Apply for an Expedited Appointment

If you have an unforeseen travel need, you may qualify for an expedited appointment at the Embassy.  It is important to ensure you meet all the criteria, because applicants are only allowed to create one expedited appointment request.

Important Notice

Prioritization guidance and resource constraints impact our capacity to accommodate requests for expedited nonimmigrant visa interviews.  Expedited appointments are limited to urgent educational, humanitarian, and medical travel to the United States.

The consular section cannot guarantee an interview date prior to any work or study program’s start date, even with an approved expedite request.  Students unable to secure an interview before their program’s start date should work with their academic institution to update any permitted start date or defer initial enrollment to the next semester.

 Qualifications

Before you apply for an expedited appointment, ensure that you have documentary evidence to prove the urgency.  If it appears during your visa interview that you misrepresented the reasons for urgent travel, such facts will be noted on your case file and may adversely influence the outcome of your visa application.  Applicants who are granted an expedited appointment but subsequently refused a U.S. visa will not be allowed to utilize this option to obtain another expedited appointment.

Students or Exchange Visitors (F/M/J)

Purpose of travel is to begin or resume a valid program of study in the United States within 60 days when no regular visa appointments are available.  This option is limited only to students or exchange visitors who are within 60 days of their start date.  It is also limited only to applicants who have not been refused a visa within the last six months at the U.S. Embassy.

Essential documentation:

1. Original Form I-20 or DS-2019 indicating start date of program within 60 days.

 Medical Needs

Purpose of travel is to obtain urgent medical care, or to accompany an immediate relative for urgent medical care.

Essential documentation:

1. A letter from your doctor in Mali describing the medical condition and why you are seeking medical care in the United States.
2. A letter from the physician or hospital in the United States indicating that they are prepared to treat your case and providing the approximate cost of the treatment.
3. Evidence of how you will pay for the cost of the treatment.
4. If applicable, evidence of your relationship to the sick or injured person.

 Apply for an Expedited Visa Appointment

To make a request for an expedited visa appointment, please email the Consular Section at ConsularBamako@state.gov.

Your email should include the following information about the visa applicant:

1. Full name
2. Date of birth
3. Passport number
4. Telephone number
5. Current interview date
6. Reason for expedited interview (including the requirement documentation listed above)