Can I expedite my US B1/B2 Visa appointment?

The United States beckons with its diverse nature, culture, and history. But first, a US B1/B2 visa is required for many travelers.

The US B1/B2 Visa application involves completing an application form, submitting documents, and attending an interview. This final step requires making an appointment at the visa application center near you.

However, appointment slots can be limited, potentially delaying your travel plans. In this article, we'll explore how to expedite your US B1/B2 Visa appointment.

Is it possible to expedite the US B1/B2 Visa appointment?

Yes, in certain scenarios, it's possible to expedite the appointment to an earlier time. However, some conditions apply.

If you find yourself needing to travel to the United States urgently for situations like a funeral, medical emergency, or a school start date, don't worry! Consular sections overseas might be able to speed up your interview date.

How to expedite your US B1/B2 Visa appointment

Each location has its own way of handling these requests, so it's important to check out the instructions on the website of the United States Embassy or Consulate where you'll be interviewed, or on their online scheduling site.

There is usually an 'Emergency' section on the US Embassy website in your home country. Remember, you'll need to show proof of why you need an earlier appointment.

US B1/B2 Visa: Expediting criteria

Before requesting an earlier appointment slot, make sure you've completed the online visa application form (DS-160), paid the application fee, and booked the earliest interview slot available. Only after these steps can a consular section consider speeding up your appointment.

US B1/B2 interview waiver eligibility

Is an interview essential to get a US visa? Not always. You may be eligible for an interview waiver if you apply for a US B1/B2 Visa renewal. You have to meet the following requirements to get a B1/B2 Visa without having to attend an interview:

• It’s a renewal application.

• Your last US visa cannot have expired more than 24, 36, or 48 months ago (depending on your nationality), or it must still be valid.

• Applicants under 14 or over 79 years can also apply for the visa renewal without having to attend an interview.

It's not urgent, can I get an earlier US B1/B2 Visa appointment?

Keep in mind, expedited appointments aren't available for events like weddings, graduation ceremonies, helping pregnant relatives, attending annual events, or last-minute tourism. For these, it's best to lock in a regular visa appointment as early as possible.

If you're looking to secure an earlier US B1/B2 visa appointment without the urgency typically required for expedited processing, there are still a few strategies you might consider.

Check back regularly

Appointment availability can change due to cancellations. Regularly check the online appointment system of the embassy or consulate where you've applied to find any newly opened slots.

Use iVisa for your US B1/B2 Visa application

When applying for the US B1/B2 Visa through our handy platform or app, you'll get the additional benefit of our experts checking for earlier appointment slots on your behalf.

Find more info on our US B1/B2 Visa page.

Be flexible

Lastly, being flexible with your travel dates can increase your chances of getting an earlier appointment. The more flexible you are, the easier it might be to find a slot that suits you.

Questions about the B1/B2 Visa process?

If you have any questions about the visa application process for the United States or any other travel document, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can contact our expert customer service team via online chat or WhatsApp.