US Visa Applicants Can Now Pay $750 To Fast-Track Requests—What To Know
Summary
The U.S. State Department has introduced a new $750 fee to let some visa applicants pay for faster interview appointments in a six-month pilot program. This option aims to reduce long delays for tourist visas, but it only speeds up interview scheduling and does not affect visa approval decisions.Key Facts
- The new fee is $750 for expedited interview appointments for B1/B2 tourist visas.
- The program runs from July 1 to December 31, 2026.
- Applicants must first complete the normal visa application and pay the $185 fee before requesting the faster interview.
- Expedited appointments are available only at some U.S. embassies and consulates.
- Once a fast-track slot opens, applicants have 5 to 10 minutes to pay the fee; otherwise, the slot goes to someone else.
- The fee does not guarantee visa approval or speed up background checks; it only moves the interview sooner.
- Total cost for applicants using this option is $935 ($185 standard fee plus $750 expedited fee), and the expedited fee is non-refundable.
- This pilot is a response to long wait times, with some countries facing waits of over a year due to high demand.
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