dates in Mumbai until Feb 2021. And the earliest for other cities is October 2020. Please advise. Thanks!
Thirumal says
Hi Akshay! The US Trave Docs India website says that as of March 20th, the “interview waiver” appointments has been cancelled due to COVID-19. I assume the “interview waiver” facility is currently suspended as well. That’s why you weren’t able to use the dropbox facility and the system was forcing you to schedule an appointment.
Interview waiver may resume when the lockdown ends and consulates open. I suggest keeping an eye on the US Travel Docs home page for updates on when the consulate will open. Try scheduling your visa appointment once the consulates are open and have resumed visa services.
Lorie says
Hello! My friend submitted the D-160 application but there was no prompt to pay the application fee nor schedule an interview. Are we missing a step somewhere? He did receive a confirmation of his application being submitted. Any help or thoughts would be helpful! Thank you!
Thirumal says
Hi Lorie! The website for scheduling the visa appointment is different from the one used for DS-160. You are already in the right article. Just follow the steps in this current article and it will guide your friend in scheduling their visa appointment.
BB says
Hello, please I am trying to schedule an interview with the Embassy in Ghana. I have created a new profile instead of using the old profile because the old profile wasn’t created by me but by my dad because we were applying together at that time(2yrs ago). Now the issue is they are asking that they transfer this account (new) to the previous account (old) which wouldn’t be convenient for me because my dad isn’t around to retrieve any information should I agree for the merge.
Thirumal says
Hi BB! US Travel Docs uses passport number, date of birth, etc. to identify duplicate accounts in the system. They won’t allow multiple accounts using the same passport number. I suggest you explain your situation to the US Travel Docs customer service and ask them to merge your old account with the new account. This way, you will have access to your new account and you can schedule your appointment.
Amit says
Hi, I want to reschedule my U.S visa appointment. My country of origin is INDIA but I am applying it from Toronto. I got my interview date but due to some reason, I am not able to attend on this date. So can you send me the log-in link?
I have watched many videos and read the description but don’t get anything. Waiting for your text or mail. Thank you.
Thirumal says
Hi Amit! Use this link to log back into your account and reschedule your appointment. Click on “Continue”, which will take you to the login screen. Log into your account and you will see the option to reschedule.
Manjula says
I am applying from India. We have paid the visa fees for B2 for the family. But now my daughter cannot attend the interview. Can we remove her from the visa scheduling? And also I want to know, within how many days after payment of fees we have to schedule the interview.
Thirumal says
Hi Manjula! Your visa fee will be valid for 1 year from the payment date. So you can use it within that 1 year to schedule your visa appointment.
For scheduling the family appointment without your daughter, it depends on whether she plans to attend the interview some other time or not attend at all. If she plans to attend some other time, you must contact US Travel Docs customer support. They will help you with separating the visa fee, so she can use her’s later. But if she plans to not attend the interview at all, then you can simply continue with your family appointment by removing her as a dependent.
Sam says
Having completed all the information correctly in the DS-160 form, I made a mistake in filling out the form for an interview appointment. I mistakenly put the first name in the column for the surname and vice versa. But the details of my name were correctly placed in the DS-160 form. My appointment is confirmed for the next two weeks. Please what should I do in this regard?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Sam! Your name from DS-160 will be the one used for your visa. So small mistakes with your name in your appointment form are fine. That being said, the security at the entrance of the embassy may deny your entry if they see any discrepancies. I suggest contacting US Travel Docs customer service to ask if they can update the name for you from their side.
Linda says
Hello, I am trying to schedule an appointment on https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/applicanthome and it does not open well so I can see Home, New Applicant/Schedule Appointment and the rest on the left. Instead, I see Terms and Conditions with no actionable button. I have tried to create another account and the same thing happens. Please how can I progress to make an appointment? Linda.
Thirumal says
Hi Linda! US Travel Docs website changes based on the country. So, without knowing the country, it’s difficult to see what’s happening. In which country are you scheduling your appointment?
Zara says
Hi, I was issued a US visa for 5 years from Toronto Canada in 2014 November. It expired in 2019 November and I am reapplying now. I submitted the DS-160 and tried to schedule an appointment but after filling in my information (similar to your instructions here) instead of the scheduling option, it gave me a register to send documents option. I followed whatever they were saying and now I have a Courier-in-receipt. So basically they’re asking me to send my supporting docs to the embassy and I am guessing they will let me know at a later date if I need to go in for an interview? I just haven’t heard of this option before I thought everyone had to go for an interview so I just wanted to make sure I didn’t do anything wrong.
Also, I was unable to find my old account even though it’s the same email (I have a visa appointment from 2014 in this email) but I was able to create a new account with this same email. I hope that’s not going to be an issue.
Lastly, I just wanted to know for the documents to send for Courier-in-receipt, what all should I include. It says only to send what is asked but then it doesn’t clearly list what is asked as it has a list of all general visas document list so I am very confused. Any help would be appreciated.
Thirumal says
Hi Zara! Since you are applying for the same visa, from the same consulate, within 1 year of expiry, you have qualified for an “interview waiver”. What it means is that the consulate has already interviewed you 5 years ago and they think there is no need to interview you again. Therefore, they just asked you to mail them your passport and documents. Once they receive your passport and documents, they will issue your visa and mail your passport back to your home.
Using a new email/account to schedule your appointment is fine. It will not be an issue at all.
Normally, interview waiver applicants must mail the following documents
– Original passport
– Old passport (only if it contains the expired US visa)
– Schedule appointment confirmation (interview waiver confirmation)
– DS-160 confirmation
– Two photographs (if you couldn’t upload them in your DS-160)
Wasif says
I am having the same experience that Zara said above. Now my question is how do I know if they decide to call me an interview or issue a visa. Zara can you advise what happened after you send your documents like did you get an interview call or you got the issue.
Thirumal says
Hi Wasif! You will have to send your documents first. If are still need to be interviewed, they will let you know by email. If not, they will issue your visa and mail your passport back (or notify you to pick up your passport). But I will let Zara chime in and advise.
Syed Zafar says
Hi Thirumal, Wasif and Zara, I am in the same boat now. I got my interview waived as I am applying for the same B1 visa renewal from Canada. I submitted all the documents required and it’s been three weeks. Still, when I check my file status online, it shows NO-STATUS. Is it that I should wait for more? Normally what happens once you submit your originals? Please guide. TIA, Zafar Ottawa Canada.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Zafar! I haven’t used dropbox myself, so I’m not sure what would happen after you submit your originals. But I would let others chip in and share their experience. In the meantime, you can also ask in the Facebook group as someone there might have a similar experience as you.
Sam says
Thank you for your information. I followed closely your blog for my US visa application. I am of African descent and living in the Middle East. I applied for the Tourist Visa along with my wife, but unfortunately, we were denied.
It was our first time to apply, we had an invitation letter to visit a relative. We were to spend our annual vacation for a few days as well. We had all other information intact, yet we were handed the white paper.
After the very brief interview, I asked the VO if I could know the reason(s) for the refusal so as to avoid it/them in subsequent applications. He said as an African in this part of the world, we are recognized as 3rd nationals. That struck me and I don’t really understand what he meant. I tried to press him further, but couldn’t give any other information. Please friend what could his statement mean? I look forward to reading from you.
Thirumal says
Hi Sam! If you are not a citizen of the country where you are applying for your US visa or an American, then you are considered as a third national. Third nationals must show strong ties with their country of residence. Third nationals have already immigrated to a new country and can immigrate somewhere else if necessary. Therefore, such applicants pose a high risk and their applications are usually scrutinized. But if you have already established strong ties with your country of residence, then there is nothing to worry about.
Sam says
Thank you very much. Well understood. But I possess strong ties with the country. I applied for a UK visa in the same country and was granted. I have traveled back and forth to my country of origin a couple of times. I have a stable job as well. Just couldn’t figure out his point of 3rd national!
Thirumal says
That was only my understanding of what you have mentioned. But only the visa officer knows what he actually meant.
Amna says
Hi, I’m applying for my parent’s visit visa from the USA and they live in Dubai. I want to pay for their Visa Application Fee. My question is that can I pay for their visa fee from here or should I transfer them in Dubai and let them pay.
Thirumal says
Hi Amna! If you are paying by credit card, then yes, you can pay for them using your credit card from the US. If you plan to pay by cash, it needs to be paid in Dubai at a local bank.
Rob Md Mahfuzur says
I made an appointment for the visa application. But unfortunately I could not attend due to my illness. Now, I want to make a new appointment again. But I could not pay the visa fee because it is showing previous receipt number though I already updated my profile with a new confirmation number. I need your suggestion to make a new appointment.
Thirumal says
Hi Rob! If you couldn’t make it to your appointment, then it’s a “no-show”. Receipt numbers for no-show appointments are reusable. That means you can reuse your old receipt number to make a new appointment. You don’t have to pay the visa fee again.
Mahfuz says
Thank you very much
pol says
Hi, this is my first time applying for a US visa and I mistakenly answered Yes to all questions when it should be NO. Can I still correct them? I am applying for a tourist visa with my husband, should he also create a username and password for this site?
Thirumal says
Hi Pol! You can update your DS-160 if you haven’t submitted it yet. If you have submitted your DS-160 already, then you can fill a new DS-160. When filling a new DS-160, you will have the option to upload your previous DS-160. That way, all your answers will be copied. You can then fix your answers and submit your new DS-160.
You have to create only one account on the appointment website. Then add your husband as your dependent. This way you can create a family appointment wherein you both can attend the visa interview together.
Hari says
Hey Thirumal, thank you for assisting so many people with their doubts. I do have one question. My account is frozen due to multiple logins it seems. If I try after 24 hours, should I reset my PW and then try with a new PW. If yes, what is that new PW is also not allowing me to login into my account to book the appointment. Thank you!
Thirumal says
Hi Hari! If your account is frozen, you have to wait a good 72 hours to log back in. Even if you change your password within those 72 hours, you will still not be able to log back in. If you already changed your password within those 72 hours, you can use your new password when logging back into your account after 72 hours.
San says
Hi, thank you for your help. I have created a group of three applicants for me and my family and paid for all 3 as a group. I would now like to schedule an appointment but we have decided to take separate times due to some constraints. What should I do?
Thirumal says
Hi San! I have not tried this scenario myself, so I cannot give you accurate information. I suggest contacting US Travel Docs customer service. They are usually very helpful and they may have a solution for you.
rufael says
Hi, I went to the interview and received a rejection letter under 214(b). Now I want to apply again this month at the end of December and I want to visit in March. Is it possible applying December and visit after 2 months in March?
Thirumal says
Hi Rufael! Yes, it’s possible. But keep in mind that the wait times for visa interviews are much longer these days. If you can schedule an appointment for end of December, then you can travel anytime after you receive your passport.
Karyl says
Hi Thirumal! My husband and I are planning to have a vacation in the US with our son. Do we need to make a sponsorship letter for me and my son under my husband? In connection with the expenses for the whole trip. Thank you!
Thirumal says
Hi Karyl! I suggest scheduling a family interview. That way, you all will be interviewed together and there is not need for sponsorship letter.
Jeng says
I already paid my 3 children their fees and completed their DS-160 Form. I already have an account on scheduling for interview. Should I use my account? Or make a new profile for the oldest minor?
Thirumal says
Hi Jeng! I suggest creating a new profile for your oldest minor. Then, add the other two children as your oldest minor’s dependents. Keep in mind that if your children are below a certain age, they may qualify for interview waiver as well.
Note: If you use your own account, the system will assume you as an applicant and will ask you to schedule an interview for 4 of you. It will also ask you to pay the fee for 4 of you.
Navin Rai says
When I try to fill the form for “new applicant” and click create applicant, the system gives an error “Has been taken” under my DS-160 number. I checked a number of times, my DS-160 number is valid and correct but still, I’m not being created as an applicant.
Thirumal says
Hi Navin! Someone might have used your DS-160 number mistakenly in their account. That may be the reason why the system is prompting that your DS-160 number “has been taken”. You would need to contact their customer service and see if they can help. If needed provide a copy of your DS-160 confirmation to them.
Noreen0716 says
Hi, I made a mistake when adding an applicant/dependent on the US Visa Appointment site. The first name and last name were interchanged and I cannot edit the name anymore. Can you please advise if this can still be corrected? Or is it ok and just a minor error? Thanks!
Thirumal says
Hi Noreen! Certain information is not editable after the appointment is scheduled. You will have to cancel the appointment in order to edit those details. That being said, the information from the US Travel Docs profile will not be used for the visa. It’s mostly for the security at the embassy to screen and allow only those that have appointments. It’s difficult for me to say whether interchanged first and names would make the security deny entry into the consulate. Therefore, I suggest contacting US Travel Docs and asking if this needs to fixed or considered as a minor error.
Pamela says
Hi Thirumal, thank you for answering everybody’s questions. May I just ask, I have a problem with regards to retrieving my previous account on scheduling for an interview. I already tried using forgot my password, and it says that the temporary password will be sent on my email. unfortunately, I haven’t received any email, even on my spam. What should I do?
Thirumal says
Hi Pamela! The “forgot password” will say that the temporary password has been emailed to you even if you enter a wrong/different email. You must make sure you are using the same email as your previous account. If you are not sure which email you have used for creating the account, try all your emails in “forgot password”.
Akshat Zalte says
Hello, I am facing a similar issue. It is possible that my account is under a 72-hour freeze, does it mean that no email will be sent to me if I click on Forgot Password and put in my email ID? I haven’t received any emails even after clicking on forgot password and giving my email ID about 10 times. I have checked my spam folder too. I have already paid the VISA fees. Please help! Thank you.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Akshat! You will receive passport change emails during the 72-hour freeze. But you won’t be able to log in with the new passport. You still have to wait for 72-hours. If you aren’t receiving any emails, then there must be someother issue.
ahsan saeed says
While applying for children only, the system generates payment slip for three individuals i.e. main profile holder and 2 dependents. If the main profile holder (parent) has a visa already, can they still generate the slip for all individuals but at the bank payment for 2 only and then enter MRV receipt only for the ones going for the interview? Will the bank accept partial payments?
Thirumal says
Hi Ahsan! If you use your profile for scheduling the visa appointment for your children, the system will force you to pay the visa fee for yourself as well. You must create a new profile for one of your children and add the other child as a dependent. Please refer to the questions from “Toyin” above and my responses to her questions. She was in a similar situation as you.
Shiva says
Hi there! I appreciate your assistance on the complex US visa process. I’ve one query and want to clarify with you.
I’ll be travelling to Spain in the next 3 weeks and planning to get my US visa appointment done at the Spain office. Will there be any typical questions being asked why we have selected the US visa appointment in a country other than India. If so, what would be a wise answer to this? Or any other questions we might come across for this 2nd type of VISA?
Thirumal says
Hi Shiva! Yes. Usually, you will be asked about your status in Spain and the reason for scheduling your appointment there. The answers to these questions will not affect your visa result. Therefore, just tell the visa officer that you are traveling in Spain and the actual reason why you have scheduled your appointment there.
Toyin says
Thanks so much for your help, Thirumal. They received their visas!
Thirumal says
Hi Toyin! You’re welcome! Glad to know that your kids have received their visas. Have a safe trip!
Nke says
Hello, Thirumal. Please, I will like to know if it is possible to schedule a Visa interview with a passport that has only about 3 months validity left?
Thirumal says
Hi Nke! Passport validity for US travel varies from country to country. There is something called six-month club wherein countries in that list must have their passports valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended period of stay. This applies to the visa as well. It’s assumed that you will travel on the same passport and if your country is one from the six-month club, your current passport validity will not be sufficient. You will either not be able to schedule your interview or will be turned back on the day of interview to obtain a new passport and reschedule your interview.
Venky says
Hello Thirumal! I applied for the US tourist visa along with my wife at Chennai Consulate. I have a close family friend who moved to the US and became a US citizen there. Hence I filled in the application, her home address in US point of contact and mentioned the relationship as friend and I will spend for our trip (myself and wife). During the visa interview, I was asked, whom am I going to visit and I answered a friend. I was asked again how do I know her and I replied that she is my long-time family friend. Next question, he asked about my business turnover and I answered it. Officer just returned the passport saying better luck next time.
I just wanted to know-
1. Would I have got through my interview, if not mentioned about my friend instead gave the hotel address at US point of contact?
2. My friend in the US is ready to fully sponsor our trip but I only refused as I read that friend sponsoring for a person will not be accepted.
I plan to apply again. I don’t have a clue what went wrong. Could you please advise?
Thirumal says
Hi Venky!
1. Mentioning your friend may or may not have affected your visa result. It’s really difficult to say. But, I usually recommend not mentioning friends and acquaintances in the visa application as US point of contact. It can lead to all kinds of complications. But your main intention is to visit your friend, you have to mention her details. Else, mentioning the hotel name and address is fine.
2. If you can pay for your trip, I suggest not using any sponsorship. Like I mentioned above, mentioning someone on your application may lead to questions and complications.
Toyin says
Thanks so much, I did as you (and the customer care agent) advised and everything went fine.
Thirumal says
Hi Toyin! You’re welcome! I’m glad everything went fine. Please update us when your kids receive their visas as well. Good luck!