How to Schedule a US Visa Interview Appointment Online

Whether you’re pursuing an O-1 visa for extraordinary ability or an EB-2 (NIW) visa for national interest waiver, understanding the process of scheduling your visa interview online can save you time and stress.

This guide will not only walk you through the steps to schedule your U.S. visa interview appointment online, it will also help you know what to do in case you miss your interview appointment and how to handle expedited appointments or what to do in case of emergencies.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

Before scheduling your appointment, identify the visa category that aligns with your purpose of travel. For instance:

– O-1 Visa: Ideal for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.

– EB-2 (NIW) Visa: Designed for professionals whose work benefits the U.S. national interest.

Use the Visa Wizard on the U.S. government’s official website to confirm your visa type.

Step 2: Complete the DS-160 Form

The DS-160 is the online application form for nonimmigrant visas. Each applicant, including minors, must complete this form individually.

Pro Tip: Keep your DS-160 confirmation page handy, as you’ll need it to schedule your appointment.

Step 3: Create or Sign In to Your AVITS Account

To schedule your appointment, you’ll need to create an account on the AVITS (Applicant Visa Information and Scheduling System) portal. If you already have an account, simply log in using your credentials.

Step 4: Pay the U.S. Visa Fee

The U.S. visa fee varies depending on your visa type and location. For applicants in Nigeria, the current U.S. visa fee in Nigeria (2025) can be paid online through the AVITS portal. Ensure you keep the payment receipt, as it’s required for scheduling your appointment.

Step 5: Schedule a Regular Visa Appointment

Once your payment is confirmed, you’ll see a calendar with available appointment slots. If you are in Nigeria, choose a date and time that works best for you at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos.

Note: If you’re applying for an American visa lottery in Nigeria, ensure you follow the specific instructions provided during the lottery process which might take a longer route.

In fact, only individuals that were born outside of Nigeria or have parents that were born outside of Nigeria are now eligible for the Diversity Visa Lottery.

Step 6: Request an Expedited Appointment (If Applicable)

If you have an urgent need to travel, you may qualify for an expedited appointment. However, this option is only available under specific circumstances, such as:

Qualifications for an Expedited Appointment

1. Medical Needs: Traveling for urgent medical treatment or accompanying a family member.
– Required Documents: Letters from doctors in Nigeria and the U.S., proof of financial capability.

2. Funeral or Death: Attending a funeral or repatriating a family member’s remains.
– Required Documents: Funeral director’s letter, proof of relationship.

3. Student or Exchange Visitors: Resuming studies within 90 days.
– Required Documents: Form I-20 or DS-2019, SEVIS ID number.

4. Lost or Stolen Visa: Reporting a lost or stolen visa.
– Required Documents: Police report, notification to the U.S. Embassy.

5.ESTA Denial: Ineligible for the Visa Waiver Program.
– Required Documents: ESTA denial notice.

6. Urgent Business Travel: Attending unforeseen business matters.
– Required Documents: Invitation letter, training program details.

Important: Misrepresenting your reasons for an expedited appointment can negatively impact your visa application.

Step 7: Attend Your Visa Interview

On the day of your appointment, come along with all required documents, including:

– DS-160 confirmation page

– Appointment confirmation letter

– Passport-sized photos

– Visa specific Supporting documents

Pro Tip: Arrive early and avoid carrying prohibited items to ensure a smooth process.

Step 8: Track Your Visa Status and Retrieve Your Documents

After your interview, you can track your visa status online. Once approved, your passport and visa will be delivered to your chosen document delivery location.

Ready to schedule your U.S. visa interview appointment? Let VeriPass guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you secure your O-1 or EB-2 (NIW) visa.

Missed Your US Visa Interview Appointment?

Now, missing a visa interview appointment can be a stressful experience, especially if you’ve been waiting a long time for this crucial step in the visa application process.

However, while a missed interview might seem like a significant setback, there are steps you can take to recover and move forward. This guide will walk you through what to do if you’ve missed your visa interview appointment and how to reschedule or handle any potential issues that may arise.

At Veripass, we support clients through every part of their visa application journey, including helping them navigate challenges like missed appointments.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Missing an appointment might feel like the end of the road, but there are often ways to resolve the issue. Start by taking a deep breath and staying calm. Assess what might have gone wrong and why you missed the appointment. Some common reasons include:

• Scheduling errors
• Unforeseen personal issues
• Transportation delays
• Miscommunication

Understanding the reason can help you provide a reasonable explanation to consulate staff and prepare for the next steps. For example, if you’re applying for a visa for volunteer work in USA, missing an appointment could delay your plans significantly.

2. Contact the Consulate Immediately

Once you realize you’ve missed the interview, it’s crucial to reach out to the consulate as soon as possible. Many embassies and consulates, including Pakistani consulates in USA, have specific procedures for missed appointments. Contacting them quickly can help you find out what your options are.

• Explain your situation briefly and clearly in your communication.
• Request guidance on the next steps for rescheduling.

Some consulates may allow you to reschedule without needing to pay additional fees, while others might have different policies depending on the circumstances.

3. Check the Consulate’s Website for Rescheduling Policies

Every consulate and embassy has its own policies regarding missed appointments, so it’s essential to refer to their website for specific instructions. Typically, you’ll find a section under “Visas” or “Appointments” with guidelines on what to do if you miss your scheduled time.

Key Information to Look For:

• Rescheduling timelines: Some consulates may require rescheduling within a certain period, such as 30 days.
• Fee requirements: Determine if additional fees are needed for rescheduling. For example, if you’re applying for a visa US, you might need to check how much is US visa fee in Nigeria today. 
• Procedure for no-shows: Some consulates consider a missed appointment as a no-show and may require an entirely new application, depending on their policy.

At Veripass, we help clients find the most accurate and updated information about rescheduling policies to minimize confusion and delays.

4. Prepare for Potential Repercussions

In some cases, missing a visa interview appointment can result in delays or complications with your application. Be prepared for possible consequences, including:

• Application delays: Rescheduling might push your interview date back by weeks or months.
• Additional fees: Some consulates require a new fee payment for rescheduling. For instance, if you’re applying from Nigeria, you might need to check how much is the US visa fee in Nigeria. 
• Document reassessment: Depending on how much time has passed, you may need to update certain documents for the new appointment.

Veripass helps applicants understand potential repercussions and strategize on how to address them, so they remain proactive throughout the process.

5. Prepare a Valid Explanation for Missing the Appointment

When you reschedule, you may be asked to provide an explanation for missing your original interview appointment. Prepare a brief, honest, and clear explanation that shows you’re taking responsibility. Some examples include:

• Unexpected health issues
• Document errors or missing paperwork
• Travel delays outside of your control

This explanation can help consular officers understand that you’re serious about your application and were genuinely unable to attend. Veripass helps clients craft appropriate explanations that align with consular expectations while maintaining a professional approach.

6. Review and Update Your Documents

If you’ve rescheduled your appointment, use the extra time to review and update any documents you’ll need for the interview. This can include refreshing financial documents, updating employment verification, or gathering additional letters of support. Double-check your application for accuracy and ensure all supporting documents are current.

Recommended Documents to Review:

• Proof of financial stability: Bank statements, employment letters, etc.
• Educational or employment records: Relevant certificates or pay stubs.
• Travel history: Documents that may show your previous travels or ties to your home country.

With Veripass, clients have access to thorough document checklists to ensure everything is complete and updated for their rescheduled interview.

7. Use the Rescheduling Time to Practice Your Interview Skills

If your interview has been rescheduled, take advantage of the extra time to practice your interview responses. Review typical questions for your visa type and practice answering them confidently and concisely. Areas to focus on include:

• Clarifying your travel intentions: Be prepared to explain why you wish to travel to the U.S. and your plans for your stay.
• Supporting your financial situation: Answer confidently about your means of support during your stay.
• Demonstrating ties to your home country: Consular officers want assurance that you have a reason to return to your home country after your stay.

Veripass provides tailored interview coaching sessions, preparing clients to handle interview questions effectively, even under tight timelines.

8. Keep Track of Deadlines and Notifications

After you’ve rescheduled your interview, keep a close eye on any communications from the consulate. Missing another appointment or failing to respond to notifications can jeopardize your application.

Tips for Staying on Top of Deadlines:

• Set up reminders on your phone or calendar app for the rescheduled date.
• Check your email daily for updates or additional requests from the consulate.
• Confirm your appointment a few days before the scheduled date to avoid last-minute issues.

At Veripass, we emphasize the importance of staying organized and regularly checking for consulate notifications to keep the application process on track.

9. Plan for Your New Appointment Well in Advance

After rescheduling, plan every aspect of your new appointment to avoid a repeat of missed appointments. Make sure to:

• Plan your route to the consulate, accounting for potential traffic or transit delays.
• Double-check the location and specific entry requirements for the day of the interview.
• Prepare necessary items (passport, appointment letter, and all required documents).

Veripass encourages clients to be fully prepared, reducing the risk of issues that could cause additional delays.

10. Seek Support If Needed

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about rescheduling and preparing for the interview, consider seeking expert assistance. With professional support, you can confidently approach your visa interview, knowing that you’re well-prepared.

At Veripass, we offer personalized guidance for clients who may be struggling with any part of the visa process, including rescheduling interviews and navigating unexpected obstacles.

How Veripass Can Help You Recover from a Missed Appointment

Recovering from a missed visa interview appointment doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Veripass is here to help guide you through the rescheduling process, ensuring you stay organized and prepared for your new appointment. Our team can assist with everything from organizing updated documents to providing interview practice and helping you communicate effectively with consular staff.

Missed your visa interview appointment? Contact Veripass to get back on track and make your next interview a success. Our experts are committed to helping you succeed in your visa journey, every step of the way.