The U.S. Department of State will launch a pilot program allowing eligible B1/B2 visa applicants to pay for expedited interview appointments [1, 2].
This initiative targets the long wait times associated with business and tourism visas. By creating a paid fast-track option, the government aims to reduce overall queues while providing a quicker path for those with the means and eligibility to pay for priority access [2, 3].
Under the new temporary final rule, eligible applicants can pay a premium fee of $750 [1] to schedule an interview within 10 days [1]. This fee is an additional cost on top of the standard B1/B2 visa application fee, which is $185 [4].
The program will be available at select U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, though the State Department has not yet listed the specific locations [1, 2]. The service is specifically designed for B1/B2 business-tourism applicants who need to move to the front of the appointment line [2, 3].
The temporary final rule is slated to become effective on July 1, 2026 [2]. A notice regarding the implementation is expected to appear in the Federal Register during the week the rule is published [1].
Government officials said the goal is to streamline the process for those who require urgent travel. The pilot will test whether a tiered pricing model can effectively manage the high volume of visa requests without compromising security screenings [2, 3].
“Eligible applicants can pay a premium fee of $750 to schedule an interview within 10 days.”
The introduction of a 'pay-to-skip' model for U.S. visas marks a shift toward a tiered service system in consular affairs. While this may alleviate congestion for some and generate additional revenue, it creates a two-tiered access system where speed of entry is tied to financial capacity. The success of this pilot will likely determine if similar premium services are expanded to other visa categories or additional diplomatic posts.
