How to Log Into Your U.S. Visa Appointment Account

Where to log in and what you need

You log into your U.S. visa appointment account through the Consular Electronic Application Portal (CEAC), which is the official system run by the U.S. Department of State. The website is ceac.state.gov. This is where you create your account, fill out your visa form, pay fees, and schedule or check your appointment date.

You will need an email address and a password you create yourself. The system does not send you a pre-made password — you set it up when you first register. If you already have a CEAC account from a previous visa application, you can use those same login details, though you may need to create a new application form for a different visa type or a new application period.

Do not confuse CEAC with other visa-related websites. The U.S. State Department runs CEAC. Your specific embassy or consulate may have its own website with local instructions, but the actual application and appointment system is always CEAC.

Key Takeaways

• Log in at ceac.state.gov using an email address and password you create yourself when you first register.
• You need your CEAC account number (a 10-digit code) to check your application status or reschedule an appointment.
• If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page — the system will send a reset link to your email.
• Your appointment confirmation appears in CEAC after you pay the visa fee; the system does not email you a separate confirmation.
• If you cannot log in after trying the password reset, contact the embassy or consulate where you are applying, not the State Department's main line.

Setting up your account for the first time

Go to ceac.state.gov and select "Create New Account" or "New User." You will enter your email address, create a password, and choose security questions. The password must be at least 8 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character (like ! or @). Write down your password or save it in a password manager — you will need it every time you log in.

After you create your account, the system gives you a CEAC case number, a 10-digit code that starts with a letter. Save this number. You will use it to log back in, to check your application status, and to reschedule your appointment. If you lose it, you can find it in CEAC by logging in with your email and password.

The first time you log in, you will see options to start a new visa application or continue an existing one. Select the visa type you need (immigrant visa, nonimmigrant visa, etc.) and the country where you are applying. The form itself — the DS-160 for nonimmigrant visas or the DS-260 for immigrant visas — is filled out inside CEAC.

What to do if you forget your password or cannot log in

On the CEAC login page, click "Forgot Password." Enter your email address, and the system will send a password reset link to your inbox. Click the link in the email and create a new password. The link usually works for 24 hours, so act quickly.

If you do not receive the reset email, check your spam or junk folder. If it is not there, try again or wait a few minutes before requesting another reset. If you still cannot log in after resetting your password, or if you do not remember the email address you used to create your account, you will need to contact the embassy or consulate where you are applying. They can look up your case by your passport number or other identifying information.

Do not create a second account with a different email address if you forget the first one — this can confuse your application records. Contact the embassy first.

Finding your appointment date after you log in

Once you log in and complete your visa form, you will see a section to pay the visa fee (usually $160 for nonimmigrant visas, though this varies by visa type and country). After you pay, the system shows you available appointment dates at your chosen embassy or consulate. You select a date and time, and your appointment is scheduled.

Your appointment confirmation appears in CEAC under "My Application" or "Appointment Information." The system does not send a separate confirmation email — you must log back into CEAC to see your appointment date and time. Write down the date, time, and location before you log out. Some embassies send a reminder email a few days before your appointment, but this is not may provide.

If you need to reschedule, log back into CEAC with your case number and password, find the appointment section, and select a new date if slots are open. Some embassies allow rescheduling through CEAC; others require you to contact them directly. Check your embassy's website for local rules.

Checking your application status between login sessions

You can check the status of your application at any time by logging into CEAC. The status will show whether your form is incomplete, submitted, under review, or ready for your interview. The system updates this information, though not always in real time — there can be a delay of a few days between when your case moves to a new stage and when CEAC reflects it.

If your status has not changed in several weeks and your appointment date is approaching, contact the embassy or consulate directly. Do not assume the application is stuck just because CEAC has not updated; embassies process cases in batches, and the system may lag behind the actual work.

Common login problems and how to fix them

Wrong email or case number: Make sure you are using the exact email address you registered with, not a similar one. If you are entering your case number, it is a 10-digit code that starts with a letter (like A1234567890). Spaces and dashes do not belong in the case number — enter only the letters and numbers.

Browser or connection issues: Try logging in using a different web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) or a different device. Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again. If the CEAC website itself is down, you will see an error message; in that case, wait a few hours and try again.

Account locked after too many login attempts: If you enter the wrong password several times in a row, CEAC may temporarily lock your account for security. Wait 15 to 30 minutes, then try again. If the account remains locked, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset it.

You created an account but cannot find your case number: Log in with your email and password. Once you are logged in, your case number appears on your dashboard or in the "My Application" section. If you still do not see it, you may not have completed the initial application form yet — the system assigns a case number only after you start filling out the visa form.

Security and privacy when logging in

Always log into CEAC directly by typing ceac.state.gov into your browser. Do not click links in emails that claim to be from the State Department — scammers send fake emails that look official but direct you to fake websites designed to steal your password and passport information.

Never share your CEAC password with anyone, including embassy staff or visa agents. The embassy will never ask for your password. If someone claims to be from the embassy and asks for it, that is a scam.

Use a secure internet connection when you log in — avoid public Wi-Fi at cafes or airports. If you are using a shared computer, log out completely when you are done, and clear your browser history so your password is not saved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log in to CEAC on my phone?

Yes, CEAC works on phones and tablets, though the form is easier to fill out on a computer because it is long and has many fields. The login process is the same — go to ceac.state.gov, enter your email and password, and you will see your application and appointment information.

What if I forgot my case number but remember my email?

Log into CEAC with your email address and password. Once you are logged in, your case number will appear on the main page or in the application section. You do not need to contact the embassy unless you also forgot your password.

Do I need to log in again for my interview appointment?

You do not need to log in on the day of your interview. Bring a printed copy of your appointment confirmation (which you can print from CEAC) and your passport. The embassy will have your application information in their system already.

Can I log in to check my appointment if I applied years ago?

If your previous application is more than a few years old, it may no longer be in the active system. You would need to create a new application and case number. Contact the embassy where you originally applied to ask whether your old case is still accessible or if you need to start over.

What should I do if the CEAC website says my case number is invalid?

Double-check that you entered the case number correctly — it is 10 digits starting with a letter, with no spaces or dashes. If you are still getting an error, try logging in with your email address instead. If neither works, contact the embassy or consulate where you are applying and provide your passport number so they can look up your case.