How to reschedule your visa appointment online

You reschedule a U.S. visa appointment through the same website where you booked it: the State Department's Consular Electronic process Portal (CEAC) at ceac.state.gov. Log in with your account credentials and the case number from your appointment confirmation email. The system will show your current appointment date and a button to reschedule. You can move your appointment to any available date at your consulate or embassy, though availability varies by location and visa type.

The reschedule function is available 24 hours a day. You do not need to contact the consulate by phone or email to change the date — the online system handles it when ready. After you confirm the new date, you will receive a new appointment confirmation email with your updated time and location. Print or save this email; you will need it when you arrive for your interview.

If the online system shows no available dates, the consulate's interview schedule is full. In that case, you can check back daily, as cancellations open up slots regularly. Some consulates release new appointment windows on specific days of the week.

Key Takeaways

  • Reschedule through CEAC at ceac.state.gov using your case number and account login, not by calling or emailing the consulate.
  • You can move your appointment to any available date shown in the system for your visa type and location.
  • The new confirmation email is your proof of the rescheduled appointment and must be brought to the consulate.
  • If no dates appear available, check back daily because cancellations create new slots throughout the month.
  • Rescheduling does not reset your visa process or require you to pay the visa fee again.

What information you need before you reschedule

Have your case number ready before you log into CEAC. This number appears in your original appointment confirmation email and on any correspondence from the consulate. If you cannot find it, check your email inbox for messages from the State Department or your consulate — the subject line usually includes "Appointment Confirmation" or "Interview Notice."

You also need the password you created when you first registered on CEAC. If you have forgotten it, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it. The reset email arrives within a few minutes to the email address you registered with.

Have your passport number available as well. The system may ask you to verify it before showing your appointment details, though this depends on your visa type and which consulate you are using.

When you cannot reschedule online

Some consulates do not allow online rescheduling for certain visa types. Immigrant visas (green card interviews), diversity visa interviews, and some special visa categories may require you to contact the consulate directly. Check your appointment confirmation email — it will state whether you can reschedule online or must call or email instead.

If your consulate requires direct contact, the email address and phone number appear on the confirmation. Call during the consulate's business hours, which are usually 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. Have your case number and passport number ready when you call. Email responses typically take three to five business days.

Some consulates have separate phone lines for appointment changes. The main consulate number may direct you to a scheduling line or ask you to leave a voicemail with your case number and preferred new date.

How far in advance you can reschedule

You can reschedule at any point before your current appointment date. There is no minimum waiting period — you can move your appointment from next week to next month, or from next month to next week, as long as the new date has availability. Some consulates allow you to reschedule multiple times if your circumstances change.

However, rescheduling too close to your appointment date may limit your options. If your appointment is in two days and you try to reschedule, you may find that all nearby dates are booked. Plan ahead when possible to may support you have a full range of available dates to choose from.

If you need to reschedule far into the future — more than six months away — contact the consulate directly rather than using the online system, as the system may not display dates that far out.

What happens to your visa fee when you reschedule

Rescheduling does not require you to pay the visa fee again. The fee you paid when you submitted your process remains valid and is tied to your case number. When you reschedule through CEAC, the system keeps your payment on file and applies it to your new appointment date.

If you paid the fee at a bank or payment center before submitting your process, that receipt is still valid. Bring it with you to your rescheduled interview as proof of payment. The consulate will verify the payment in their system when you arrive.

If your original payment expires before your rescheduled appointment — which varies by consulate and can range from several months to over a year — the consulate will notify you. In that case, you would need to pay the fee again, but this is rare if you reschedule within a reasonable timeframe.

What documents to bring to your rescheduled appointment

Bring the same documents you would have brought to your original appointment. These typically include your passport, the appointment confirmation email (printed or on your phone), your visa process form (DS-160 for nonimmigrant visas), and any supporting documents requested by the consulate. Your visa type determines which additional documents are required — employment letters, financial records, medical exam results, or family documents, for example.

The consulate's website lists the specific documents for your visa category. Check the page for your country and visa type before your rescheduled appointment, as requirements can change. Bring originals and copies of key documents unless the consulate specifies otherwise.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment time. Security screening at the consulate can take time, and arriving early reduces stress. Bring only what is necessary — most consulates do not allow large bags or electronic devices in the interview area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reschedule if my visa process was denied?

No. If your visa was denied, you cannot reschedule the same appointment. You would need to submit a new process and pay the visa fee again. However, you can reapply when ready — there is no waiting period between a denial and a new process, though some visa types have specific rules about reapplication timing.

What if I miss my rescheduled appointment?

If you do not show up for your rescheduled appointment, your case may be closed and your visa fee forfeited. Contact the consulate as soon as possible to explain your absence. Some consulates will allow you to reschedule again if you have a valid reason, but this depends on their policy and your specific situation.

Can I reschedule to a different city or country?

No. You must interview at the consulate where your process was originally submitted. You cannot move your appointment to a different city or country through the reschedule function. If you need to change your interview location, contact the consulate directly to discuss your options.

How long does it take to reschedule?

Rescheduling through CEAC is when ready — your new appointment is confirmed as soon as you click the button. The confirmation email arrives within minutes. If you contact the consulate by phone or email, rescheduling typically takes one to three business days.

What if the system says no appointments are available?

The consulate's schedule is temporarily full. Check back daily, as cancellations happen regularly and new slots open up. Some consulates release additional appointment windows on specific days. If you have an urgent need to interview sooner, contact the consulate directly to explain your situation — they may be able to accommodate you or suggest alternatives.