US Offers Paid Shortcut to Visa Interviews for $750

The United States will begin a pilot programme on 1 July 2026 allowing some visitors to pay an additional $750 for faster visa interview appointments for business and tourist visas.

The initiative applies to applicants for B-1 and B-2 visas and is intended to provide interview appointments within ten business days. Details of the programme are expected to be published in the Federal Register this week. 

US officials have stressed that the additional fee does not speed up application processing after the interview and does not increase the chances of visa approval. It only provides earlier access to an interview slot. The premium service will be available only at selected embassies and consulates. 

The number of fast-track appointments will depend on local staffing and capacity, meaning availability is likely to differ between countries. In locations with long waiting times, demand for the service may exceed the number of appointments offered.

Applicants who choose the expedited option will still be required to pay the standard non-immigrant visa application fee. The $750 charge is an additional cost solely for quicker interview scheduling.

The Department of State says the pilot programme is designed to help address ongoing interview delays at consulates around the world. In some locations, applicants have faced waiting periods of several months before securing an interview appointment.

Officials will use the trial period to assess whether travellers and businesses are willing to pay for faster scheduling and whether the approach can help ease pressure on consular services. The programme is scheduled to run until 31 December 2026. During that time, the department will gather feedback and invite public comments after the rule is formally published.

The pilot programme comes as the Trump administration continues to implement stricter immigration and visa measures. Since returning to office, the administration has introduced policies including visa bonds of up to $15,000 for applicants from certain countries and expanded background checks requiring additional personal information and social media disclosures.

These requirements have added to processing demands at some consular posts, increasing concerns about appointment availability and waiting times. For travellers seeking to visit the United States for tourism or business, the programme offers an option to secure an interview more quickly. 

However, the additional cost may limit access to those willing and able to pay the premium fee. The Department of State will review the programme's performance before deciding whether to make the premium appointment system permanent or allow it to expire at the end of the pilot period.