Emergencies/Urgent Business/Group Travel
The Consular Section will provide expedited attention to visa applicants who need to travel to the United States because of a death in the immediate family, a medical emergency, or because of urgent business travel needs, such as business meetings or training scheduled on short notice that cannot be postponed. In each case, it is recommended that the applicant first try to schedule an appointment online.
If no appointment is available prior to the date the applicant must travel, send an email to Bridgetown NonImmigrant Visa Section, send a fax to (246) 431-0179, or call the NIV unit at (246) 227-4000 (Monday-Friday 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.) to request an emergency appointment. Please include your full name, date of birth, and the date and time you wish to have your appointment.
Death In the Family
On the day of the appointment, the applicant must be able to present proof of a genuine emergency. In the case of a death in the family, acceptable proof would include a death certificate or letter from a funeral director, plus proof of relationship to the deceased (birth or marriage certificate).
Medical Treatment
Persons desiring to travel to the U.S. for emergency medical treatment should be prepared to present the following, in addition to any other documentation the consular officer may require:
- Medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason the applicant requires treatment in the United States.
- Letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States, expressing a willingness to treat this specific ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors' fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses).
- Statement of financial responsibility from the individuals or organization which will pay for the patient's transportation, medical and living expenses. The individuals guaranteeing payment of these expenses must provide proof of ability to do so, often in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings.
Business Travel
For urgent business travel, a letter from the applicant’s employer and/or the company organizing the event in the United States is required. The applicant will not be interviewed unless proof of a genuine emergency is presented. Please note that even in case of an emergency, the Consular Section cannot guarantee that the visa will be ready in time for your intended travel date.
Group Travel
If you plan to submit applications for group travel (to include sports teams, church and school groups, hotel workers), please send an email to Bridgetown NonImmigrant Visa Section, send a fax to (246) 431-0179, or call the NIV unit at (246) 227-4000 (Monday-Friday 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.). You must notify the NIV unit of your group's intended travel plans 30 days before traveling, and must schedule the appointment to be no later than two weeks before the group's intended travel to the United States. We are unable to accept group appointments for travel that is fewer than two weeks away.