U.S. citizens residing in Niger who believe they qualify for the exceptional circumstances provision for I-130 filing are encouraged to contact the U.S. Consulate in Niamey. According to guidelines available at "https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-6-part-b-chapter-3", individuals should email ConsulateNiamey@state.gov with specific information and attachments.
The subject line for the email should read: "EXCEPTIONAL I-130 – FULL NAME." The required details include the last name and first name of the petitioner, a description of their situation, and several attachments such as evidence demonstrating the need for direct filing (e.g., employment letters, military orders, or medical records), copies of both U.S. and family members' passports, marriage certificates, birth certificates, or adoption decrees.
If granted direct filing authority, applicants will be contacted by the Niamey Consular Section with further instructions on proceeding with the immigrant visa process. If not deemed exceptional circumstances, petitioners will need to submit an I-130 petition through standard USCIS procedures.
Additionally, certain self-petitioning widows of U.S. citizens may file form I-360 at the Consular Section in Niamey by appointment only. Appointments can be scheduled via email using the same address and subject line format.