How to Reschedule Your US Visa Appointment

You can reschedule through the same portal where you booked, but timing and availability depend on which consulate you're using

To reschedule a US visa appointment, log into the consulate's online system using your case number and passport number — the same login you used to book the original date. Most consulates let you pick a new date from available slots in their calendar. The process takes about 10 minutes if slots are open. If your consulate's system shows no available dates, you are on a waitlist and will need to check back regularly or contact the consulate directly to ask when the next batch of appointments opens.

The rules for rescheduling vary by location. Some consulates allow unlimited changes; others charge a fee or limit how many times you can reschedule. A few require you to cancel and rebook as separate transactions. Before you start, check your consulate's specific instructions — they are usually posted on the visa appointment page for your country.

Key Takeaways

• Log into your consulate's appointment system with your case number and passport number to see available dates and reschedule yourself.
• If no dates appear, your consulate may be fully booked; check back in a few days or contact them to learn when new slots open.
• Some consulates charge a rescheduling fee or limit the number of changes you can make, so read your consulate's policy before you proceed.
• Rescheduling does not reset your visa processing timeline — your case continues from where it was, and you keep the same visa category and fee payment.

How to log in and find your rescheduling option

Go to your consulate's visa appointment website. This is not a single US government portal — each consulate runs its own system. If you are not sure which consulate you booked with, check your appointment confirmation email; it will name the city and country.

Enter your case number and passport number in the login fields. Your case number appears on your visa fee receipt and in any emails from the consulate. If you cannot find it, the confirmation email from when you first booked will have it. Once you are logged in, look for a button or link that says "Reschedule" or "Modify Appointment" — the exact wording differs by location, but it is usually on the main page after login.

Click that option and the system will show you the calendar of available dates. Select your new date and time, then confirm. You should receive a new confirmation email with your updated appointment details within a few minutes. Save this email and bring a printed copy to your appointment, along with your original confirmation.

What to do if no dates are available

If the calendar shows no open slots, the consulate is fully booked. This is common in high-demand locations and during peak seasons. Do not assume your case is lost — new appointments open regularly as other applicants cancel or complete their interviews.

Check back every few days, especially early in the morning your consulate's local time. Some consulates release new slots in batches. If you have been checking for more than two weeks with no luck, contact the consulate's visa section by phone or email and ask when the next batch of appointments is expected. Provide your case number. Some consulates will tell you; others will not, but asking costs nothing.

If your original appointment date has already passed and you missed it, you may need to contact the consulate before you can reschedule. A missed appointment can affect your case, so reach out to them directly rather than trying to book a new date on your own.

Rescheduling fees and limits on changes

Most consulates do not charge a fee to reschedule. However, some do — typically between $10 and $50 USD. Check your consulate's appointment page or your original confirmation email to see whether a fee applies. If a fee is required, the system will tell you before you confirm the reschedule, and you will pay online using the same method you used for your visa fee.

A few consulates limit how many times you can reschedule without reapplying or paying again. This limit is usually three to five changes. If you have already rescheduled several times, the system may block you from making another change and direct you to contact the consulate instead. Again, your consulate's policy page will state this upfront.

What happens to your case when you reschedule

Rescheduling does not restart your visa processing. Your case stays in the same place in the queue, your visa category does not change, and you do not pay the visa fee again. The only thing that changes is the date and time you show up for your interview.

Your medical exam (if required) and police clearance remain valid for the time periods set by the consulate — usually six months for the medical and one year for the police clearance. If your new appointment date falls outside those windows, you may need to redo those steps. The consulate will tell you if that is the case when you reschedule or when you arrive for your interview.

Rescheduling before your original appointment vs. after you miss it

If your original appointment is still in the future, you can reschedule through the portal without any special steps. Do this as soon as you know you cannot make the original date.

If you have already missed your appointment, do not try to reschedule online. Instead, contact the consulate's visa section directly by phone or email and explain what happened. Provide your case number and ask how to proceed. A missed appointment is flagged in your file, and the consulate needs to clear that before you can book a new date. This usually takes a few business days.

Rescheduling for a different visa category or applicant

You cannot change your visa category through the reschedule function. If you need a different type of visa — for example, switching from a tourist visa to a work visa — you must start a new application and pay the visa fee again. Contact the consulate to ask how to proceed.

If you are rescheduling for a family member or someone else, you cannot do it on their behalf. Each applicant must log in with their own case number and passport number and reschedule their own appointment. If the applicant cannot access the system, they should contact the consulate for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reschedule my appointment the day before or day of?

Technically yes, if your consulate's system allows it and slots are open. However, this is risky — if something goes wrong with the reschedule or the system is down, you may lose your appointment entirely. Reschedule as far in advance as you can.

What if I reschedule and then need to reschedule again?

You can reschedule multiple times through the portal, as long as your consulate does not have a limit on changes. Log in again, click reschedule, and pick a new date. If you have hit your consulate's limit, contact them directly and explain your situation.

Do I need to pay the visa fee again if I reschedule?

No. Your visa fee is tied to your case number and does not change when you reschedule. You pay it once, when you first book your appointment.

What if the consulate's website is down or I cannot log in?

Try again in a few hours — the system is usually back up quickly. If it stays down for more than a day, contact the consulate's visa section and let them know you are trying to reschedule. They can tell you whether the system is under maintenance or if there is a problem with your account.

Can I reschedule to a different city or country?

No. Your appointment is tied to the consulate where you applied. If you need to interview at a different location, you must contact that consulate and ask about transferring your case. This is a separate process from rescheduling and may require additional fees or paperwork.