Travellers looking to accelerate their US visa process may soon have a paid shortcut—but it comes with clear limitations.
The US State Department is planning a pilot programme from July 1 to December 31 that will allow certain applicants to pay an additional $750 to secure faster visa interview appointments. The scheme is aimed at those applying for B-1/B-2 business and tourist visas, categories that often face long waiting periods.
Under the proposal, eligible applicants could get an interview slot within 10 business days, significantly cutting down wait times that can otherwise stretch into months or even longer.
However, the premium service comes with a catch: it only accelerates access to an interview slot, not the visa decision itself. Applicants will still have to go through the standard process, including eligibility checks and administrative procedures. Importantly, paying the fee does not guarantee visa approval.
The additional fee is also non-refundable, meaning that applicants will not recover the amount even if their visa is rejected or delayed further during processing.
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The programme is expected to be rolled out at select US embassies and consulates overseas, with limited slots available. The exact list of participating locations has not yet been announced, though it is likely to target regions with high demand and long queues.
To manage availability, selected slots will come with a short holding window of 5–10 minutes, during which applicants must complete the payment. If the transaction is not completed in time, the slot will be released for others.
The State Department has described the programme as a “proof of conceptâ€, aimed at assessing demand for expedited appointments and testing whether applicants are willing to pay for faster access.
The initiative is also expected to generate revenue. Estimates suggest the service could process over 25,000 applications annually, potentially bringing in around $19 million.
The pilot is targeted at applicants from non–Visa Waiver Program countries, meaning the majority of applicants from countries like India could potentially benefit—subject to rollout decisions.
While the move offers a quicker pathway for some travellers, it also introduces a tiered system—where speed comes at a price, but certainty remains unchanged.
The programme may be extended beyond December depending on demand and outcomes.
First Published on June 10, 2026, 14:24:59 IST
