09/07/2026
Want to Skip the waiting line for a U.S. visitor visa interview? Now you can — for $750.
The U.S. Department of State has launched a new pilot program, effective July 1 through December 31, 2026.
Here’s exactly what it is — and isn’t:
📌 Applies ONLY to B-1/B-2 (business and tourism) visas — not F-1, H-1B, L-1, or any other category
📌 $750 is an OPTIONAL add-on, on top of the standard $185 MRV fee — total cost around $935
📌 It buys you an interview appointment within 10 business days at select posts — not a guaranteed visa
📌 Capped at roughly 25,000 expedited slots across all participating consulates
📌 It does NOT replace the existing free emergency expedite process for genuine medical, humanitarian, or urgent business needs
Why now? Long-standing visa backlogs — some posts have wait times over 12 months — combined with the 2026 FIFA World Cup and preparations for the 2028 LA Olympics.
The important nuance most headlines are missing:
This isn’t an “emergency fee.” It’s a paid front-of-the-line option available to anyone willing to pay — you don’t need to prove urgency. If you DO have a genuine emergency (medical treatment, family crisis, time-critical business), you may still qualify for the existing no-cost expedite process. Don’t pay $750 for something you might already be entitled to for free.
Also worth flagging: the $750 gets you a faster appointment — not a faster decision, and definitely not a guaranteed approval. Your case still has to stand on its own merits.
If you’re planning U.S. travel around the World Cup or have urgent business needs and you’re facing a long wait at your local consulate, this might be worth it. If your travel is flexible, it probably isn’t.
This is a pilot — it could be extended, changed, or scrapped by January 2026. I’ll keep tracking it.
Questions about whether this applies to your situation? Drop them below.
