Travellers seeking a US business or tourist visa may soon have the option to pay their way to an earlier interview appointment—but not to a faster visa decision. The US Department of State has launched a pilot programme that allows eligible B1/B2 visa applicants at select diplomatic missions to pay an additional $750 for an interview appointment within about 10 business days, subject to availability. The programme will run through December 31, 2026.
The department said the initiative is designed to help manage visa demand from applicants with urgent travel needs while maintaining the same security screening and eligibility standards required under US immigration law.
