US to Offer $750 Expedited Visa Service in Pilot Program

The U.S. State Department is introducing a new pilot program that offers an expedited visa interview service for a fee of $750. This optional add-on aims to significantly reduce wait times for foreign nationals seeking business or tourist visas to enter the United States.

Under the program, applicants paying the $750 fee will be able to schedule an interview appointment within 10 days of payment at select U.S. embassies and consulates. This initiative is intended to alleviate the lengthy delays many travelers currently face, with some waiting months or even over a year for an interview.

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The pilot programme will run from July 1 to December 31, according to internal documents obtained by The Associated Press and a State Department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the programme has not yet been announced.

The pilot program is scheduled to run from July 1 to December 31, 2026. The State Department will determine whether to extend the service based on its demand and success. The expedited service is an addition to the standard $185 visa application fee, bringing the total cost for those using the premium service to $935.

Participation in the expedited service is limited to specific embassies and consulates, which will be announced before the program's launch. Applicants securing an expedited slot will have a narrow window of five to 10 minutes to complete the non-refundable payment. Failure to do so will result in the loss of the appointment slot. The program comes amid concerns about the U.S. making entry more difficult, potentially as a response to previous administration policies.

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he or she will lose the hold, and the expedited appointment will be reopened to other applicants.