This article was last updated and fact checked on October 24, 2024 by Mani Karthik.
So, you’ve got an urgent situation and need to get to the U.S. quickly?
Applying for an emergency U.S. visa can be daunting, but it’s possible if you meet certain criteria.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to apply for an emergency U.S. visa from India, and make the process as smooth as possible.
In this article...
What Qualifies as an Emergency?
First things first, you need to understand what counts as an “emergency.”
The U.S. Embassy defines an emergency as a situation where you need to travel to the U.S. urgently, such as:
- Medical emergencies involving close family members.
- Death of an immediate family member in the U.S.
- Urgent business or academic requirements.
- Urgent medical treatment in the U.S.
These situations are reviewed case by case, so make sure you have proper documentation to support your emergency.
When traveling to USA, travel insurance is much recommended.
Two great plans are, Atlas America and Safe Travels USA.
However there are other choices like these, as well.
Step 1: Book a Regular Visa Appointment First
Even though you need an emergency visa, the U.S. Embassy requires you to first schedule a regular visa appointment.
This might sound counterintuitive, but it’s part of the process.
Go to the U.S. Visa Application website, complete the DS-160 form, and schedule your visa appointment.
Once you have your appointment confirmation, you can then apply for an emergency appointment.
Step 2: Apply for an Emergency Appointment
After scheduling your regular appointment, log in to your U.S. visa account on the CGI Federal portal.
Click on “Request Emergency Appointment” and provide all the required information.
Be sure to choose the correct reason for your emergency from the options provided.
You will also need to submit supporting documents for your emergency request.
This might include:
- Medical reports if you need urgent treatment in the U.S.
- Death certificates or funeral notices for a family emergency.
- Business letters for urgent work-related matters.
Step 3: Wait for Approval
After you submit your emergency appointment request, the U.S. Embassy will review your application.
They will either approve or deny your request based on the nature of your emergency and the supporting documents provided.
You will be notified via email if your emergency request is approved, and you’ll receive a new appointment date.
If your request is denied, you’ll have to wait for your regular appointment.
Tip: Make sure your supporting documents clearly outline the urgency of your situation to increase your chances of approval.
Step 4: Attend Your Emergency Visa Interview
Once your emergency appointment is approved, you will need to attend your visa interview on the new date.
Bring all the required documents, including:
- DS-160 confirmation page.
- Visa appointment confirmation.
- Supporting documents related to your emergency.
- Valid passport.
- Recent photographs as per U.S. visa specifications.
At the interview, you’ll be asked about your emergency situation and why you need to travel urgently to the U.S.
Be honest and provide any additional documents they ask for.
Step 5: Wait for Your Visa Decision
After your interview, the consular officer will let you know if your visa is approved.
If approved, the emergency U.S. visa will typically be processed faster than a regular visa.
Depending on the urgency and the type of visa, you might get your passport with the visa stamped in a few days.
In very urgent cases, the embassy may expedite the entire process.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Documents Ready
Applying for an emergency U.S. visa requires careful attention to detail.
Make sure all your documents are in order, your emergency is genuine, and you can clearly prove it.
Once you have everything ready, the process should move swiftly, and you can be on your way to handling your emergency in the U.S.
