US Introduces $750 Fast-Track Visa Interview Service for Tourists and Business Travelers

The United States is set to launch a new expedited visa interview service for certain travelers beginning July 1, 2026. Under a temporary pilot program announced by the U.S. Department of State, applicants seeking B1 and B2 visas for business and tourism purposes will have the option to pay an additional $750 fee to secure a faster visa interview appointment.

The new service will remain available through December 31, 2026, as part of a trial initiative aimed at evaluating demand for premium visa processing options. The program is expected to benefit travelers who need quicker access to visa interview slots, especially at locations experiencing long appointment wait times.

Who Can Apply for the $750 Fast-Track Visa Interview?

The expedited appointment service is available exclusively to applicants applying for B1 and B2 nonimmigrant visas. Eligible travelers who choose the premium option may receive a visa interview appointment within ten business days after paying the additional fee, subject to appointment availability at participating U.S. consulates and embassies.

Unlike existing emergency appointment requests, applicants using this service will not be required to provide written justification or seek approval through special referral processes. However, the expedited fee only speeds up interview scheduling and does not guarantee visa approval.

Applicants must still complete all standard visa requirements, attend their interview, undergo security checks, and comply with any administrative processing procedures that may apply.

The State Department has also indicated that applicants using the service may receive enhanced passport return options where available, helping further streamline the travel planning process.

Travelers planning upcoming business trips, vacations, sporting events, or family visits may find the service particularly useful. Many applicants often use travel platforms and visa assistance providers such as MakeMyTrip and Musafirbaba to manage travel documentation and visa-related guidance, especially when planning time-sensitive international journeys.

Why Is the US Introducing This New Visa Service?

According to the U.S. Department of State, the new fee-based appointment option is designed to reduce the burden on consular staff while offering travelers a legitimate way to access earlier interview dates.

Currently, applicants seeking faster appointments must rely on limited emergency channels. These include government referrals, priority appointment requests made by authorized U.S. officials, or applicant-submitted expedite requests based on humanitarian or urgent travel circumstances.

Each of these methods requires individual review by consular staff, consuming significant administrative resources. The new paid service eliminates the need for applicants to justify their request while reducing the workload associated with reviewing thousands of expedite applications.

The initiative also comes at a time when visa demand remains high across many countries. While the median global wait time for nonimmigrant visa appointments is around 30 days, some locations continue to experience waiting periods exceeding one year.

With major international events approaching, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, U.S. authorities are exploring ways to accommodate last-minute travelers without disrupting standard visa operations.

Officials have emphasized that only a limited number of interview slots will be allocated to the premium service. As a result, the program is not expected to significantly affect wait times for other applicants who choose the regular appointment process.

The Department of State will monitor the pilot program throughout 2026 to determine whether a permanent expedited visa interview service could be introduced in the future.