The United States government, through the State Department, has announced a new premium expedited service for foreign nationals applying for business (B1) or tourist (B2) visas. This optional add-on costs $750 in addition to the standard $185 visa application fee, bringing the total to $935 for those who choose the fast-track option.
Pilot Program Details
The pilot initiative is scheduled to run from July 1 to December 31, 2026. Eligible B1 and B2 visa applicants who pay the premium fee can secure an interview appointment within 10 days at select US embassies and consulates. The policy addresses global interview wait times that have stretched to several months, and in some regions exceed a year, creating barriers for short-notice commercial and personal travel.
Tight Payment Window
Applicants who manage to secure an expedited interview slot face a remarkably tight window of five to 10 minutes to complete the transaction. According to the State Department notice, if the non-refundable fee is not settled within this timeframe, “he or she will lose the hold, and the expedited appointment will be reopened to other applicants.”
Revenue and Participation Estimates
The State Department anticipates that approximately 25,705 travelers will utilize the premium option annually, potentially generating around $19.3 million in revenue. Officials emphasize that paying the fee only accelerates the scheduling of the interview itself and does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.
Participating Embassies and Consulates
The select embassies and consulates participating in the pilot are expected to be announced before the program officially takes effect on July 1.
