US to Offer $750 Expedited B-1/B-2 Visa Appointments at Select Consulates Starting July 1, 2026 – Full Details & What It Means for Travelers

US offers $750 expedited B-1/B-2 visa appointments at select consulates from July 1, 2026. Interview within 10 business days

Washington, June 9, 2026 — The U.S. Department of State has announced a new pilot program that will allow B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visa applicants at certain consular posts to secure an appointment within 10 business days by paying an additional $750 expedite fee.

The temporary program will run from July 1 to December 31, 2026, and is designed to ease long waiting times at high-demand U.S. consulates while generating extra revenue for the visa system.

Key Features of the New Expedite Pilot Program

• Fee: $750 per application (non-refundable)

• Appointment Guarantee: Visa interview arranged within 10 business days after payment

• Important Limitation: The fee only speeds up the appointment date — it does not accelerate the actual visa adjudication or processing time

• Limited Availability: Only a limited number of expedited slots will be offered at participating posts

• Eligibility: Available only at selected U.S. consular posts (the full list will be published on travel.state.gov)

This is the first time the U.S. has introduced a paid expedite option specifically for B visa appointments on this scale.

Why the State Department Is Launching This Pilot

Many U.S. consulates, particularly in India, China, Mexico, Brazil, and Nigeria, have appointment wait times stretching several months or even over a year. The new program aims to:

• Provide faster access for urgent business travelers, medical patients, and family visitors

• Generate additional revenue to support the visa system

• Test the feasibility of paid expedite services for nonimmigrant visas

Who Should Consider the $750 Expedite Fee?

This option is most valuable for applicants who:

• Have urgent business meetings, conferences, or medical needs

• Cannot wait several months for a regular appointment

• Are willing to pay a premium for speed

Note: Even with an expedited appointment, applicants must still meet all standard B visa eligibility requirements (intent to return home, sufficient ties abroad, etc.). Security or administrative processing can still cause significant delays after the interview.

How to Use the New Expedite Service (Expected Process)

1. Check the official list of participating consular posts on travel.state.gov after July 1.

2. Schedule a regular appointment first through the standard system.

3. Pay the $750 expedite fee when the option becomes available.

4. Receive a new appointment slot within 10 business days.

Full instructions and payment details will be published on the official U.S. visa information website closer to the launch date.

Impact on Regular Applicants

• Regular (non-expedited) appointment availability may slightly improve as some applicants opt for the paid service.

• However, overall demand remains high, so waiting times are still expected to be long at many posts.

• The program is temporary and may or may not be extended beyond December 31, 2026.

Practical Advice for B Visa Applicants in 2026

• Apply as early as possible — even with the expedite option, planning ahead is recommended.

• Prepare a strong application with clear evidence of ties to your home country.

• Consider the $750 fee only if your travel is truly time-sensitive.

• Monitor travel.state.gov regularly for the list of participating consulates.

This pilot program reflects the growing trend of paid premium services in global visa processing as governments look for ways to manage high demand while improving user experience for those who can afford faster service.

For the latest updates, detailed guides, B-1/B-2 visa requirements by country, interview tips, and 2026 U.S. visa policy changes, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/usa