Overview
If you have an unexpected travel need as per one of the criteria listed below, you may qualify for an expedited appointment depending on availability at the Consulate.
Qualifications
Before you apply for an expedited appointment, you must 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. All applicants requesting an expedited appointment are required to first pay visa fees for a regular visa appointment. Applicants who are granted an expedited appointment but subsequently refused a visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate will not be allowed to utilize this option to obtain another expedited appointment.
Note: Travel for the purpose of attending weddings and graduation ceremonies, assisting pregnant relatives, participating in an annual business/academic/professional conference, or enjoying last-minute tourism does not qualify for expedited appointments. For such travel, please schedule regular visa appointment well in advance.
Medical Needs
When the purpose of the travel is to obtain urgent medical care, or to accompany a relative or employer for urgent medical care.
Documentation that may be requested by the consulate:
- A letter from your doctor in Togo describing the medical condition and why you are seeking medical care in the United States.
- 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.
- Evidence of how you will pay for the cost of the treatment.
Funeral/Death
When the purpose of travel is to attend the funeral of or make arrangements for repatriating the body of an immediate family member (mother, father, brother, sister, child,) in the United States.
Documentation that may be requested by the consulate:
- A letter from the funeral director in the US stating the contact information, the details of the deceased, and the date of the funeral.
- You must also present evidence that the deceased is an immediate relative.
Urgent Business Travel
When the purpose of travel is to attend to an urgent business matter where the travel requirement could not be predicted in advance.
Documentation that may be requested by the consulate:
A letter of invitation from the corresponding company in the United States attesting to the urgency of the planned visit, describing the nature of the business and that either the U.S. or local company will suffer a significant loss of opportunity if an expedited appointment is not available.
Or
Evidence of a necessary training program in the United States of three months duration or less, to include letters from both the local employer and the U.S. company providing the training. Both letters should include a detailed explanation of the training and explain why either the U.S. or local company will suffer a significant loss of opportunity if an expedited appointment is not available.
Students or exchange visitors
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 and exchange students 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 or Consulate.
Instructions – Applying for an Expedited Appointment
Step 1
Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160)form.
Step 2
Schedule an appointment online for the earliest available date.
**Please note that you must schedule an appointment before you can request an expedited date**
Step 3
Send us an email ConsularLome@State.gov
Please mention your current appointment date, the date you wish to have and the reason why you need an expedited appointment.
Step 4
You will receive an email back from us with the new requested appointment date if available.
Step 5
Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the new date and time of your visa interview. You will need to bring a printed copy of your appointment letter, your Form DS-160 confirmation page, and two photographs taken within the last six months, your current and all old passports, and the original visa fee payment receipt. Applications without all of these items will not be accepted.
