HOW TO GET AN EXPEDITED VISA OR GREEN CARD APPOINTMENT AT THE U.S. EMBASSY IN BOGOTA, COLOMBIA

Expedited appointments at the U.S. Embassy in Colombia

How you can get an expedited visa or green card appointment at the United States Embassy in Bogota, Colombia depends on several factors: most importantly, what benefit you're applying for and why you need to expedite your process. Let’s break it down:

TOURIST VISAS

Tourist visas are officially known as B1/B2 nonimmigrant visas:

• B1 is for business visitors.

• B2 is for tourism and medical treatment.

Most applicants request a combined B1/B2 visa, though in some cases, people apply for just one of the two categories.

How the Expedite Process Works for Tourist Visas:

1. Complete the DS-160 form online.

2. Pay the visa fee – currently $185, but subject to change.

3. Schedule your appointments: one for biometrics (fingerprints) and another for the consular interview.

Even if the next available interview is months away, go ahead and schedule it. Once both appointments are confirmed, you’ll see an option to "Request an Expedited Appointment" on the scheduling platform.

After clicking on that option, you will be asked to provide an explanation of why your travel is urgent. This explanation is critical. In most cases, it's the only chance you'll have to convince a consular officer to speed things up.

Once submitted, your request will be reviewed, and you'll receive a notification letting you know whether it has been approved or denied.

GREEN CARDS (IMMIGRANT VISAS)

When it comes to green cards, the process is more complex and technical.

Multiple Agencies Involved:

• USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)

• NVC (National Visa Center)

• The U.S. Embassy or Consulate (in this case, Bogotá, Colombia)

You’ll also need to pay attention to something called the Visa Bulletin, which is published monthly by the U.S. Department of State. The Bulletin determines whether immigrant visas are available for your category depending on when your case was filed.

How the expedite process works for Green Cards (Immigrant Visas):

1. Check the Visa Bulletin to see if visas are currently available for your case type. Things get even trickier: most, but not all, green card categories are listed on the Visa Bulletin.

2. Determine where your case is in the process: with USCIS, NVC, or already at the Embassy.

   
   

At any of these stages, you can request an expedited appointment, but only under serious and exceptional circumstances, such as:

• Medical emergencies

• Threats to safety

• Humanitarian needs

• Severe financial loss

  
  

A Word of Caution: Be Honest

Expedited requests should only be made when truly necessary. Submitting false or exaggerated information can result in serious consequences, including accusations of fraud or denial of your visa or green card. However, if you have a legitimate and urgent reason, it’s absolutely possible to request faster processing.

Pro Tip!

Visa and immigration processes can change at any time. Before submitting an expedited request for your case, feel free to contact us for guidance based on the most up-to-date procedures.

Why Choose Us As Your Lawyers?

For over 13 years, our bilingual immigration attorneys have had offices in Colombia and in the United States. Each Embassy has its own internal nuances. We know the Bogotá embassy’s procedures, requirements, and unwritten rules inside and out.

We’ve helped thousands of clients successfully navigate the visa and green card process, including securing expedited appointments when appropriate.

Need Help?

If you believe you may qualify for an expedited appointment, or if you’re unsure and want skilled advice, we’re here to help. Feel free to contact us!