Many individuals have urgent travel needs. Provided that the U.S. Embassy or Consulate has the capacity, it is possible to request expedited processing for a U.S. visa.
Before requesting an expedited appointment, you must ensure you possess the relevant supporting documentation to serve as evidence of the urgency of your travel. If it is discovered during the visa interview or through the interview waiver process that false reasons for urgent travel were provided, such facts will be recorded in the visa file and will negatively impact the application outcome. All applicants requesting an expedited appointment must first pay the standard visa application fee and then follow the instructions to apply. If an applicant has been granted an expedited appointment but is subsequently refused a visa by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, they may not use that option to request another expedited appointment.
Travel purposes that do not qualify for an expedited appointment include: attending weddings and graduation ceremonies, caring for pregnant relatives, attending annual business/academic/professional conferences, or applicants who have insufficient time for tourism purposes. For such travel, please schedule a regular appointment as early as possible.
Steps to Request an Expedited Appointment
Step 1: Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160).
Step 2: Pay the visa application fee.
Step 3: Schedule an appointment online, selecting the earliest available date. Please note that you must first schedule a regular appointment before you can request an expedited appointment date. When scheduling your appointment, a message will appear on the screen showing the earliest available appointment date (including expedited appointments). If there is no earlier available appointment date, there is no need to request an expedited appointment.
If you wish to proceed with an expedited appointment request, please write the reason for the expedited appointment in English and submit it online, or contact the appointment center for assistance. Be sure to specify the type of urgent travel you believe qualifies you for an expedited appointment. After logging into your profile and submitting your request via the feedback function, please wait patiently for an email response from the Embassy or Consulate.
Step 4: If the Embassy or Consulate approves your request, you will receive an email prompting you to schedule your expedited appointment online. The appointment center cannot schedule expedited appointments, but agents can assist with related issues; we appreciate your understanding. If the Embassy or Consulate denies your request for an expedited appointment, you will receive a corresponding email notification, and you should continue to use your current appointment time.
Note: The email address for approval or denial notifications is: no-reply@ustraveldocs.com. Some email applications may filter messages from "unknown senders" into the junk folder. If you do not receive an email notification, please check your junk folder.
Step 5: Please arrive at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for your interview at the scheduled time. You must bring a printed copy of your appointment confirmation, your DS-160 confirmation page, a recent photograph taken within the last six months, and all current and previous passports. If any of these materials are missing, your application will not be accepted. Additionally, if you have other supporting documents, please bring them with you to the interview.