How Many Times Can I Reschedule US Visa Appointment: Guide 2025

Written by

Amitaanshu Midha

Fact check by

Shreya Pandey

Updated on

Aug 13,2025

How Many Times Can I Reschedule US Visa Appointment: Complete  Guide - TerraTern

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The question that most minds are asking is how many times can I reschedule US visa appointment? This entire 2025 Guide dissects it all. You will receive country-specific regulations, time recommendations, and an emergency guide. Let's jump in and be ahead of schedule.

 

How Many Times Can I Reschedule US Visa Appointment in 2025: Country-Specific Limits

Appointment written on a paper under a laptop; How Many Times Can I Reschedule US Visa Appointment: TerraTern

How many times can I reschedule US visa appointment? This is what you should know about regionally limiting reschedules. Along with the number of reschedulings allowed, differing policies are set by each country on the number of times one can reschedule their US visa appointment, and depending on the US Embassy or Consulate in that country, the number could be quite different. In some places, you can reschedule many times without a fee, and some places recently made it a bit more restrictive, such as India, which now has a one-time reschedule maximum. Feeling these region-specific requirements is vital because failure to abide by the number of changes stipulated may lead to repeating the paying visa fee or being hit by long delays in getting another appointment. It is only proper to go by the official instructions of your local embassy before rescheduling.

India Reschedule Limits (2025 Update)

How many times can I reschedule US visa appointment? In India, a US visa appointment can be rescheduled once at no charge after the actual booking as of January 1, 2025. This is a massive shift from before, where the old policy permitted a maximum of three reschedules without any additional fee. With the new rule, this implies that if you fail to attend your booked appointment date or reschedule on the second day, you must repeat the process by paying the full application fee again, since you have missed your appointment date. This time around, you must rebook your Appointment. The move aimed to spearhead alleviating a cumulatively increasing demand for US visa appointments in India and shortening long wait times, which have been edging towards one year in certain establishments. Rescheduling is discouraged and should be avoided at all costs by the applicants, as it implies extra expenses and delays.

Latest General US Embassy Guidelines

How many times can I reschedule US visa appointment? In the Philippines, a visa candidate can reschedule their Appointment for the US visa several times (3 times) at no extra cost following the initial reservation. This should give individuals brief flexibility if they have to change their plans and still make it tempting to attend early.

Japan is more flexible, and there are up to six reschedule attempts. But, after this limit is crossed, you must pay a new MRV fee to make another appointment. This policy is a compromise between flexibility and appointment demand management.

Can I reschedule my US visa appointment in India? Other countries have general guidelines that allow applicants to make up to four reschedules without penalty before the extra cost or compulsory waiting period. These constraints assist in preserving a good and effective scheduling method for all the visa applicants globally.

Also Read: Intracompany Transfer Visa USA

Current Emergency Situations and Exceptions

How many times can I reschedule US visa appointment? Sometimes things happen, and you cannot keep your US visa appointment as scheduled. In these instances, embassies and consulates know there must be some flexibility and might give more reschedules than the standard ones.

Can I reschedule my US visa appointment in India? Some of the typical emergency scenarios are:

  • Sudden illness, hospitalization, and the like, medical emergencies

  • Severe family matters such as death or serious sickness of an immediate family member.

  • Natural disasters or severe weather conditions are disrupting travel plans

  • Government-imposed travel restrictions or sudden border closures

  • In case of any of these emergencies, you can usually apply for an exception by submitting papers justifying the same, such as medical certificates, death notices, or government advisories.

  • Although embassies seriously deliberate on such a request, approvals are done on a case-by-case basis and are not automatic. You stand a better chance of getting your emergency reschedule request, so you must write it with solid facts and go in as early as possible.

  • This is a safety net in case you need to miss an exam owing to unavoidable circumstances, which is why this is a good option to have, as it makes it so that you are not disadvantaged by a circumstance that was not your choice to occur.

Understanding US Visa Appointment Rescheduling Policies in 2025

A bridge over a river; How Many Times Can I Reschedule US Visa Appointment: TerraTern

How many times can I reschedule US visa appointment? Let us explain why rescheduling is not unlimited:

  • Reschedule limits can be used to avoid the abuse of a system. The unlimited capacity could have allowed some applicants to keep switching dates continuously, leaving no other place available to other applicants.

  • The waiting time in a high-demand country such as India is over 400 days to obtain a B1/B2 visa, creating immense congestion on the appointment system.

  • To make the process fair and effective, embassies aim to limit the possible number of reschedules; hence, more applicants receive timely availability of an appointment.

  • Such restrictions also enable it to enforce proper scheduling, decreasing the cases of cancellations and no-shows at the last minute, which interferes with the system.

In other words, rescheduling caps safeguard the opportunity of all people to book an appointment without frivolous delays.

What Does Rescheduling Mean?

How many times can I reschedule US visa appointment? Rescheduling represents the choice of a new date for your visa interview or a biometrics appointment using the official scheduling portal. It employs the "Reschedule Appointment" option to alter your Appointment to a more convenient alternate day or time.

  • By rescheduling, you are not losing your place in the queue, but merely shifting your Appointment to a different, available one. This is unlike canceling your Appointment, which deletes your reservation and can even make you repeat the scheduling process.

  • Rescheduling applies to both an interview at the embassy or consulate and one at the Visa Application Center (VAC) for the biometrics. Rescheduling online is simple and easy, with most embassy systems allowing applicants to reschedule their appointments from home.

  • Rescheduling has some rules and restrictions established by every embassy or consulate. An example includes the number of times you are allowed to make changes, deadlines within which you should make changes, and the extent to which you should give notice without incurring penalties. Become acquainted with these policies so that you can utilize the option of rescheduling successfully and without losing your visa fee or being at risk of missing the appointment date.

Why Do Embassies Limit Reschedules?

How many times can I reschedule US visa appointment? To uphold fairness among the applicants, all applicants should have a fair opportunity to record an appointment. When a large number of individuals keep exchanging appointment dates, there may be difficulty in obtaining available dates. Restricting reschedules will also promote the overall equality of assignments among the applicants.

  • To avoid cases of too much load on the system through numerous changes of appointments that block the scheduling process. Every reschedule needs resources in the system and employee time. Embassies may regulate the frequency of appointments by applicants, which helps with the smooth functioning of the scheduling platform and eliminates bottlenecks.

  • Make appointment slots more available and make embassy operations smoother in the processing of visas. Consulates and Visa Centers are in a better position to manage their resources and allocate the number of staff more adequately, benefiting all because when there is stability in appointments, changes in them become less frequent, leading to faster service and shorter waiting periods.

When Can I Reschedule My US Visa Appointment: Timing Guidelines 2025

How many times can I reschedule US visa appointment? Gaining information on when can I reschedule my US visa appointment can mean everything from occupying a better interview time to losing my US visa money. Timing would be of the essence since US embassies and consulates impose severe deadlines and notice requirements to be able to reschedule. Failure to meet these deadlines may mean that your Appointment will appear missed, and you will be required to repeat the whole application process, paying the fees at an added expense.

When can I reschedule my US visa appointment? This section will discuss key deadlines, minimum notices, and tested timing schemes so you can reschedule to succeed without any penalty. With the knowledge of such regulations, you can strategize your changes and have a higher probability of receiving an earlier appointment or one that better suits your schedule.

Also Read: Difference Between Tourist Visa and Visitor Visa

Latest Minimum Notice Requirements

How many times can I reschedule US visa appointment? Most embassies in the US should give a minimum of 48 hours' notice before the date you have arranged to include you in their schedule.

  • At a biometrics (ASC) appointment, 48 hours is the safest rule, although the notice period can be shorter by a little.

  • Business days are calculated excluding weekends and local holidays as far as interview appointments are concerned.

Example:

  • Assuming you have an interview on Monday at 9.00 a.m. local time, the latest you hope to reschedule will be Thursday morning of the previous week.

  • Time zones count, and local time in the embassy is not yours. When you have to be in another time zone, consider it.

Current Best Times to Check for Earlier Appointments

How many times can I reschedule US visa appointment? Cancellations are usually primarily available early in the morning and late at night:

  • 6.00 a.m. to 8.00 a.m. Local Embassy Time- This is where most of the overnight cancellations would have been realized. Slots made available the previous days could have been cancelled or rescheduled, thus revealing new slots in the morning. The availability to check at any of these hours will put you in a better position to grab the now-open appointments before they are again filled.

  • 8:00-10:00 p.m. Local Embassy Time- During the later time of the evening, several embassy scheduling systems conduct regular updates and refreshes. New appointments may be freed up when new slots are available in the future days or weeks. Surveillance of the portal during these hours can enable you to pick such openings immediately when they open.

Can I reschedule my US visa appointment in India? When you want to optimize your chances at securing earlier or more convenient appointment times, it is preferable to blister-load the appointment portal within one of these peak quotient windows (15-20 minutes). Many applicants book appointments earlier than when they are close to the date, and cancel or reschedule them. This happens when these cancellations are made very fast, opening up places that other people can take up. Be proactive and persistent in such times, and you will be on your way to successfully rescheduling without the delay of waiting months to find an available date.

Appointment availability is highly dynamic and changes regularly; be patient and precise to get the most appropriate slot.

Step-by-Step Process: Can I Reschedule US Visa Appointment Online in 2025?

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And can I reschedule an online US visa appointment? The answer to the right question is a simple yes. This is because most US embassies and consulates have convenient systems that enable people to change their appointment date in the comfort of their office or home using their computer.

Nevertheless, depending on the country's booking portal, it will have to be determined. Appointment management is done on different websites and interfaces depending on the country of residence. To make this easy to follow, below are the step-by-step procedures on the major booking websites that are popular worldwide. Doing so will allow you to reschedule your Appointment properly without risking losing your visa fee or booking.

Latest Rescheduling on USVisaScheduling.com (India)

How many times can I reschedule US visa appointment? All of the types of visa appointments in India are booked on USVisaScheduling.com. This is what to do to reschedule your Appointment:

  • Use the email and password that you registered.

  • Select the option titled "Continue on your currently active visa application.

  • On the dashboard, click on Reschedule Appointment in the menu.

  • Select the type of Appointment used at different times: Interview or ASC Biometrics.

  • Select a different date from the calendars available.

  • To confirm, click the Reschedule button, and then the confirmation link should appear in your email.

New rescheduling rule in India guarantees you only a single complimentary rescheduling after the first reservation is made. If you have used this option already, you will have to get a new MRV fee before you can reschedule or make another booking. Be prepared to prevent extra charges and wasting of time.

Current Alternative Booking Systems

How many times can I reschedule US visa appointment? Here is a brief preview of rescheduling through other ordinary US visa appointment web pages:

portal.ustraveldocs.com- Applied in the Philippines, Mexico, and the UK.

Steps:

  1. Enter your account.

  2. Navigate to the dashboard.

  3. Press the button, Reschedule Appointment.

  4. Pick a different date on the calendar.

  5. Check your new schedule.

ais.usvisa-info.com Seasonable in Latin America as well as in certain European nations.

It is more or less the same process:

  1. Enter your username and password and log in.

  2. Choose the form of Appointment (interview or biometrics).

  3. Lastly, pick a new available date.

  4. Having confirmed the reschedule, complete the change.

The design of both portals is favorable and aimed at letting applicants manage their appointments with no hassles online. Do not forget to check your confirmation email after booking a reschedule.

Also Read: Top 10 Visa Rejected Reasons: Know Latest Changes

 

Consequences of Exceeding Reschedule Limits in 2025

How many times can I reschedule US visa appointment? There are severe impacts of exceeding your reschedule limit, and this can have implications on your visa application process:

  • The system can automatically cancel your current Appointment.

  • To schedule another appointment, you will have to pay the MRV again.

  • This implies that you are not free to continue the scheduling process, but have to go through the process again, which involves completing the forms and getting a new interview schedule.

Such policies are applied rigidly to ensure good practice and effectiveness in the visa appointment policy. Planning before making any changes is better because rescheduling beyond limits may result in an expensive delay.

Latest Fee Requirements and Payment Process

How many times can I reschedule US visa appointment? The MRV fee is generally validated within one year, commencing when payment is made in most countries. That is, by paying the cost, you can make an appointment to obtain the visa during that time by using the same payment fee, but you have to ensure that you do not abuse the rescheduling concessions and miss the schedule.

  • If you have used up the number of reschedules granted to you or missed the Appointment scheduled, you will have to pay the MRV fee, and only then will you be able to make a new appointment. This policy contributes to deterring no-shows and excessive appointment changes to facilitate the smooth operations of all the applicants.

  • The fees are also different according to the type of visa, but the MRV fee in the case of most non-immigrant visas, like B1/B2 (tourist visa/business visa), is usually 185 USD.

  • Depending on the country, payment can be in any of the following forms:

  • The bank deposits in the form of local currency equivalent, which has the provision that applicants pay at authorized banks.

  • It has online payments using authorized payment gateways, which offer a fast and secure method of paying fees.

  • In other countries, mobile banking solutions provide more convenient payment options.

  • It is helpful to know what the MRV fee is valid/payable to and whether it can be held so that there is no delay or payment upon rescheduling/rebooking your US visa appointment.

Also Read: US Visa Appointment India: Experts Latest Guide

Current No-Show Policies and Penalties

How many times can I reschedule US visa appointment? In case you fail to appear at your usual interview:

  • The system will be marked as a No-Show on your account.

  • Within 120 days of the date of the missed Appointment, you can reschedule with the same MRV fee, subject to limits on the number of reschedules.

  • Once the 120-day window has passed, the fee on your MRV becomes invalid, and the whole application process must essentially be repeated, with a new fee paid and an appointment booked.

Some of the strategies you need to consider include failure to attend your scheduled interview on time and losing your fee, thus forcing you to wait longer.

Tips to Avoid Frequent Rescheduling in 2025

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How many times can I reschedule US visa appointment? The frequent rescheduling of US visa appointments can cause various problems. It can also take precious time, be stressful (unnecessary), and might force you to spend even more money when you exceed reschedule options and/or miss a visit. It can also postpone your travel plans and affect your entire schedule because you keep changing your appointment date.

  • To ensure that you do not fall into some of these issues, you must plan your visa appointment wisely, right at the onset. Clever tactics will help ensure you do not develop a situation where you are forced to reschedule sometime in the future. Such measures concentrate on adequately preparing or planning, setting realistic schedules, and having contingency plans to ensure that the visa process becomes easy.

  • By lessening the required changes, you save time and money, eliminate confusion, and increase your odds of having a successful visa interview process. Here are working tips that will enable you to successfully plan your visit to the doctor and minimize unnecessary rescheduling.

Planning Your Appointment Strategically

How many times can I reschedule US visa appointment? Ensure you have a valid passport; yours has to be valid for at least six months up to the time you want to travel. This is followed to the dot by many embassies, and one where the passport is not even valid, or is almost expired, may lead to delays or even cancellations of appointments. It is always advisable to check your passport's expiry date well in advance before you check your visa appointment slot.

  • Making your visa appointment during the most distracting time of work or school is not a good idea. Conflicts may arise during fiscal year-ends, exam seasons, or when you have a big project that must be pushed. It will be advisable to schedule your visit when you have enough time to spare because this will lower the risks of changes at the last minute.

  • Booking holidays or day trips ahead may also require attention to local holiday seasons and embassy operating times. The embassies sometimes open only during specific periods as they may have shorter working hours or be closed on national holidays, festivals, or other special events. Scheduling around such times is likely to avoid cancellation of schedules or rescheduling requests that can result from climatic reasons, among others.

Emergency Preparedness

How many times can I reschedule US visa appointment? Keep a copy of all your essential documents (including a passport, DS-160 confirmation, an appointment confirmation, and any supporting papers possible) in digital and printed form. When you have both formats prepared, you will be covered when technological problems happen and a last-minute request occurs during your Appointment.

  • Find alternative dates for appointments on time. When making the schedule, seek other dates near your favorite date. By doing this, if you need to reschedule something, you already have a plan instead of stressing at the last minute looking up empty spots.

  • Follow embassy alerts as they may change, sometimes without prior notice, because of weather, security, or national holidays. Being informed will prevent making the appointments on the days when the embassy may be closed, which decreases the chance of no-showing by the client or compulsory rescheduling.

Latest Alternative Options When Reschedule Limits Are Exceeded

How many times can I reschedule US visa appointment? Although you might exhaust your number of reschedules, there are still a few ways to ensure that you can continue with your professional plan of getting a US visa. It can be discouraging to hit the reschedule limit, but knowing you have other options could save time, money, and headaches.

This is what you can do, in real life, should this happen, and you are now unable to change your already set Appointment:

  • Emergency Appointment Requests: In case of unforeseen cases, e.g., medical, family emergencies, or travel restrictions, you may have an emergency appointment request. The embassies consider Such requests well, and special permission may be granted to reschedule or process the request faster.

  • Premium/ Expedited Services: You may have access to premium services in countries where visa-based services offer expedited appointment times or priority scheduling is available. These can be additional services, which can be used to save time wasted on waiting lines and inflexible rescheduling restrictions.

  • Start Over Application Process: If there is no alternative, begin the process anew by filling out a new DS-160 form, paying the MRV again, and scheduling a new appointment. This will clear your reschedule count, but this could take more time and money.

  • Contacting the Embassy or Consulate: In some extreme situations, contacting the consulate (or embassy) by email, or calling them, and describing what has happened to you, can sometimes give leeway or advice. This may not always be possible, but clear communication may be used in some extraordinary situations.

Do note that every embassy or consulate might possess its own special rules and procedures, and therefore, examine the official sites of such embassies or consulates to get a complete description of what to do in case you have exceeded the limits of rescheduling. It is essential to be informed and proactive to get through all these challenges.

Current Emergency Appointment Requests

How many times can I reschedule US visa appointment? 

Qualifying reasons:

  • Medical emergencies

  • US Death of an immediate family member

  • Critical business requirements

Process:

  • Write a request through the portal and provide the supporting documents.

  • In a review in an embassy, it is not automatically accepted.

Also Read: How to Change Passport Appointment Date? Experts Guide

Restarting the Application Process in 2025

In case there is no emergency:

  • Complete a different DS-160.

  • Pay a new MRV.

  • Make a booking on a spot basis.

Latest Updates and Key Facts 

A woman explaining something; How Many Times Can I Reschedule US Visa Appointment - TerraTern

  • Breaking: Starting January 1, 2025, the US Embassy in India allows only ONE reschedule per appointment.

  • Policy Change: The  Previous limit of 3 reschedules has been reduced to maintain appointment system integrity

  • Wait Times: Current US visitor visa appointment wait times in India approach nearly one year.

  • Fee Impact: Missing appointments or exceeding reschedule limits requires repayment of the visa application fee

  • Global Variation: Reschedule limits differ by country and embassy policies

  • Emergency Exceptions: Genuine emergencies may allow additional reschedules beyond standard limits

  • System Efficiency: New restrictions implemented to reduce wait times for all applicants

 

Conclusion

In 2025, it is essential to determine how many times can I reschedule US visa appointment? Countries impose limits: India presently has a one-time rule. Book in advance, observe notice periods, and check good cancellation windows to get earlier booking dates. Knowing how to prepare yourself in the case of an emergency and understanding what alternative might give you is how you can prevent restarting a process and get back to your schedule to obtain a visa worry-free. Contact TerraTern for more information on how many times can I reschedule US visa appointment?

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can I reschedule my US visa appointment in India?

As of January 2025, applicants in India are allowed to reschedule their US visa appointment only once. This is a significant change from the previous policy, which permitted up to three reschedules. The new limit was introduced to reduce long wait times and prevent abuse of the scheduling system. It’s important to plan carefully since you won’t get multiple chances to change your appointment date.

What happens if I miss my US visa appointment?

If you miss your scheduled US visa appointment, you will need to pay the visa application fee again to book a new appointment. Missing your appointment counts as a no-show and invalidates your existing MRV fee. However, you have a 120-day window from the missed date to reschedule using the same fee, provided you meet the rescheduling criteria. After that period, the fee expires, and you must start the process a new.

Can I reschedule my US visa appointment for free?

Generally, the first reschedule is included in the original visa fee payment, so you can change your appointment once without any extra charge. If you exceed the allowed number of reschedules or miss your appointment, you will be required to pay the visa application fee again. It’s crucial to avoid unnecessary reschedules to prevent additional costs. Always check the specific rules of your embassy or consulate for the most accurate information.

How much advance notice do I need to reschedule my US visa appointment?

You must reschedule your appointment at least two business days before your scheduled date, typically by 4:30 PM local time at the Visa Application Center. This notice period helps avoid being marked as a no-show, which could lead to losing your appointment and the associated fee. Rescheduling too close to the appointment date may not be allowed or could result in penalties. Planning ahead ensures you meet these deadlines and protect your application status.

Are there exceptions to the reschedule limit for emergencies?

Yes, genuine emergencies such as serious illness, family emergencies, or unexpected travel restrictions may allow applicants to request additional reschedules beyond the standard limits. These exceptions are handled on a case-by-case basis and usually require proper documentation or proof. Embassies try to be understanding but maintain strict controls to keep the system fair. If you believe you qualify, contact the embassy promptly with supporting evidence.