Archive · 23 Jul 2026
US Offers Paid Expedited Visa Appointments for B-1/B-2 Applicants
The US Department of State has started a new program where people applying for business or tourist visas can pay an extra $750 to get an interview appointment faster.
This program is only available at certain places and runs from July 2026 to December 2026.
It doesn't guarantee that the visa will be approved faster, just that the interview happens sooner.
Some people think it's a good idea because it helps with urgent travel plans, while others think it's too expensive and doesn't really solve the problem of long wait times.
The US Department of State launched a pilot program offering expedited visa interview appointments for B-1/B-2 applicants for an additional $750 fee.
The program runs from July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, and is available at select US embassies and consulates.
Applicants must first pay the standard $185 visa application fee and schedule a regular appointment before requesting expedited service.
The expedited appointment fee is non-refundable and non-transferable, and missed appointments result in the loss of the fee.
The program does not guarantee faster visa approval or processing but only provides an earlier interview slot.
- Who
- Eligible B-1/B-2 visa applicants at participating US embassies and consulates
- What
- A temporary pilot program offering expedited visa interview appointments for an additional fee
- When
- July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026
- Where
- Select US embassies and consulates, starting with Mexico
- Why
- To manage visa appointment backlogs and address urgent travel needs
Proponents of the Pilot Program
Critics of the Pilot Program
Cost vs. Benefit
Proponents of the Pilot Program
The additional $750 fee is justified for urgent travel needs, providing faster interview slots.
Critics of the Pilot Program
The fee is excessive and does not guarantee faster visa processing, making it a costly option.
Effectiveness in Reducing Backlogs
Proponents of the Pilot Program
The program helps manage visa appointment backlogs and addresses urgent travel needs.
Critics of the Pilot Program
The program does not significantly reduce backlogs and only benefits those who can afford the extra fee.
- Program Start Date
- July 1, 2026
- Program End Date
- December 31, 2026
- Expedited Appointment Fee
- $750
- Standard Visa Application Fee
- $185
- First Participating Locations
- Mexico’s US Embassy and consulates
- Program Availability
- Limited to select US embassies and consulates