How to Log In to Your US Visa Appointment Account

Where to log in depends on which visa you are applying for

The US State Department runs separate login systems for different visa types. If you are applying for a tourist, business, student, or work visa, you log in through the Consular Electronic Application Portal (CEAC) at ceac.state.gov. If you are applying for an immigrant visa (green card), you use the National Visa Center (NVC) system instead at nvc.state.gov. The two systems do not share accounts, so using the wrong website will not find your case.

Before you can log in to either system, you need a case number. This number arrives in an email from the State Department after you submit your initial visa application. If you have not received that email yet, logging in will not work — the system has no record of you. Check your spam folder first, then wait a few business days for the email to arrive.

Key Takeaways

• Tourist, business, student, and work visas use CEAC at ceac.state.gov; immigrant visas use NVC at nvc.state.gov.
• You need a case number from the State Department before you can log in — this arrives by email after your initial application.
• Your login credentials are your passport number and the case number, not a username and password you create yourself.
• If you forget your case number, check your email confirmation or contact the US embassy or consulate handling your case.
• The system shows your appointment date once it is scheduled, but does not let you change the date yourself through the portal.

How to log in to CEAC for tourist, business, student, and work visas

Go to ceac.state.gov and select your country from the dropdown menu. The page will direct you to your country's specific consulate portal. On the login screen, enter your passport number in the first field and your case number in the second field. Do not create a new account — the system recognizes you by these two pieces of information alone.

After you log in, you will see your application status and, if an appointment has been scheduled, the date and time. The portal also shows what documents you still need to bring and any administrative processing notes. Bookmark this page or save your case number somewhere safe, because you will need to log back in to check for updates.

How to log in to NVC for immigrant visas

Go to nvc.state.gov and click "Immigrant Visa Login" on the homepage. Enter your National Visa Center case number and your passport number. Like CEAC, you do not create a password — these two numbers are your login credentials. The NVC system is slower to update than CEAC, so appointment dates may not appear immediately after they are scheduled.

Once you are logged in, the portal shows your case status, any requests for additional documents, and your appointment information once it is assigned. The NVC also displays fees you owe and instructions for paying them. Some consulates require payment before your appointment; others collect it on the day. The portal will tell you which applies to your case.

What to do if you cannot remember your case number

Check your email for the confirmation message from the State Department. This email contains your case number and is usually titled something like "Your DS-160 Application Confirmation" or "Your Visa Application Received." Search your inbox and spam folder for emails from travel.state.gov or nvc.state.gov.

If you cannot find the email, contact the US embassy or consulate that is handling your visa. You can find the right contact information by going to usembassy.gov, selecting your country, and looking for the visa section. Have your passport number and full name ready when you call or email. Response times vary, but most consulates answer within one to two business days.

Common login problems and how to fix them

If the system says your case number or passport number is incorrect, double-check that you are using the right portal. CEAC and NVC are separate — logging into the wrong one will always fail. Also verify that you are entering your passport number exactly as it appears on your passport, including any leading zeros, and that your case number matches what is in your confirmation email character for character.

If you are using the correct portal and the correct numbers but still cannot log in, the system may not have your case yet. Wait a few more business days and try again. If you applied through an agency or a visa service, they may have submitted your application but the State Department has not processed it into the system. Contact whoever submitted your application to confirm it was received.

If you see a message that says the portal is down or unavailable, try again in a few hours. The State Department performs maintenance on these systems regularly, usually outside US business hours. You can also try a different web browser or clear your browser cache and cookies before logging in again.

What happens after you log in and see your appointment date

Once your appointment is scheduled and visible in the portal, write down the date, time, and location. Bring this information with you on the day of your appointment, along with all documents listed in the portal. Do not assume the consulate will have your file — bring copies of everything you submitted, plus the originals of any documents that require them.

The portal does not let you reschedule your appointment yourself. If you need to change your date, you must contact the consulate directly. Some consulates have a separate rescheduling system or email address; others require you to call. Check the consulate's website for their specific process, because it varies by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a username and password instead of using my passport number and case number?

No. Both CEAC and NVC use only your passport number and case number as login credentials. You cannot create a custom username or password. If a website asks you to do this, it is not an official State Department portal.

What if I have already logged in before but now the system will not recognize me?

Try clearing your browser cache and cookies, then log in again. If that does not work, make sure you are on the correct portal — CEAC for non-immigrant visas, NVC for immigrant visas. If you are on the right site and still cannot log in, wait a day and try again, as the system may be under maintenance.

Will the portal show me my interview result or visa decision?

No. The portal shows your appointment date and document requirements, but not the outcome of your interview. After your appointment, the consulate will contact you separately by email or phone to tell you whether your visa was approved or denied.

Can I log in on my phone or tablet?

Yes, both CEAC and NVC work on mobile browsers. However, the mobile version may be harder to read and some features may not display correctly. If you have trouble on your phone, try logging in on a computer instead.

Is there a phone number I can call if I cannot log in?

The State Department does not have a general helpline for login problems. Contact the specific US embassy or consulate handling your case. You can find their phone number on usembassy.gov by selecting your country and looking for the visa section.