It’s more common than people think. Maybe you forgot your password. Maybe you used a different email. Or maybe you were just in a rush to book an appointment. So, you created a new account — without realizing your old one still existed.
Now you’re stuck with two profiles.
The system treats these as separate people. And that leads to problems. Your payment isn’t showing. Your DS-160 won’t link. The appointment tab is missing. And sometimes, you’ll see the error: “Duplicate record exists.”
The fix? You need to merge your old profile with the new one.
What Happens If You Don’t Merge Them?
If you leave two visa profiles active, you’ll run into issues — sooner or later. The site won’t know which profile is correct, so your MRV payment may not apply to either. You may not be able to schedule or reschedule appointments. And if your DS-160 is linked to one profile, but your login uses the other, you’re likely to get blocked at the booking step.
Even worse, if both accounts stay active, the system can lock you out completely. That means missed interviews, extra charges, or having to start over. Merging avoids all of that.
What You’ll Need Before Requesting a Merge
Before you ask support to merge your visa accounts, make sure you gather a few details. The more information you share, the faster they can fix it:
- Email addresses for both your old and new profiles
- The User ID (UID) linked to each profile (if visible)
- Your full name, passport number, and date of birth
- DS-160 confirmation number (from your current application)
- A screenshot or copy of your MRV payment receipt
- Optional: Login screenshots showing both profiles (if possible)
Have all of this in one message. It makes things easier for support.
How to Merge Old US Visa Profile to New Profile? (Step-by-Step)
Merging your profile isn’t something you can do from your account settings. You’ll need help from the US visa support team — but don’t worry. If you follow the steps below, it’s usually a smooth process.
Step 1: Decide Which Profile to Keep
Look at both profiles. Pick the one that already has your MRV fee, DS-160, or an existing appointment. That’s the one you want to keep. If neither has payment yet, you can choose the profile with your correct email or filled-out information.
Step 2: Contact Visa Support (CGI Federal or USTravelDocs)
Go to your visa country site (like CGI Federal or USTravelDocs) and look for the “Contact Us” or “Help” section. There, you’ll find an email or support form to send your merge request.
Write a short and clear message. For example:
“Hello, I accidentally created two profiles. Please merge my old and new account into [preferred email]. Below are my details.”
Then list everything you gathered — both emails, full name, passport number, DS-160, UID (if shown), and payment proof.
Step 3: Wait for Their Response
After you send your request, you’ll need to wait. Most users hear back within 24 to 72 hours, but it might take longer during busy periods. While waiting, don’t create new profiles or try to book anything.
Just stay patient. If they ask for extra information or a scan of your passport, send it right away. This helps them process your request faster.
Step 4: Confirm Your Profiles Are Merged
Once support replies and completes the merge, log into the profile you asked them to keep.
Here’s what to check:
- Your MRV payment shows as paid
- Your DS-160 confirmation number is visible
- You can schedule or manage appointments again
- The other (duplicate) profile may stop working — that’s normal
If anything still looks wrong, reply to support using the same email thread.
Tips to Avoid Profile Problems in the Future
Avoiding this mistake is easier than fixing it. Here are some quick habits that help:
- Don’t create new profiles — recover your password if needed
- Always use the same email you used for DS-160
- Don’t apply on multiple devices or browsers at once
- Bookmark the correct visa portal (CGI Federal, USTravelDocs)
- Save your login info, DS-160 number, and MRV receipt in one place
- Never use different profiles for different family members — one per person
Conclusiom
Making two profiles by mistake doesn’t mean your visa plans are ruined. But you do need to fix it. Merging your old and new profiles is the only way to restore your MRV, DS-160, and appointment options.
Send one clear message to support with all your details. Choose which account to keep. Wait for their reply. Once merged, everything works like it should — and you’re back on track.
Stick to one account going forward. It’s simpler, faster, and much less stressful.
