What to Do If You Miss Your Visa Interview or Biometrics Appointment

 

Rescheduling procedures, embassy policies, and tips to avoid rejections

Introduction: One Missed Step Shouldn’t Mean a Missed Opportunity

In the process of applying for a business visa, the visa interview or biometrics appointment is a critical step. These appointments are scheduled by the embassy or Visa Application Centre (VAC) and are often non-negotiable. But what if you miss your appointment due to an emergency, delay, or oversight? Is it the end of the road?

The answer is no—but you must act swiftly and responsibly. This blog offers a step-by-step guide on how Indian applicants can recover from a missed visa appointment and avoid potential rejections or delays.


1. Understand the Type of Appointment Missed

Visa Interview (Embassy or Consulate Level)

  • Typically conducted by countries like the USA, UK, or Germany

  • Required for personal evaluation of your purpose and documents

Biometrics Appointment (at VAC)

  • Mandatory for countries in the Schengen Zone, Canada, UK, etc.

  • Includes fingerprinting and facial scan


2. Immediate Steps If You Miss the Appointment

A. Log In to the Visa Portal

Access your account on the embassy’s official portal or VAC platform (e.g., VFS Global, TLScontact). Check the appointment status.

B. Check Rescheduling Eligibility

Most systems allow rescheduling once or twice. After that, you may be required to restart the application.

  • USA (CGI Federal): Limited reschedule attempts. Missed interview = “No-Show” status.

  • UK (VFS): May allow rebooking within 30 days, depending on availability.

  • Schengen (VFS): You may need to cancel and book a fresh slot.

C. Inform the Support Team

Send a written explanation to the official email or helpdesk of the embassy or VAC. Include:

  • Your name and passport number

  • Date and time of the missed appointment

  • Reason for missing it (with proof, if applicable)

  • Request for rescheduling or guidance


3. Avoid These Common Mistakes

  • Do not show up unannounced at the VAC or embassy

  • Avoid false excuses—embassies keep a record of past attempts

  • Don’t delay—rescheduling must be done quickly to keep your application active


4. How to Prevent Missing Future Appointments

  • Set reminders at least 48 hours in advance

  • Use embassy-approved tools for SMS/email alerts

  • Have all documents ready 1–2 days before

  • Confirm appointment time and location to avoid confusion


Conclusion

Missing a visa interview or biometrics appointment is unfortunate—but it doesn’t have to derail your entire application. By following embassy protocol, communicating clearly, and rescheduling swiftly, you can maintain the integrity of your visa process.


Click here to get professional assistance in rescheduling your appointment and securing a new date without jeopardizing your travel timeline.


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