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Troubleshooting USTravelDocs Login Issues: How to Prevent and Fix Unexpected Logouts

Experiencing ustraveldocs login issues or frequent logouts learn how to prevent and fix ustraveldocs logout problems to streamline your travel documentation process..

Key Takeaways:

• Prevent and fix USTravelDocs login issues with tips like clearing your browser’s cache and having a stable internet connection.
• If login issues persist, try resetting your password, disabling browser extensions, and contacting customer support.
• Stay updated on government advisories and seek assistance from online forums or immigration experts for persistent problems.

Navigating USTravelDocs Login Issues: A Guide to Seamless Account Access

Are you experiencing frequent logouts on USTravelDocs, resulting in interruptions to your visa application process ? This can be particularly frustrating when you’re trying to schedule appointments or fill out necessary forms for your travel to the United States. In this blog post, we’ll explore some effective strategies to prevent or fix USTravelDocs login issues, ensuring your immigration tasks proceed smoothly.

Understanding USTravelDocs System Requirements

Before delving into solutions, it’s important to understand that the USTravelDocs website has specific system requirements for optimal performance. Ensure that your browser is up-to-date and that cookies and JavaScript are enabled. Occasionally, technical glitches can result from outdated software or incompatible browsers.

Also of Interest:

Starting an llc with an h4 ead status: what you need to know, deportation risk for illegal immigrants with misdemeanor charges.

How to Prevent USTravelDocs Logout

Preventing unexpected logouts on USTravelDocs begins with addressing common triggers. Here are actionable tips to enhance your user experience:

• Persistent Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is crucial. Interruptions in connectivity can cause the site to logout automatically.
• Browser Compatibility: Use a supported browser. USTravelDocs is designed to work best with browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer.
• Clear Your Browser’s Cache: Regularly clear your cache and cookies. This prevents login issues that arise from stored data conflicts.

Solving USTravelDocs Login Issues

Despite taking preventive measures, if you find yourself facing login issues, there are several steps you can take:

• Reset Your Password: Simple but often effective, resetting your password can resolve login problems. Make sure to create a strong, unique password according to the website’s guidelines.
• Disable Browser Extensions/Add-ons: Certain extensions or add-ons may interfere with website functionality. Try accessing USTravelDocs with extensions disabled.
• Check Website Updates: At times, USTravelDocs may be undergoing maintenance. Check for any notifications about updates or downtime schedules.

What to Do If Preventative Steps Fail

If you’ve followed the above advice and are still experiencing ustraveldocs login issues or frequent logouts, further investigation is required:

• Customer Support: Reach out to USTravelDocs customer support for assistance. Their team can guide you through troubleshooting steps specific to your situation.

Check Government Advisories: Keep an eye on official advisories that may affect website operations. For example, high-traffic periods can cause technical difficulties.

USTravelDocs Login Issues Forum: Sometimes, other users can provide insights into how they resolved similar issues. Online communities and forums can be a resource for shared experiences and solutions.

Remember, when dealing with ustraveldocs login issues, patience and persistence are key. With these tips, you can aim for a hassle-free experience as you manage your visa application or immigration procedures. And, if you encounter persistent problems, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance from immigration experts or technical support teams.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on visa processes and USTravelDocs operations, always refer to the official website and government resources. They are your best source for official announcements and guidelines regarding travel and immigration to the United States.

Navigating the USTravelDocs platform should not detract from your excitement about traveling to or within the United States. With the right troubleshooting techniques and assistance from customer support when necessary, you can address the ustraveldocs login issues effectively and focus on the more important aspects of your journey.

Did You Know?

• Immigrants Make Up a Significant Percentage of the U.S. Workforce: Did you know that immigrants play a major role in the U.S. workforce? According to the Migration Policy Institute, as of 2018, immigrants accounted for approximately 17% of the total U.S. civilian workforce. They contribute to various sectors, including healthcare, technology, agriculture, and construction, among others.

The United States Has a Long History of Immigration: Immigration to the United States is not a recent phenomenon. In fact, the country has a rich history of immigration dating back centuries. From the early colonial period to the present day, waves of immigrants from different parts of the world have shaped the cultural and ethnic diversity of the United States.

Diversity Visa Lottery: Every year, the United States Diversity Visa (DV) lottery program provides an opportunity for individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to have a chance at obtaining permanent residency. The program allocates 50,000 visas through a randomized selection process, offering a unique pathway for immigration to the United States.

Temporary Protected Status: Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a program established by the U.S. government to provide temporary relief and protection to eligible individuals from certain countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. TPS grants individuals the ability to reside and work legally in the United States until the conditions in their home country improve.

Language Diversity: The United States is a linguistically diverse country, with over 350 languages spoken by its residents. While English is the most widely spoken language, other commonly spoken languages include Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, French, Arabic, and Korean, among others. This linguistic diversity reflects the nation’s history of immigration and cultural integration.

Refugees and Asylum Seekers : The United States is a key destination for refugees and asylum seekers fleeing persecution, violence, or other forms of harm in their home countries. The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program provides a pathway for refugees to seek protection and resettlement in the United States, while asylum seekers present themselves at the U.S. border or within the country to seek protection under international humanitarian law.

Naturalization Process: Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization is a significant milestone for many immigrants. To qualify for naturalization, immigrants must meet certain requirements, including a period of lawful permanent residency, knowledge of English and U.S. civics, and good moral character. Once naturalized, individuals gain the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.

Family-Based Immigration: Family reunification is a cornerstone of the U.S. immigration system. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can sponsor their immediate relatives, including spouses, parents, and unmarried children, for immigration to the United States. Family-based immigration helps strengthen family bonds and contributes to the social fabric of the nation.

Contributions of Immigrant Entrepreneurs: Immigrants have long been an integral part of America’s entrepreneurial spirit. Many iconic U.S. companies, including Google, Tesla, and Intel, were co-founded by immigrant entrepreneurs. These visionary individuals have not only created jobs but also driven innovation and economic growth, making significant contributions to the United States.

Dreamers and DACA: The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, established in 2012, provides temporary relief from deportation and work authorization to eligible individuals who were brought to the United States as children. Known as Dreamers, these individuals have grown up in the United States and consider it their home, contributing to their communities and aspiring to achieve their dreams.

Remember, immigration is a complex and multifaceted topic. Exploring these lesser-known facts not only enhances our understanding of the subject but also promotes a more inclusive and informed discussion about immigration’s impact on society.

Learn today

Glossary or Definitions

• USTravelDocs : An online platform operated by the U.S. Department of State that facilitates visa application processes and provides information related to travel and immigration to the United States.

Logouts : The act of being logged out or signed out of the USTravelDocs platform, resulting in the user being required to sign in again to continue using the services.

Visa : A document issued by a country’s government allowing an individual to enter, stay, or reside in that country for a specific period, typically for the purpose of tourism, work, study, or other authorized activities.

Appointment : A scheduled meeting or time slot for an individual to visit a U.S. embassy or consulate to complete visa-related processes, such as interviews or document submissions.

Browser : A software application used to access and view websites on the internet. Examples of commonly used browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Cookies : Small files stored on a user’s computer that contain information related to a user’s browsing activity on a specific website. Cookies can enhance the user experience by remembering preferences or login information.

JavaScript : A programming language commonly used to add interactivity and dynamic elements to websites. Enabling JavaScript is often necessary for websites to function properly.

Persistent Internet Connection : A stable and continuous internet connection that remains active without interruptions. A persistent internet connection ensures smooth and uninterrupted access to the USTravelDocs platform.

Browser Compatibility : The ability of a website or online platform to function optimally across different web browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, or Microsoft Internet Explorer. USTravelDocs is designed to work best with these supported browsers.

Cache : A temporary storage location in a web browser where copies of recently viewed web pages, images, or other data are stored. Clearing the cache removes this stored data and can help resolve login issues caused by conflicts or outdated information.

Reset Your Password : The act of changing or creating a new password for your USTravelDocs account. Resetting your password can often resolve login problems and enhance the security of your account.

Browser Extensions/Add-ons : Additional software components or tools that can be added to a browser to enhance its functionality or provide specific features. However, some browser extensions or add-ons may interfere with the proper functioning of the USTravelDocs website.

Website Updates : Changes or modifications made to the USTravelDocs website to improve performance, fix bugs, or introduce new features. Checking for website updates is important as maintenance or updates may occasionally affect login functionality.

Customer Support : A service provided by USTravelDocs to assist users with technical issues, troubleshooting, and resolving problems related to their account or the platform.

Government Advisories : Official announcements or notifications issued by the U.S. government or relevant authorities regarding travel, immigration, or any issues that may affect the operations of the USTravelDocs platform.

USTravelDocs Login Issues Forum : An online community or forum where users can discuss and share experiences, insights, and solutions related to login issues encountered on the USTravelDocs platform.

Immigration Experts : Professionals with specialized knowledge and expertise in immigration law, regulations, and processes. They can provide guidance and assistance in navigating visa applications and other immigration-related procedures.

Technical Support Teams : Groups of professionals experienced in troubleshooting technical issues and providing assistance with software, hardware, or online platforms such as USTravelDocs. They can help identify and resolve login issues that may be caused by technical glitches or errors.

This Article in a Nutshell:

Experiencing USTravelDocs login issues? Ensure your browser is up-to-date, clear cache and cookies, and have a stable internet connection. Reset your password and disable browser extensions/add-ons. Contact customer support or check government advisories for updates. Seek help from online forums or professionals if issues persist. Patience and persistence pay off. Happy travels!

So there you have it, folks! Navigating the USTravelDocs login issues is no longer a daunting task. Armed with these tips and tricks, you can bid farewell to those frequent logouts and embrace a seamless visa application process. Remember, if you want more on all things travel and immigration, check out visaverge.com. Happy travels and smooth logins await you!

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Home » How to Fix » USTravelDocs Login Not Working: Here Is How To Fix

USTravelDocs Login Not Working: Here Is How To Fix

The “USTravelDocs login is not working” issue at a glance: Platform : USTravelDocs. Problem : Login problem. Impact : Users are unable to access their USTravelDocs accounts. Reason : Incorrect login information, system issues, authentication failure, server issue, or an unknown issue on USTravelDocs’ end.

Do you want to apply for a US visa and passport? USTravelDocs can be your choice. For your vacation, business trip, or immigration to the United States, it is essential to complete your application process – USTravelDocs helps.

However, one common problem that many people may need help with is the login issue. If you also can’t log in to your USTravelDocs account, this guide will help you.

In this guide, we’ll explain the troubleshooting steps that will let you resolve the issue and sign in to your account.

How to Troubleshoot If USTravelDocs Login is Not Working?

If you are unable to log in to your USTravelDocs account it could be due to any of the following – incorrect login information, system issues, authentication failure, server issues, or an unknown issue on USTravelDocs’ end.

The problem is very common and can be solved by applying some very simple troubleshooting steps, which are –

Check Your Internet

Due to weak/unstable internet, the authentication process may get delayed and the login session may expire resulting in you failing to log in to your account.

So, check your internet and make sure it is fast and strong enough.

Consider restarting your Internet device, reconnecting your device to the Internet, and trying to sign in to your account again.

Check Your Login Info

If you are unable to login to your USTravelDocs account you should check your login information. Information may be incorrect or mistyped.

Create a New Account And Retry

The login issue may be caused by a problem with your existing USTravelDocs account, creating a new account and trying again may resolve this issue.

Open a new portal by visiting usvisascheduling.com/en and create a new user account (make sure you use the email address that is associated with your existing USTravelDocs account.)

Note: A new username and security answers may needed.

Contact USTravelDocs Support

If the issue persists and you can’t sign in to your account, the issue may be related to your account or an issue on USTravelDocs’ end. Contact USTravelDocs Support to report a problem and receive assistance. You can contact the support team by visiting their official site.

Final Words

USTravelDocs login issues may arise when your account authentication fails, which may be caused by weak/unstable internet or incorrect or mistyped login information. However, troubleshooting this problem is simple – restart your Internet device and check your login credentials to make sure there are no typos. If this doesn’t help, create a new account with the email associated with your old account.

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ustraveldocs keeps logging me out

By abhishah901 July 31, 2023 in Work Visas

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27 posts in this topic

Recommended posts, abhishah901   0.

I did not have a DS160 confirmation page from my original appointment so I started and completed a new DS160 with all the details. Now I am trying to update the DS-160 number on my original appointment ID but I cannot get past the login screen itself. I tried the following things: - Forgetting and resetting password - Removed adblocker and then tried logging in

- Try different browsers

It doesn't give me an error or asks for captcha. Just kicks me back to the login page.

Has anyone faced this before? Or any advice on how to solve this or whom to reach out?

Attachment: Login page after I am kicked out.

Any help would be appreciated.

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thomasmjtomz   1

The same is the case for me logging in and automatically logging out. Did you find a solution to this?

nehaagarwal2191   5

Hi, I has the same error and was going over all my previous emails and realized they have changed their website to a new one  https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/en/nonimmigrant-visa

You will have to re-register but once you complete that and log in, it will automatically pull all your data in. 

• ravi70 and abhishah901

@ nehaagarwal2191  i tried to create a new profile via this website but i am getting the error any idea?

• abhishah901

yes I got the same error - solution is that the username cannot have @ or email address. When I updated that, it worked. 

• GaniGnani and abhishah901

They have a very poor profile creating system. They dont indicate which value has the error. I hope that when you update the username to something that is not like email address, it works. Otherwise please check other fields. 

@nehaagarwal2191 @thomasmjtomz That worked for me! Thank you for your solutions and conversation. However, my original reason for doing this was to update my DS160 information in my appointment details. The previous portal had the specific option to update the DS160 information as pointed out here . But the new UI doesn't seem to have that, would you know where that option is on the new website? Maybe its worth making a new post/discussion thread for this issue. Again, thanks for the other solution!

I am not sure about that. Perhaps we have to call the Helpdesk on that. 

There is a Feedback/Request tab for Support. Have you tried that?

After realizing I cannot update DS160 like in previous website, this was the first thing I tried and mentioned my issue. I will reach out to the helpdesk via email/call anyway just to make sure I am on the right path and see how it goes. Also, planning to open a discussion topic so that new/future visitors having similar issues can refer to that.

Also, if you look at the notes/instructions section on home page it indicates I will have to reset and submit a new profile and purchase new receipt. So that might be my last resort if nothing pans out.

Chancy   6,232

*** Removed related thread.  Please post your related questions/updates in this thread to keep the discussion in one place. ***

1 hour ago, abhishah901 said: I missed the printing of confirmation of the old DS160 and now I am unable to retrieve my old DS160. Following the information here , it seems that I can create a new DS160 and update my profile with the new confirmation number, atleast in the old version of the website. After getting into the new website for ustraveldocs, there doesn't seem to be any similar way to update my DS160 number in my existing profile. Not sure if I am missing something obvious, or the procedure to update your DS160 has become more complex.   Any advicce/help/previous anecdotal experience would be valuable. Thanks in advance!

Suresh Singh   6

@abhishah901 Which Visa are you applying for and which consulate?

CM1   0

This is happening to me to, the website takes me back to the login page everytime I try to login. I hit "login" on their new website ( https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/en/nonimmigrant-visa ) and then used "Sign up now" since I didn't remember my old username from years ago. But despite entering accurate information, the new website keeps taking me back to the login page. Any advice on how to login successfully?

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Sorry, you have been blocked – USTravelDocs.com Error, Solution

When applying for US Visa Stamping at a US Consulate or US Embassy, you must use the US Visa Appointment Online booking system. Depending on the country, you may use portal.ustraveldocs.com, USVisaScheduling.com, ais.usvisa-info.com, secure.cgifederal.force.com, or other similar websites that are part of the US Department of State.

Sometimes, some users, when trying to access the US Visa appointment booking website, may get the error “Sorry, you have been blocked, You are unable to access ustraveldocs.com.” You cannot even access the website and are fully stuck. In this article, we outline the reasons for the error and how you can get it fixed, and also common solutions that worked for other users in the community.

Sorry, you have been blocked, You are unable to access ustraveldocs.com – Error

In the below sections, we will discuss the common reasons for getting the error: “S orry, you have been blocked, You are unable to access ustraveldocs.com “. Details about why it occurs, the common solutions suggested by previous users who got the same error, and how you can avoid it.

What is the “Sorry, you have been blocked” error? When do you get it?

When you try to access URLs such as portal.ustraveldocs.com or https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/ , sometimes, you may get the error that says like below:

“Sorry, you have been blocked You are unable to access ustraveldocs.com”

Below is the screenshot of the actual error appearing on portal.ustraveldocs.com or the CGI Federal website.

What is the reason for the Error “ Sorry, you have been blocked…” ?

If you read closely on the page that throws this error, there are details on why you have been blocked and how to resolve it. It may sound cryptic if you are not a technical person. At the bottom of the page, you will see a footnote message that says “Performance & Security by Cloudflare.” The message’s key takeaway is that Cloudflare security systems are throwing this error.

If you are not aware, Cloudflare is a large company that is in the website security space and provides many solutions around website firewalls, preventing attacks on your website, etc. In this context, Cloudflare is the vendor that is providing the security system for the USTravelDocs website.

Based on the website security rules provided by CGI Federal/ USTravelDocs, the Cloudflare system is giving you the error “S orry, you have been blocked, You are unable to access ustraveldocs.com “.

Below are some of the common reasons why you may get this error:

You are on a VPN ( Virtual Private Network)

You may get this error if your computer or browser is on a VPN(Virtual Private Network). In general, you may be connecting to the internet using a VPN when you are working at a company that is using a VPN for extra security on their side. Or you may be using a VPN by yourself for extra privacy.

Due to the security rules in place by Cloudflare, they do not allow any VPN access. This is to prevent issues from bots, and spammy sites trying to access the website ustraveldocs.com from unknown locations.

The URL portal.USTravelDocs.com is not valid for booking an appointment in a country

The second most common reason for getting this error is that the website URL https://portal.ustraveldocs.com/ is not valid to book a US Visa Appointment in a particular country. For instance, this URL is not valid for India as the appointment booking system has migrated from https://portal.ustraveldocs.com/ to https://www.usvisascheduling.com/en-US/

When this happens, you may get this error, or if it allows you to login, it may keep logging you out every time you login. You may not directly see this error, but you may be stuck in a loop that indicates it is not working.

Browser Cache or Browser Extensions Issues

Another common reason for seeing this error is because there could be a browser cache issue or any Browser Extensions issues. Sometimes the extensions that you are using could also be causing this issue. It may be hard to troubleshoot when you have too many extensions and what they may be doing in the background.

Now that we understand the common reasons, let’s look at the solutions on how to fix the errors.

How to fix the “ Sorry you have been blocked …” Error?

Below are some of the solutions to get out of the error that worked for users:

Option 1: Get out of VPN, Corporate Network

If you are browsing the internet on a VPN, you must get out of the VPN and then try to log in. You should disconnect from the VPN or disable the browser VPN extension and try to login. This should fix the error, and you should be able to log in.

If you are on a company’s corporate network, you should exit out of that company VPN network and try to go to the URL https://portal.ustraveldocs.com/ from your personal home network or your mobile carrier network, this could also solve the issue.

This option only works in cases, where you were blocked for general cyber security rules placed by Cloudflare. If this does not work, try the below options.

Option 2: Check if US Appointment Booking Website has changed

Depending on the country, you must check if the US Visa appointment booking website has changed. For instance, the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs changed the appointment booking system for India on July 29th, 2023, from the ustraveldocs.com portal to a new website, usvisascheduling.com .

If you want to apply for a US Visa appointment in India or already have an account in the old system, you must now use the new website at usvisascheduling.com going forward. You cannot use the old USTravelDocs portal anymore. Try using the new URL that is relevant for the country to book the appointment. For more details, you can read Guide to Create an Account at USVisaScheduling.com to book US Visa Appointment.

To find out the correct US Visa Appointment Booking website, you can follow the below instructions.

Step 1 : Go to https://www.ustraveldocs.com/

Step 2: Select the first letter of the country, where you want to book US visa appointment. For instance, you would select ‘I’, if you want to book a US Visa appointment at a US Consulate in India. See the below screenshot for how it looks and where to click to choose the location.

Step 3: Click on the Country name, then go to the website that it redirects to and click on Login button on the actual USTravelDocs website. This may look different for different countries, but the idea is the country’s relevant website would have the correct US Visa Appointment URL.

Below is a screenshot of the steps to find the correct website for India. You can see from the below screenshot that first you click on India, then you click on the visa category either Nonimmigrant or immigrant visa and then finally on the website, you would click on the Login link. For India, this points to https://www.usvisascheduling.com/en-US/

Below is a screenshot of how to find the correct website for the Philippines. For Appointment booking in the Philippines, it points to https://portal.ustraveldocs.com/ . As you can see, it is different for different countries.

Option 3: Clear Cache and Cookies, Try Incongito mode

If both of the above do not work, the next option is to try clearing out cache and cookies. Sometimes, this can be an issue that could be blocking you as well. If you are using a work PC, then it may have some restrictions on the browser as well. So, it also can be an issue. Hence, try with your personal computer.

Also, if the issues are extensions, one other thing you can do is to open the browser in incognito mode and then try to access the correct URL, this also may work. Ensure that the incognito mode does not have any plugins loaded.

Option 4: Email / Call Customer Support

The final option is you should call USTravelDocs customer service or email them and ask about the issue. This email and phone number for support vary by country. For this you need to find the correct details by using the method outlined in Option 2 , where we show how to find the right website.

For India, the support email is [email protected] . You can check Contact Info, Phone Number of US Consulates, USTravelDocs India for more info

What was your experience trying to solve the error? Share your experience in the comments below.

You can also check out details of other common errors like

• Your personal details match the profile that already exists – error
• Error occurred while loading a Visaualforce Pag e
• Your Group Size is Larger than current allocation
• Your Request cannot be processed and User Cannot be Created

Other Articles

Please how do I rectify mine really don’t understand mine is saying I have been blocked and I need to email them am in nigeria

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US visa CGI account frozen for 72 hours: What causes it and how to prevent it?

Published: June 15, 2022 51 Comments

With the limited availability of US visa appointments, it’s already a pain to find an appointment for your visa interview. You have to check for available appointments several times a day, even at odd hours such as late nights or early mornings. And, on top of that, it’s quite frustrating if your US visa account is frozen for 72 hours for suspicious activity. 

When your CGI account is frozen, you are often presented with the following error message.

“Your account has been frozen for suspicious activity, and you will not be able to access it for up to 72 hours. Your account will be unfrozen automatically after that time. Our call center agents will not be able to assist you with unfreezing your account or scheduling your appointment until then.”

Having your CGI account frozen for 72 hours is frustrating and discouraging. It crushes your hopes. Especially when you haven’t done anything suspicious. You were only trying to book an appointment for your visa interview. What’s suspicious about it? You weren’t trying to game the system or hack someone’s account. It’s your own account. You paid $160 for the fee, not a small amount. You deserve to book an appointment. 

I hear you. I have been there. I know why it happens and how to avoid it. In this article, I will explain why a CGI account gets frozen for 72 hours, how to prevent it and if there are any options to unfreeze a frozen account. 

What does it mean by a CGI account frozen for 72 hours?

Your visa appointment (also called CGI Federal or US Travel Docs) account is frozen for 72 hours when you see the following message on your account. 

When you see the above message, your visa appointment account is locked for 72 hours and you cannot log back in for at least 72 hours. 

The 72 hours is calculated from the first time you see the error message. So any repeated login attempts will not prolong the time. Any attempt to change the password will not extend the time either. 

Related: How to schedule a US visa interview – A step-by-step guide

Why does a CGI account freeze for 72 hours?

The main reason why this is in place is to prevent agents and bots from gaming the system and taking away the opportunity for individual applicants to book appointments that they deserve. 

Agents that deal with US visa applications often have a pool of “placeholder” accounts. They use these accounts to look up and hold appointments. Since these accounts are used to view the availability and/or hold appointments but never to actually attend an appointment, they are repeatedly used for months and years. Some agents use bots to automate this activity. 

Here is an example of why these agents use such placeholder accounts. The US visa fee is $160 and is valid for one year. If an agent can find appointments for 10 applicants and charge $100 each, that is a $1,000 return from a $160 investment. That’s a very good return on investment. So depending on how many clients they have and how big their business is, they maintain tens or even hundreds of such placeholder accounts.

If you think about it, this practice of looking up or holding appointments can lead to limited or unavailability of appointments for those that genuinely need them. 

CGI Inc. , the software company that built and maintains the US visa appointment systems, has features to curb such practice. When the CGI Federal system senses that an account is often used to look up availability or hold appointments more often than necessary, it flags the account suspicious and freezes it for 72 hours. 

Now, there isn’t an easy way to determine whether an account is a real account or some agent’s placeholder account. So the criteria for flagging suspicious accounts can sometimes freeze real accounts. And that’s also a reason why the accounts are temporarily frozen for 72 hours instead of permanently banning them. 

CGI Federal is actively working on making its systems more efficient but as of now, a few extra clicks or lookups can flag your account as suspicious and can get your CGI Federal account frozen for 72 hours. 

How to unfreeze CGI account?

The only way to unfreeze CGI account is to wait 72 hours. But there have been instances where the accounts were released/unfrozen after 24 hours. Therefore, wait about 24 hours and then access your account. Trying once every 24 or 36 hours will help figure out if your account is unfrozen and you can log back in. 

Any attempts to log in while your account is frozen will not reset the clock or extend the frozen time. So there is no harm in trying to log in once every 24 or 36 hours. 

Also, contacting customer service or changing password will not unfreeze your account. Creating a new account and paying the fee again will not work either, since the new account will be flagged as a duplicate as most of the information will be identical to the frozen account.

Therefore, there is no option other than waiting 72 hours. The smart option is to prevent an account freeze. 

How to prevent a CGI account freeze for 72 hours?

Your US visa account might freeze for many reasons. Only the developers at CGI Federal would know the exact reasons. Below is the list of activities that I think are considered suspicious by CGI Federal. Avoiding these suspicious activities will prevent your CGI account from freezing for 72 hours. 

DISCLAIMER The below list is based on my own personal experience and knowledge. Only the developers at CGI Federal know what activities constitute suspicious. Therefore, we shall not be held liable for any inaccuracies.  

Suspicious Activity 1: Concurrent logins

Your visa account is frozen for 72 hours if CGI Federal notices that you have logged into your account concurrently. Concurrent logins indicate that your account may be a placeholder account and several people are using it to view appointments. 

Here are some of the ways to avoid concurrent logins.

1. Do not share your login information with others

It’s not an uncommon practice to share login information with family and friends to maximize the chances of finding an appointment. But this can backfire as concurrent logins are considered suspicious activity. Do not share your login information with others. 

2. Use only one browser for your CGI account

Logging into your CGI account from different browsers and not properly logging off can seem like concurrent logins. Always use only one browser on your computer to log into your CGI account. 

3. Log off completely after you view the available appointments

Keeping the tabs or browsers open or closing them without properly logging off can keep the sessions alive on the server. These may seem like concurrent logins. Always log off completely after you are done using your CGI account. 

Suspicious Activity 2: Logging in from different devices

Your visa account is frozen for 72 hours if CGI Federal notices that you have been logging into your account from different devices. Similar to concurrent logins, logging in from different devices may raise red flags suspecting that your account may be a placeholder account. 

Here are some of the ways to avoid logging in from different devices.

1. Use only one device, preferably a computer/laptop

A US visa is a serious endeavor and you should use a computer or laptop for your visa application and appointment booking. Mobile phone screens are too small and they can be cumbersome to handle an activity such as booking a US visa appointment . 

Whichever device you pick, make sure to use the same device throughout the visa appointment booking process. 

2. Always use the same computer/laptop 

If you prefer to use a computer/laptop for booking your US visa appointment, use the same computer/laptop for logging into your account every time. 

If you prefer to share your login with someone at home so you can look up appointments round the clock, have them use the same computer/laptop. Divide up your time into blocks and have each of you use the same laptop in that block of time. 

Suspicious Activity 3: Performing more than 12 actions in one session

Performing more than 12 actions in one session will not right away result in an account freeze, but will result in getting blocked from viewing the appointments until 12am EST the next day. 

If you are close to performing 12 actions, you will be presented with a “you are approaching the maximum number of times you may view this page…” message. 

When this message is shown, simply finish booking your appointment or log off completely. And, do not log back in for at least 6 hours, otherwise, you risk getting your CGI Federal account frozen for 72 hours. 

RELATED: You are approaching the maximum number of times: What causes this error and how to avoid it?

Suspicious Activity 4: Logging in more than 4 times in a day

Logging into your CGI account way too many times in a day can also freeze your account. But how many times is way too many times?

How many times can you login to CGI Federal in a day?

You can login to CGI Federal up to 4 times a day. Logging in more than 4 times a day can trigger suspicious activity which can lead to your CGI account frozen for 72 hours. If you are going to check your appointments 24×7, then space your logins at least 6 hours apart.

It’s already a pain to find an appointment for your US tourist visa due to limited availability. On top of that, it’s frustrating if your US visa account gets frozen for 72 hours. You are often presented with the following message when your account is frozen.

The only way to unfreeze your CGI account is to wait 72 hours. Contacting customer service or changing password will not unfreeze your account. The wisest option is to prevent an account freeze. 

As per my experience, activities such as concurrent logins, too many actions in a given session or too many logins in a day can all constitute suspicious activities.

Is your CGI account frozen for 72 hours? What activities do you think triggered it? And, how long did you have to wait? Let me know in the comments below.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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