U.S. Introduces $750 Expedited B1/B2 Visa Interview Program: What Applicants Need to Know

The U.S. Department of State has announced a significant new pilot program that would allow certain B1/B2 visa applicants to obtain a visa interview appointment within 10 business days by paying an additional $750 expedited appointment fee. The program is expected to take effect on July 1, 2026 and continue through December 31, 2026.

New Expedited Visa Appointment Fee for B1/B2 Applicants

According to a Temporary Final Rule published by the Department of State, eligible B1/B2 business and tourist visa applicants will be able to purchase access to expedited interview appointments at selected U.S. embassies and consulates. The expedited appointment service will be offered only at designated posts and only in limited quantities.

Federal Register Document 2026-11513 | 22 CFR Part 22 | Effective: July 1 – December 31, 2026. This can be found here.

Applicants who choose this premium option will pay:

• Standard MRV Fee: $185

• Expedited Appointment Fee: $750

• Total Government Fees: $935 (excluding any reciprocity fees, where applicable

What Does the $750 Fee Include?

The expedited appointment fee provides access to an earlier interview appointment, generally within 10 business days, subject to availability. It is important to understand that the fee only accelerates appointment scheduling and does not affect the substantive adjudication of the visa application.

Applicants will still be subject to:

• Standard visa eligibility requirements

• Security screening and vetting

• Consular officer interview

• Administrative processing, if required.

Does Paying the Fee Guarantee Visa Approval?

No.

The Department of State specifically states that payment of the expedited appointment fee does not guarantee visa issuance and does not expedite administrative processing. Applicants must independently establish eligibility for the visa category sought.

Why Is the State Department Introducing This Program?

The Department cites long visa wait times at certain consular posts and increasing demand for time-sensitive travel. The pilot is also intended to help the government evaluate demand for a fee-based expedited appointment system ahead of major international events, including the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

The Department estimates approximately 25,000 applicants may utilize the service during the pilot period.

Will Regular Applicants Be Affected?

According to the Department, expedited appointments will be capped at a percentage of overall interviewing capacity. Officials indicate that the pilot should not significantly affect appointment availability for applicants using the standard scheduling process.

Humanitarian Expedites Still Available

Importantly, the new fee-based service does not eliminate existing no-fee expedite options for:

• Medical emergencies

• Humanitarian situations

• U.S. national interest cases

• Other qualifying urgent travel circumstances

  
  

Our Analysis

This proposal represents one of the most significant changes to U.S. visitor visa appointment scheduling in recent years.

For applicants facing urgent business travel, conferences, family events, or other time-sensitive travel needs, the program may offer a predictable alternative to traditional expedite requests. However, applicants should carefully weigh the substantial additional cost against the fact that visa approval remains entirely discretionary and subject to all normal eligibility requirements.

Need Help With a U.S. Visa?

At The Visa Code, we assist individuals and businesses worldwide with U.S. visa and consular matters, including B1/B2 visitor visas, H-1B visas, L-1 visas, student visas, immigrant visas, waivers, and administrative processing matters.

Bottom line:

If you have a genuine, time-sensitive reason to travel to the U.S. before December 31, 2026, a business meeting, a family event, a medical need — this $750 pathway may be worth it.

But go in with eyes open: paying $750 does not buy you a visa. It buys you a faster seat in the interview chair.

At The Visa Code, we are monitoring which posts will participate and will update clients the moment travel.state.gov publishes the list.

Questions? Write to us at info@thevisacode.com