U.S. Introduces $750 Fee to Expedite Visa Interviews

The U.S. Department of State has rolled out a new “premium” expedited service for B1/B2 visa applicants, allowing travelers to pay $750 for interview appointments scheduled within 10 business days. 

According to a notice published in the Federal Register on June 9, 2026, the pilot program will run from July 1 to December 31, 2026, and will only be available at select embassies and consulates. 

The department explained that this new service is an optional add-on for applicants looking for faster interview slots, especially amidst rising demand and lengthy waiting times at many U.S. missions. In its official rule, the State Department mentioned, “This temporary final rule is designed to gather information from certain countries about the demand for a fee-based process to expedite a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment.” It also aims to enhance efficiency in visa scheduling systems. 

The U.S. government clarified that paying the fee does not guarantee visa issuance or approval. 

They emphasized, “An expedited visa appointment in no way guarantees visa issuance.” Applicants will still need to meet all standard requirements, including security checks and consular interviews. The State Department noted that the new system responds to increasing demand and long delays in some regions, including Africa. For instance, in Abuja, Nigeria, the average wait time for a B1/B2 visa interview has now stretched to about 11 months.