Expediting a Non-Immigrant Visa: A How To from You Are Home Immigration Law

SETTING YOUR EXPECTATIONS

The pandemic has changed traveling internationally in many ways. Every country has different rules and requirements, and these local rules can change quickly. This makes it hard for consulates to set up routine visa appointments. They also have other responsibilities that they need to take care of. So, because of all this, not everyone can get a visa appointment right away and the rules for getting an expedited visa appointment vary from consulate to consulate.

First, consult https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html to find out how long the wait is at the consulate where you will apply for a visa. This website is updated regularly, so check it often. If you need to travel soon, you may be able to avoid requesting an expedited appointment altogether. However, if the wait time is too long or you need to prepare a visa application urgently, then you can request an expedited appointment. Keep in mind that even if your request is granted, then this does not always mean that you will get a quick appointment at the consulate.

HAVE COMPLETE EXPLANATIONS FOR YOUR NEEDED TRAVEL

If you need to go on a humanitarian trip for urgent medical care or a family emergency, you are more likely to get an appointment sooner. Plan ahead and have documents ready that show why you need to travel urgently. Each consulate has its own rules about what counts as an emergency, so make sure your request follows their guidelines. You can find out more about the consulate's rules by looking at their website. 

MAKE SURE YOU MEET ALL VISA REQUIREMENTS

It is critical that you meet all of your visa requirements to be approved. Your attorney is on your side, so make sure you give them all that is necessary to be successful. They have experience with other clients' requests for expedited appointments and know what has worked well for others in the past. When you work with an attorney, you have access to that experience and the best chance for success. The attorney can help you prepare a request for an expedited appointment and can also discuss your legal options if the expedited request is denied or if the appointment is scheduled later than you would like. If you have immigration questions, then call us at You Are Home so we can help! 

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION WITH YOU ARE HOME TODAY!

You Are Home is proud to offer consultations with our immigration attorneys in person, over the phone, or via videoconference on Zoom. To set up a consultation with one of our experienced immigration lawyers, you can do so online here. You will be able to have your general questions answered and any of your documents reviewed during this consultation. If you decide to continue to use You Are Home to help you further with your immigration case, then we will credit your consultation fee towards the cost of those services. Get the representation you need and let the experienced attorneys at You Are Home help you earn the legal right to live, work, study, and stay in the United States.