Want to change your US visa appointment or request an emergency slot? Here's what to do

Scheduling a US visa appointment can be a complex process, but understanding the steps can make it smoother for applicants. Before attempting to schedule an appointment, applicants must first fill out and submit their DS-160 application form and pay the visa fee. Keeping the DS-160 confirmation page and fee receipt handy is essential, as these documents are required when booking your appointment.

The first step in the appointment process is creating a profile on the official scheduling website at www.uscheduling.com. Applicants who already have a profile should not create a new one but can modify their existing profile by logging in. In case a password is forgotten, the system allows users to reset it using their verified email address.

To create a new profile, applicants must:

• Enter a desired username and create a password between 8 and 16 characters that includes at least three of the following: lowercase letters, uppercase letters, numbers, or symbols.
• Provide a regularly used email address and verify it with a code sent to that account.
• Complete the name request box to match the passport, and answer three security questions, which are case-sensitive and required to log in.

Scheduling your visa appointment:
Once the profile is set up, scheduling the visa appointment involves a few key steps.

• First, select the visa type (non-immigrant or immigrant) and category, such as visitor, student, or work visa.
• Then enter the applicant details, including passport number, date of birth, nationality, and DS-160 confirmation number. Family members can be added under the “manage dependent” tab, and groups of 10 or more travellers should follow separate group appointment guidance.
• Next, applicants select an appointment location. India has five visa application centers, and availability may vary, so it is recommended to check all locations.
• Two appointments are required: a V appointment for fingerprint and photo collection, followed by the interview appointment. These appointments can be at different locations.

Rescheduling and Emergency appointments:
The US Embassy, India explains, for rescheduling or emergency appointments, the following points are important:

• Appointment slots open on a rolling basis, so applicants should check frequently.
• Expedited appointments are for emergencies, such as a death in the immediate family or urgent medical treatment. Applicants must first book a regular appointment and then submit an emergency request form.
• Each appointment can only be rescheduled once. Missing an appointment is considered a no-show, requiring the applicant to restart the process.

Technical assistance is available via email at support-india@uscheduling.com, the website chat function, or by calling +91 20 6902 0000 in India.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring all information is accurate and truthful. Third-party interference or extra fees should be avoided, and help should only come from trusted family members or friends.