To request an expedited/emergency appointment, an applicant must first pay their MRV fee, complete the online visa application form DS-160 and schedule an appointment. Only after an appointment is scheduled can they request that the Consular Section grant an earlier appointment date based on emergency circumstances.
Step 1: Schedule an Appointment
The applicant must have already scheduled a regular appointment at the U.S. Embassy Consular Section in Chile. This must be done even if the appointment scheduled does not fit the need of the applicant.
Step 2: Request an Expedited Appointment
The applicant must send an e-mail requesting an emergency appointment to the Consular Section at SantiagoVisa@State.Gov using the key word 'EXPEDITED' in the subject line.
The request must contain:
- Full name of the applicant requesting the emergency appointment
- Date of the previously scheduled appointment
- A description of the emergency travel.
- and
- Attached copies of supporting documentation from the U.S.-based entity (e.g. physician, funeral home, educational institution, or business) that documents the reason for urgent travel to the U.S.
Emergency Appointments will only be granted at the Consular Section’s discretion. The following is a list of typical circumstances that may merit favorable consideration. Please note that the list is not all-encompassing.
- A MEDICAL EMERGENCY involving an immediate relative's death, grave illness or life threatening accident taking place in the United States, with the name, relationship, place and description of the matter, and 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 BUSINESS 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.
Step 3: Consular Determination to Expedite
The Consular Section will strive to respond to the request as expeditiously as possible, generally within two business days by scheduling a new appointment. If the applicant's request for an expedited appointment is accepted, the applicant will receive a new confirmation e-mail 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.
Please be advised that 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.
