New pilot programme aims to secure B1/B2 visa interview appointments within 10 days, but processing times will remain unchanged
The United States will introduce a new premium visa appointment service later this year, allowing certain visitors to secure interview slots within 10 days for an additional fee of $750.
According to details of a pilot programme set to run from 1 July to 31 December 2026, applicants seeking B1/B2 visas for tourism or business travel will be able to pay the extra charge on top of the standard $185 visa application fee. The initiative is designed solely to expedite interview scheduling and will not accelerate visa adjudication or processing after the interview has taken place.
The scheme will be available at selected US diplomatic posts and is expected to benefit travellers who require short-notice appointments, particularly those attending business meetings, conferences or other professional engagements in the United States.
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Currently, applicants can obtain expedited interviews free of charge only under limited circumstances
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These include referrals from senior US government officials at diplomatic missions, priority appointment requests linked to US national interests, and applicant-requested emergency appointments for humanitarian or other urgent reasons
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Such requests are reviewed individually by consular staff and must meet strict eligibility requirements
Under the new paid service, applicants will not be required to submit a written justification for a faster interview appointment.
Immigration lawyer Adrian Pandev said many travellers would likely view the fee as worthwhile if it enabled attendance at an important business event without waiting months for an appointment. Attorney Steven Brown also described the measure as a practical option for people who need to travel at short notice.
The announcement comes amid growing challenges for international travellers seeking entry to the United States. Recent policy changes under the Trump administration have introduced additional visa restrictions for some nationalities, while appointment waiting times at US consulates have increased in many parts of the world. Some foreign nationals also face significantly higher financial requirements when applying for visitor visas.
