Archive · 20 Aug 2026
US Visa Pilot Offers $750 Earlier B-1/B-2 Interviews
The United States is testing a program for some tourist and business visa applicants.
Eligible applicants can pay $750 in addition to the normal $185 fee.
They must first complete the regular application process and book a standard interview.
If an expedited slot is available, they may choose an interview within 10 business days.
The program only makes the interview happen sooner.
It does not make the visa decision faster or guarantee approval.
The fee is not refunded if the applicant cancels, misses the appointment, or is refused.
India is not part of the program right now, although more locations could be added before the pilot ends.
Eligible B-1/B-2 applicants can pay an additional $750 for an earlier interview.
Applicants must first pay the regular $185 MRV fee and schedule a standard appointment.
Expedited interviews may be available within 10 business days, subject to open slots.
The pilot currently covers locations in Canada, Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Mexico.
India is not included, and the $750 fee does not guarantee approval or faster processing.
- Who
- Eligible applicants for B-1/B-2 visitor visas at participating locations.
- What
- A US pilot offers earlier visa interview appointments for an additional $750 fee.
- When
- The pilot began in Mexico on July 21, 2026; other listed locations began on August 18, 2026, and the pilot runs through December 31, 2026.
- Where
- Participating locations are Canada, Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Mexico; India is excluded.
- Why
- The program is intended to help applicants with urgent travel needs obtain earlier interviews.
- Additional fee
- $750 per applicant and per appointment
- Regular MRV fee
- $185
- Possible interview timing
- Within 10 business days, subject to availability
- Eligible visa category
- B-1/B-2 visitor visas for tourism and business travel
- Participating locations
- Canada, Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Mexico
- India’s status
- No Indian consular post is included as of August 18, 2026
- Fee and appointment rules
- The $750 fee is non-refundable and non-transferable; paid-expedite appointments cannot be rescheduled
