- The US has introduced a $750 fast-track visa interview service for B1/B2 applicants
- The optional programme offers interview appointments within 10 business days
- Applicants must still meet all visa requirements and pay the standard application fee
The United States Department of State has unveiled a new premium service that allows B1/B2 visa applicants to pay an additional $750 for an interview appointment within 10 business days.
According to a notice published in the Federal Register on June 9, 2026, Eko Hot Blog gathered the pilot programme will operate from July 1 to December 31, 2026, and will be available only at selected US embassies and consulates.
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The initiative is intended to provide applicants with an optional fast-track interview service as demand for US visas continues to rise and appointment waiting times remain lengthy in several countries.
The State Department said the programme is being introduced to assess interest in a paid expedited interview option while improving the efficiency of visa scheduling systems.
Officials stressed that paying the additional fee does not guarantee approval or issuance of a visa. Applicants must still satisfy all existing eligibility requirements, including security screening and consular interviews.
The department noted that long waiting periods remain a challenge in many locations, including Nigeria, where applicants seeking B1/B2 visa interviews in Abuja currently face an average wait of about 11.5 months.
It added that increasing international travel linked to major global events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, has contributed to higher demand for visa appointments.
To access the premium service, applicants must first complete the standard visa application process and secure a regular interview appointment before requesting an earlier date through the expedited option.
Only a limited number of overseas missions will participate in the pilot, and appointment availability will depend on capacity.
Applicants choosing the service will pay the regular $185 visa application fee in addition to the new $750 expedited appointment fee.
The US government described the programme as a temporary cost-recovery initiative designed to evaluate demand for premium visa interview scheduling before deciding on any long-term implementation.
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