How to Book Appointments on the U.S. Visa Portal: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Deepak B
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
The official visa scheduling portal (often managed by a contractor like UStraveldocs or the newer U.S. Visa Scheduling system, depending on your location) is where you will complete the bulk of the process after the DS-160.
1 Identify Your Visa Type
Determine if you need a non-immigrant (e.g., B1/B2, F-1, H-1B) or immigrant visa. This directs your application path.
2. Complete the DS-160 Form
Fill out Form DS-160 online
Upload a compliant photo
Save and print the DS-160 confirmation page
3. Create an Account on the U.S. Visa Portal
You need to go to the visa appointment website for the country where you are applying for a visa. The visa appointment website is where you will do this. Just go to the visa appointment website, for that country.
Create a profile using your personal and passport information. You may be asked to select your visa type and the consulate/embassy location.
4. Pay the Visa Fee (MRV Fee)
To pay you need to go to your country's portal and look for the ways you can pay. You can usually pay online through your bank or with cash, at banks. Remember, the fee you pay will not be given back to you.
Key Outcome: You will receive a Payment Receipt Number. You must have this to proceed to scheduling.
5 Schedule Your Appointments
When the payment of your fee is finished and it is all taken care of you should wait for a while because it can take a few days if you paid through the bank. After that you can log back into your account.
The system will require your DS-160 Confirmation Number and the MRV Fee Payment Receipt Number.
Choose Your VAC and Consulate Location: Select the location for your two mandatory appointments (in most cases):
VAC/OFC Appointment: The first appointment is typically at a Visa Application Center (VAC) or Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) for fingerprinting and photo collection (biometrics).
Consular Interview: The second appointment is the actual interview with a Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Note: The biometrics appointment (VAC/OFC) must occur before the consular interview.
6. Choose Your VAC and Consulate Location
You must choose from the list of available locations in your country. Your interview will typically be at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that serves the region where the VAC is located.
7. Reschedule or Cancel (If Needed)
If you want to change or cancel your appointments you can do that by going to your profile. This is usually free which is good. You just have to make the change than 24 hours before your appointment time. You can reschedule appointments through your profile or you can cancel appointments through your portal profile.
Important: You can reschedule a limited number of times. Your MRV fee is valid for one year from the date of payment.
8. Prepare Required Documents
For the VAC/Interview: Bring:
Current passport and old passports.
Printed DS-160 confirmation page.
Printed appointment confirmation letter(s).
You should bring a photo, with you. Even though the digital version is usually sent in with the DS-160 form it is an idea to carry a physical copy of the photo as well.
Visa-specific documents: Interview appointment letter (if separate), financial evidence, invitation letters, I-20 (for students), DS-2019 (for exchange visitors), I-797 (for workers), etc.
9. Attend Appointments as Scheduled
When you go to your VAC Appointment make sure you get there on time. You need to bring all the documents with you. At the VAC Appointment you will have to submit your passport. They will take your biometrics at the VAC Appointment.
Consular Interview (if required): Arrive early (50-40 minutes). Bring all original documents. Answer questions clearly and concisely. The officer will tell you if your visa is approved, refused, or requires administrative processing.
Good Luck For Your Interview.
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