If you need to travel to the United States for an emergency, you might qualify for an emergency appointment for a visa. However, few situations are considered dire enough to access this service.
US consulates only release this visa for funerals, medical, or work-related emergencies. You also need to prove the circumstances with certified documents to get an appointment. So, if you want to know if you qualify for an emergency visa to the US, read this post, we will go over all the details you need.
USA emergency visa appointment
For an emergency visa appointment at a US consulate, the first step is to pay the fees (usually around $160). Then complete the DS-160 form and make your emergency appointment request using the Emergency Request Form. These documents are available on the website of any US consulate.
After sending your online request, you will receive an email letting you know if they accepted your request. Then, you’ll be able to go on and schedule your appointment online. If you don’t receive a reply, check your spam folder. The email is automated and might end up with your junk mail.
Going abroad and need a visa? Check out our other articles for more guidance:
Medical emergency visa to the US
If you or a relative needs emergency medical treatment in the US, you might qualify for an emergency visa appointment. This also counts for visits to see immediate family members who are sick.
For these circumstances, the consulate will require:
- a letter from a doctor that describes the medical condition and explains why you seek treatment in the US
- a letter from the hospital in the US confirming that they are ready to treat the patient and an estimate of the cost.
- evidence of sufficient funds to pay for the treatment.
Emergency visa for a funeral in the US
You can also request emergency appointments to attend the funeral of an immediate family member. The US Department of State only classifies parents, siblings, children, grandparents, and grandchildren as immediate family members.
To get a visa under these circumstances, you have to provide:
- proof of family relationship with the deceased
- a letter from the funeral director containing their contact information, the date of the ceremony, and details about the deceased.
In addition to these documents you will have to provide 2 (two) 2 x 2 inches photos, according to standard US requirements. Only the appointment will be moved up, the processing times will still be around 5 (five) weeks.
Who does not need a visa?
Depending on your country of origin, you may not need to apply for a US visa. As of 2022, 40 countries are part of the Visa Waiver Program. This allows citizens to enter the US for visits (regular or emergency) or business without a visa if the visit lasts less than 90 (ninety) days.
So, if you are a citizen of one of these countries, you might only need a valid passport to cross the border. For any other reason or to stay for over 90 (ninety) days, you have to apply for an emergency visa.
Passport Photo Online
To get your visa application underway, you need 2 (two) 2 x 2 inches photos, taken following the strict parameters set by the US Government. Did you know you can snap pictures for your official documents at home?
With Passport Photo Online, you only need a smartphone or a digital camera to turn any room into a photo studio! Our artificial intelligence will analyze your shots and make sure that they follow the official guidelines. In 3 seconds, you will have perfect US visa pictures, ready to go for your application.
Thanks to Passport Photo Online, you have a 100% guarantee of acceptance by the authorities. You also save up to 40% on your visa photos.
Emergency US visa – conclusions
In some cases, you might qualify for expedited appointments for a visa interview. However, the US Government only recognizes a handful of circumstances as emergencies. You also have to provide proof of urgency. The documents required to make the request change depending on the emergency. Get them on time, before sending in your forms.
Use Passport Photo Online to get your visa photos ready at home.
Emergency US visa: FAQ
To end this article, we will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about getting an emergency visa to the US.
What is an emergency visa for the US?
An emergency visa is a document that allows you to travel to the US. While the appointment will be the first available, the processing times are still 5 (five) weeks.
How do I get an emergency visa for the US?
You need to request an emergency appointment at the local US consulate, providing form DS-160 and the Emergency Request Form. The documents you need as proof of urgency change depending on the circumstances. The consulate will email you, letting you know if they accepted your request.
Can I get an emergency visa to the US for a sick relative?
If you need to visit a sick family member in the United States, you might get an emergency visa appointment. However, you need to prove the urgency with a letter from the receiving hospital or physician in the US.
Can I get an emergency visa to the US for a death in the family?
You can qualify for an emergency US visa appointment to attend the funeral of an immediate family member in the United States. The Department of State only recognizes parents, siblings, children, grandparents, and grandchildren as immediate family members. Provide proof of family relations and a letter from the funeral director.
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Riccardo Ollmert is a multilingual writer and travel expert. He studied Languages, Literature and Publishing Industry at La Sapienza University of Rome. His passions include traveling and learning new skills.
