State Department to Test $750 Premium Option for Faster B-1/B-2 Visa Interviews

The U.S. Department of State is preparing to test a new optional premium service for B-1/B-2 visitor visa applicants. Under the pilot program, eligible business and tourism visa applicants may pay a $750 premium fee to expedite interview scheduling for B-1/B-2 visas. This fee is separate from the regular visa application fee.

Key Timeline and Details

Effective Dates: The pilot program is expected to run from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, unless the government changes or extends it.
Who It Applies To: The fee applies only to B-1/B-2 business and tourism visa applicants. It does not apply to other visa categories such as H-1B, L-1, F-1, H-4, or immigrant visas.
Cost: The expedited appointment fee is $750 per person, in addition to the normal B-1/B-2 visa application fee, which is currently $185.
Expected Benefit: Eligible applicants may be able to schedule an interview within 10 business days, depending on availability at the selected post.

How It Works

Applicants must first complete the regular visa application process, including submitting the DS-160, paying the standard visa application fee, and scheduling a regular visa interview.

If the selected U.S. consulate participates in the pilot program and has expedited slots available, the applicant may then be given the option to upgrade to a faster appointment by paying the $750 fee.

Important Limitations

No Approval Guarantee: Paying the $750 fee does not guarantee visa approval. It only helps the applicant seek an earlier interview appointment. A consular officer will still decide whether the applicant qualifies for the visa.
Does Not Fast-Track Administrative Processing: The fee also does not speed up administrative processing. If a case requires additional review after the interview, the expedited appointment fee will not make that later processing move faster.
Limited Availability: The service will not be available at every U.S. embassy or consulate. It will only be offered at selected locations, and applicants will need to check whether their chosen consulate participates.

Applicants who do not want to pay the additional fee may keep their regular appointment. Free emergency appointment requests may still be available for humanitarian reasons or urgent U.S. national-interest travel.

Why This Matters

Visa interview wait times can be long, especially for applicants from countries that are not part of the Visa Waiver Program. Some applicants may face waits of several months or longer. This pilot program appears designed to test whether B-1/B-2 travelers are willing to pay extra for faster interview access while allowing regular appointments to continue.

The Bottom Line

This new $750 premium option may help some B-1/B-2 applicants with urgent travel plans obtain an earlier interview. However, it is expensive, limited in availability, and does not guarantee visa approval. Applicants should carefully decide whether the faster appointment is worth the added cost before paying.

At the end of 2026, the State Department will review the pilot program results and decide whether to make the paid premium service permanent, modify it, or discontinue it.

To learn more about the program, please monitor the State Department website.

Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-483-4549 or call 619-819-9204.

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