To request an expedited/emergency appointment, an applicant must first complete the online visa application form DS-160. Secondly, an applicant must pay their MRV fee and schedule an appointment via the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Service. Only after an appointment is scheduled can they request that the Consular Section grant an earlier appointment date based on emergency circumstances.
The U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Service handles the scheduling of all interview appointments, including requests for expedited appointments due to urgent travel needs. You can request an expedited appointment at the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Service website (https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-cl/niv) by selecting the “Request Expedite” link on the “Application Summary Page” and following the instructions.
Emergency Appointments are granted at the Consular Section’s discretion. The following is a list of typical circumstances that may merit favorable consideration during routine visa operations. During suspended visa operations, please be aware that capacity for expedited visa processing will likely be reduced. Availability of resources, local regulations, and other restrictions related to a suspension, including the health and safety of both Embassy staff and visa clients, may limit or delay visa processing even in the case of emergencies.
During routine operations, a visa appointment may be expedited for:
- A medical emergency involving an immediate relative’s death, grave illness or life threatening accident taking place in the United States. Please have the following information included in the expedite request: the name, relationship, place, and description of the matter, and the attending physician or funeral home’s contact information.
- An applicant for a Student or Exchange Visitor (F/M/J) visa whose I-20 or DS-2019 shows a start date that is earlier than the first available visa appointment.
- An unexpected need to travel to the United States for urgent job-related meetings, conferences or training.
In all cases, the applicant will be expected to bring to the interview documentation which substantiates the emergency in addition to those forms and supporting documents normally required.
The Consular Section strives to respond to the request as quickly as possible to expedite requests. If the applicant’s request for an expedited appointment is accepted, the applicant will receive a notification through the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Service with a new date and time to appear at the Consular Section. If the request is not approved, the applicant should attend the original appointment.
Requests for expedited appointments must be received through the online scheduling system for consideration. For more information, please visit: https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-cl/niv/information/faqs#need_earlier_appt .
Please do not email requests for expedited appointments, as these cannot be processed by email.
Note: The granting of an expedited appointment in no way guarantees visa issuance. U.S. law places the burden of qualifying for any visa solely on the applicant.
