Short Answer
To schedule a new U.S. visa appointment, first confirm the validity of your existing DS-160 form, as it is valid for 30 days. If there are no significant changes in your application, you can use the same DS-160 form; otherwise, you will need to fill out a new one.
Step 1: Check Validity of Your DS-160 Form
Before scheduling a new U.S. visa appointment, first ensure that your previously completed DS-160 form is still valid. A DS-160 form is valid for submission up to 30 days after it’s completed. If you are within this timeframe, you can use the existing form for your new appointment.
Step 2: Assess Changes in Your Application
Next, evaluate whether there have been any significant changes in your application details since you last filled out your DS-160. If your personal information has remained consistent, you can proceed to use the same DS-160 form. Consider the following:
- Have you changed your name?
- Are there new family members?
- Have your employment or travel plans changed significantly?
Step 3: Use Existing DS-160 Information for Appointment
If your DS-160 is still valid and no significant changes have occurred, you can easily use the existing DS-160 confirmation number to update your visa appointment. You will not need to start a new form unless:
- Your previous DS-160 has expired.
- There are substantial changes in your application information.
In such cases, complete a new DS-160 form to proceed with the visa application process.