Update your DS‑160 before and after scheduling appointment

When you apply for a US visa, the DS‑160 form becomes the heart of your application. But what if you realize later that you need to update your DS‑160 — maybe you forgot to add social media handles, changed your address, or spotted a typo?

The good news: you can update your DS‑160 even after scheduling your appointment — but the process depends on when you do it.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to update your DS‑160 before and after scheduling, complete with a simple flowchart so you know what to do at each stage.

✅ What is the DS‑160, and why updating matters

The DS‑160 is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form that every F1, B1/B2, J1, and many other applicants must complete. It includes:

• Personal details
• Travel plans
• Education details
• Current duties
• Previous refusal explanations
• Social media handles
• SEVIS info (for students)

If you notice a mistake or need to add missing info, it’s always better to update your DS‑160 rather than risk a visa refusal or 221(g) delay.

📍 Step‑by‑step: Update your DS‑160 before scheduling an appointment

If you haven’t yet scheduled your visa appointment, it’s very straightforward:

✏ Step 1: Create a new DS‑160

Go to the CEAC DS‑160 portal:

• Option 1 (easier):
  • Click Retrieve an application
  • Enter your old DS‑160 number & security answers
  • Choose Create a new application
  • This copies most answers into a new DS‑160, which you can then update
• Option 2:
  • Start a completely new DS‑160 (you’ll need to fill in everything again)

Submit your new DS‑160 and note the new confirmation number.

✏ Step 2: Update your DS‑160 number in your visa profile

• Log in at usvisascheduling.com
• Go to Start New Application
• Enter your new DS‑160 number
• Add your SEVIS number, university name & campus code (for F1 students)
• Confirm and save

Now, when you schedule your visa appointment, it will link to your new DS‑160.
✅ No need to pay the MRV fee again — your receipt stays valid.

📍 Update your DS‑160 after scheduling an appointment

This is where many students get confused.
If you’ve already scheduled your appointment, the DS‑160 number gets “locked” into your profile — but there is still a way:

✏ Option A: Cancel & reschedule

• Cancel your current appointment in the visa portal
• Update your profile with the new DS‑160 number
• Reschedule your appointment (using the same MRV receipt)

⚠ Note: You’re usually allowed only a limited number of reschedules per receipt (often 2‑3).

✏ Option B (easier): Ask VAC staff to update it

• Create and submit a new DS‑160
• Print the new confirmation page
• At your VAC (biometrics) appointment, tell the staff you have a new DS‑160
• They will scan the new barcode and update it in the system

✅ This method is widely used and doesn’t require canceling the appointment.

🔄 Flowchart: When & how to update your DS‑160

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Visual learners: see where you stand with this quick flowchart:

📝 Important tips when you update your DS‑160

• Always double‑check every detail before submission
• Keep both old and new confirmation pages when going to the VAC & interview
• Inform the visa officer politely if you’ve updated your DS‑160 recently
• Remember: you cannot edit a submitted DS‑160; you must create a new one

✈ Final thoughts

Updating your DS‑160 might feel complicated, but as you’ve seen, it’s absolutely possible — even after scheduling.
By following this step‑by‑step guide, you can confidently update your DS‑160, fix any errors, and avoid last‑minute stress before your US visa interview.

If you’d like, we can help review your DS‑160, prepare you for the visa interview, or answer your specific questions.
💬 Chat with our 24/7 chat support team, tap on that WhatsApp button on the right bottom of your screen 👉