How to Book a US Visa Appointment Through CGI

What CGI does and why you use it

CGI is the company that runs the appointment booking system for US visa interviews at most consulates and embassies outside the United States. When you need to schedule an interview for a tourist visa, work visa, student visa, or any other US visa category, you book through CGI's website, not directly with the consulate.

The system is called the Consular Appointment System (CAS), and it is the only way to reserve an interview slot at your nearest US diplomatic post. You cannot call, email, or walk in to book — the appointment must be made online through CGI's platform.

CGI also manages the payment system for visa fees and the scheduling of administrative processing, which is the additional review some applications require after the interview.

Key Takeaways

• You must create an account on the CGI Consular Appointment System website for your country before you can book an interview.
• The system shows you available appointment dates at your chosen consulate, but those dates change as slots fill and new ones open.
• You pay the visa fee through CGI before your interview, and the system generates a receipt you must bring to the consulate.
• Wait times between booking and your interview vary widely by location and visa type — anywhere from weeks to many months.
• If you cannot attend your scheduled appointment, you must cancel and rebook through the same CGI system; missing an appointment without canceling may result in a fee or loss of your visa fee.

Finding and logging into the CGI system for your country

CGI runs separate booking systems for different countries. You must use the system for the country where you will have your interview, not your home country. For example, if you are applying for a US visa at the consulate in Mexico City, you use the Mexico system even if you are a citizen of another country.

Search for "US visa appointment [your country name]" or go to the main State Department visa website and look for the link to book appointments in your region. Each country's system has its own URL and login page. Once you find the correct site, create an account using your email address and a password you choose.

You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, passport number, and contact information. Keep your login details in a safe place — you will need them to check appointment availability, pay your fee, and reschedule if necessary.

Checking availability and understanding what you see

After you log in, the system shows you available appointment dates at the consulate you selected. The dates displayed depend on how many interview slots the consulate has released and how many people have already booked them. Popular locations and times fill quickly.

The system does not show you all future dates at once. Instead, it shows availability in windows — often the next 30 to 90 days, depending on the consulate. If no dates appear in that window, it means all slots are booked. New dates are released periodically, so you may need to check back over several days or weeks.

The date you see is the date of your visa interview, not the date you will receive your visa. After the interview, the consulate will tell you when to return for your passport with the visa stamp, or they may mail it to you.

Paying your visa fee and what happens next

Before you can book an appointment, you must pay the visa fee through the CGI system. The fee amount depends on your visa type — tourist visas, work visas, and student visas have different costs. CGI accepts credit and debit cards, and some locations also accept bank transfers or local payment methods.

After you pay, CGI generates a receipt with a confirmation number. You must print this receipt and bring it to your interview. The consulate will not interview you without proof of payment. The fee is non-refundable even if your visa is denied, with rare exceptions for certain visa categories.

Once you have paid, you can select your appointment date from the available slots. After you confirm your date, CGI sends you a confirmation email with your interview time and location. Save this email and the receipt — you need both on the day of your interview.

What to bring and how to prepare for your appointment

Bring your passport, the CGI payment receipt, your confirmation email, and all documents required for your visa category. The consulate's website lists what you need — this varies by visa type. A tourist visa requires different documents than a work visa or student visa.

Arrive early on the day of your interview. Most consulates require you to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time. You will go through security screening before entering the building. Bring only what you need; many consulates do not allow bags, phones, or certain items inside.

The interview itself is usually brief — 5 to 15 minutes. The consular officer will ask about your purpose for travel, your ties to your home country, and your financial situation. Answer honestly and directly. If your application requires additional review, the officer will tell you at the end of the interview.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

If you need to change your appointment date, log back into your CGI account and look for the option to reschedule. You can usually move your appointment to a different available date without paying again, as long as you cancel and rebook through the system. The exact process varies by country.

If you cancel without rebooking, your visa fee remains in your account and can be used for a future appointment. However, if you simply do not show up on the day of your interview without canceling, you may lose your fee or be charged an additional no-show fee. Always cancel through the system if you cannot attend.

Some countries allow you to reschedule online; others require you to contact the consulate directly. Check your country's specific instructions on the CGI website before your appointment date.

Tracking your application status after your interview

After your interview, you can log into your CGI account to see the status of your application. The system will show whether your visa is approved, denied, or under administrative processing. Administrative processing means the consulate is doing additional background checks or verification — this can take anywhere from a few days to several months.

If your visa is approved, the system will tell you when and how to collect your passport. Some consulates mail passports to your address; others require you to pick them up in person. If your visa is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reason, and you can reapply by paying the fee again and booking a new appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if no appointment dates are showing in the CGI system?

All available slots are booked. New dates are released regularly, so check back every few days. You can also contact the consulate directly to ask when the next batch of dates will be released. Some consulates have predictable schedules; others release dates randomly.

Can I book an appointment at a different consulate than the one nearest me?

Yes, you can choose any consulate in the country where you are applying. However, you must be physically present in that consulate's jurisdiction on the day of your interview. Some consulates have longer wait times than others, so choosing a less busy location may get you an earlier date.

What happens if I miss my appointment?

If you do not show up and do not cancel beforehand, you may lose your visa fee and be required to pay again to reschedule. Always cancel through the CGI system if you cannot attend, even if it is the day before your appointment.

How long does it usually take to get an appointment after I pay the fee?

This varies greatly by location and visa type. Some consulates have appointments available within weeks; others have waits of several months. Popular locations and certain visa categories have longer waits. Check the CGI system for your specific consulate to see current availability.

Can I change my visa category after I have booked an appointment?

You should contact the consulate directly before your interview if you need to change your visa type. Some changes can be made without rebooking; others require you to cancel and start over. Do not assume you can change categories on the day of your interview.