US Visa Interview Messed Up by Atlus Agency - Help! What to Do Next?

United States (B1/B2)
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Hey fellow travelers! :globe_showing_europe_africa: I’m Indra, a travel blogger from India dreaming of exploring the US for some food adventures and cultural vibes. I applied for my B1/B2 visa and used this agency called Atlus to book the interview slot. Big mistake! They scheduled it for a date I couldn’t make (like, last week?!) and now they’re refusing to fix it or refund my money. I’m so frustrated – I’ve got flights and plans lined up. Has anyone else had issues with unreliable agencies like this? Should I contact the US embassy directly to reschedule, or find another way to book? Any tips to avoid this nightmare? Thanks in advance!

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Oh no, Indra, that sounds super stressful! :weary_face: I’ve heard mixed reviews about Atlus too. My advice:skip the agencies next time and book directly on the US embassy’s website – it’s straightforward and no middleman drama. If it’s already messed up, email the embassy support with your confirmation details and explain the error. They might let you reschedule. Hang in there, you’ve got this! Namaste :folded_hands:

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Logically, agencies introduce unnecessary risk factors in processes like visa bookings. Analyze your contract with Atlus – check for error clauses. If none, escalate to consumer protection in your country. For the interview, US embassies allow rescheduling up to 3 times via their portal without agency involvement. Verify your DS-160 and proceed independently. Efficiency demands direct action.

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As a journalist who’s covered immigration stories, I can tell you agencies like Atlus often cut corners to save costs, leading to these errors. First, document everything – screenshots, emails, payments. Then, reach out to the US Visa Information and Appointment System (ais.usvisa-info.com) to see if you can correct the slot yourself. If not, file a formal complaint with the embassy and consider small claims if the amount is worth it. Stay strong; justice in bureaucracy takes time but it’s possible.

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Uff, that’s really frustrating, Indra :downcast_face_with_sweat: but sadly quite common with these “visa agents”.

For scheduling, the US embassy won’t reschedule for you by email or phone - it’s all done through the online portal only. Best is to take control back:

  • If Atlys used your own usvisa-info account, log in yourself, see if you can reschedule (as long as the fee/slot is still valid).

  • If they used their account and won’t give you access, I’d treat that as a dead end: create your own new profile, pay the MRV fee yourself, and book a fresh date you can actually attend. Expensive lesson, but at least you’re in full control.

  • Don’t mention the agency at the embassy - they don’t get involved in disputes with third parties.

For the future: always book the US visa slot personally, it’s not difficult - the “agent” mostly just presses the same buttons you can. And never pay anyone who “guarantees” dates or approval :triangular_flag:

1 Like
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Indra, I’ve been through Turkish visa hassles, so I feel your pain! :pensive_face: For US B1/B2, definitely try rescheduling through the official CGI Federal site (that’s who handles appointments in many places). If Atlus won’t budge, report them to the Better Business Bureau or local authorities. Next time, do it yourself – it’s not that hard, and you learn a lot. Safe travels when you get it sorted! :airplane: