I know it is possible for a sick person to get a medical visa to the US. In December of 2006, I traveled to the US with a young woman who had had a large, badly treated hemangioma on her calf. She had been told that it was inoperable and she consequently lived in constant pain. She has since returned to the DR after having the surgery, grafting and plastic surgery to minimize the scarring. She is now in school, learning English and has worked with me on the dental clinic I organize in June each year.
The Consulate requires:
- a letter of invitation from the person with whom the child will be staying (should include a statement that the person will be responsible for ensuring that the child will return to the Dominican Republic after treatment)
- a letter guaranteeing the means of paying for the medical treatment (in the girl's case, that was letters from the vascular surgeon and the hospital promising free treatment)-said letter to include the statement that there will be no recourse to government aid
- that the person/child have a passport
- that the accompanying person also have a passport and apply for the visa if necessary (I am a US citizen so a visa was not necessary for me)
- proof of payment of the visa application fee
- a completed Form 156 for a B-2 visa
- 2 passport size photos
- travel itinerary if available
It is necessary to buy a pin number to call the Consulate for a visa appointment, but in the case of medical necessity, the wait is usually only days. I called on a Monday and the interview was on Wednesday of the same week. She had her passport, with the visa, on Thursday morning.
I would strongly suggest that, if the father goes this route, the person applying for the child also have notarized copies of the child's medical records.
If the father cannot afford to pay the costs of the medical care himself, then I would suggest that the child be evaluated by Dr. Luís Cuello at Corazones Unidos for the US Foundation Healing the Children. That foundation can also arrange for the necessary treatment.