US Launches $750 Premium Fast-Track Visa Interview Service

The United States Department of State has officially launched a pilot program offering expedited visa interview appointments for business and tourist travellers.

The service allows eligible applicants to secure an interview within ten business days by paying an additional $750 premium fee.

The temporary final rule, published in the Federal Register, will run from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. The premium service is available only for B1 and B2 nonimmigrant visa applicants at select overseas embassies and consulates. The list of participating posts is yet to be announced and will be published on travel.state.gov.

Applicants opting for the fast-track service must still pay the standard $185 visa application fee, bringing the total cost per applicant to $935.

The State Department said the premium service is an optional addition designed to test demand from travellers seeking to bypass lengthy wait times. Wait times at some consulates currently exceed twelve months.

The State Department clarified that payment of the $750 fee only guarantees faster access to an interview slot and does not influence the visa approval decision. “The $750 fee is significant, it reflects the full cost of providing the service and complies with statutory requirements,” the department said. The pilot aims to minimise impacts on regular appointment wait times by capping expedite slots.

Immigration attorney Adrian Pandev commented on the development, stating, “$750 to make an important business meeting or conference instead of waiting months at a busy consulate? A lot of people will pay that without thinking twice”. Another immigration attorney, Steven Brown, noted that for travellers who need to travel on short notice, “this isn’t a bad thing”.

The premium service is being introduced against the backdrop of restrictive measures imposed under the Trump administration.

These include bond requirements of up to $15,000 for nationals from certain countries and enhanced social media vetting, which have contributed to global visa processing delays. The pilot program is also seen as preparation for major international events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The State Department has confirmed that standard, cost-free emergency expedite channels for humanitarian crises or urgent medical needs will remain active alongside this paid service.

The premium option functions purely as a commercial shortcut for those who value time over cost. The pilot may be extended beyond December 2026 depending on demand and feedback from participating consular posts.