US State Department Introduces $750 Fee for Expedited Visitor Visa Interviews
The US Department of State has introduced a temporary pilot program allowing certain B-1 and B-2 visitor visa applicants to pay an additional $750 fee to secure a visa interview appointment within 10 business days at participating US embassies and consulates.
The new fee was announced in a Temporary Final Rule published on 9 June 2026 and will take effect from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. The service will be available only at selected overseas posts and in limited quantities. Participating locations will be identified by the State Department.
Visitor visa interview premium processing process
The premium service for interviews is optional and does not replace the standard visitor visa application process. Applicants will still need to complete Form DS-160, pay the standard nonimmigrant visa application fee and schedule a regular visa interview appointment before becoming eligible to request an expedited appointment.
If expedited appointments are available at the selected consular post, applicants may choose to upgrade to an earlier appointment date within the next 10 business days by paying the additional $750 fee. The fee applies only to interview scheduling and does not affect visa adjudication, eligibility requirements or security screening procedures.
The Department of State has stressed that payment of the expedited appointment fee does not guarantee visa approval. Applicants will continue to be assessed under the same legal standards that apply to all B-1 and B-2 visa applications. Administrative processing, security checks and other post-interview procedures will also continue under normal processing timelines.
According to the State Department, the pilot program is intended to test demand for a fee-based expedited appointment service while reducing the administrative burden associated with existing expedite request procedures. The Department has also stated that expedited appointments will be capped at participating posts to minimize any impact on standard appointment availability.
The new service does not replace existing no-cost expedited appointment options available in limited circumstances, including certain humanitarian emergencies, urgent medical treatment cases and travel considered to be in the national interest of the United States. Those discretionary expedite processes remain available.
The pilot program is currently scheduled to end on 31 December 2026, although the Department of State will assess demand and operational impact before determining whether a longer-term program should be adopted.
NNU Perspective
The pilot is effectively introducing a two-tier appointment system for visitor visas: rather than increasing interview capacity across the board, the Department is testing a market-based solution that allows applicants with urgent travel needs to pay for faster access to limited appointment slots.
For business travelers, investors and executives facing lengthy interview backlogs, the program may provide a practical solution where the commercial value of the trip exceeds the additional cost. For families and leisure travelers, however, the fee may be difficult to justify given that it only accelerates access to the interview and does not speed up visa adjudication or improve approval prospects.
If demand proves strong, the program could provide a blueprint for broader premium consular services in future visa categories.
Need Assistance?
If you need advice on a US visitor visa application, interview preparation or travel planning, contact our US immigration attorneys for a fixed-fee telephone consultation.
