The U.S. Department of State Introduces a New Premium Interview Appointment Program

Beginning July 1, 2026, certain applicants for B1/B2 visitor visas may have the option to pay an additional $750 expedited appointment fee to obtain a visa interview within 10 business days, subject to availability at participating U.S. embassies and consulates.

This is a temporary pilot program that will run through December 31, 2026, and will be available only at selected locations designated by the Department of State.

What Is Changing?

Traditionally, applicants requesting an expedited visa interview had to demonstrate a qualifying emergency, humanitarian need, or U.S. government interest.

Under this new program, eligible B1/B2 applicants may choose to pay an additional fee to obtain an earlier interview appointment without having to justify the need for expedited scheduling.

The program is intended to test whether applicants are willing to pay for faster access to interview appointments, particularly at locations experiencing significant backlogs.

How Much Does It Cost?

Applicants who choose this option will pay:

  • Regular B1/B2 Visa Application Fee: $185
  • Optional Expedited Interview Appointment Fee: $750

Total Cost: $935 per applicant

The expedited fee is in addition to the standard visa application fee and is charged on a per-person basis.

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Does Paying the Fee Guarantee a Visa?

Absolutely not.

The expedited appointment fee only allows an applicant to obtain an earlier interview appointment.
Applicants must still:

  • Complete the DS-160 application;
  • Attend an interview with a consular officer;
  • Demonstrate eligibility for a B1/B2 visa;
  • Pass all required security and background checks; and
  • Comply with any additional administrative processing that may be required.

A faster appointment does not increase the likelihood of visa approval.

Will Every Embassy Offer This Service?

No.

The Department of State will make the service available only at selected embassies and consulates and only in limited quantities.
If expedited appointments are unavailable at a particular location, applicants will continue with their regularly scheduled interview appointments.

Who May Benefit?

This program may be helpful for individuals who need to travel to the United States on short notice for:

  • Business meetings
  • Conferences
  • Tourism
  • Family visits
  • Sporting or entertainment events
  • Other time-sensitive travel that does not qualify for a humanitarian expedite

It may also be particularly useful during periods of high demand, including major international events hosted in the United States.

What Happens If You Miss Your Expedited Appointment?

Applicants who pay the expedited appointment fee and then:

  • Fail to appear for the interview, or
  • Cancel the expedited appointment,

will forfeit the $750 expedited appointment fee.

Therefore, applicants should only select an expedited appointment if they are certain they can attend.

Humanitarian Expedites Still Exist

This new premium service does not replace existing emergency expedite procedures. Applicants with genuine humanitarian emergencies, urgent medical needs, or circumstances involving U.S. national interests may still request an expedited appointment without paying the new fee, subject to the existing eligibility requirements.

Should You Pay for an Expedited Appointment?

The answer depends on your individual circumstances. If waiting several months for a visa interview would cause significant inconvenience or interfere with important travel plans, paying for an earlier appointment may be worthwhile. However, applicants should remember that:

  • Paying the fee does not improve the strength of the application.
  • It does not guarantee visa issuance.
  • It does not eliminate the possibility of administrative processing or additional delays after the interview.

Our Recommendation

Before spending nearly $1,000 per traveler, make sure you understand what you are purchasing. The expedited appointment fee buys time—not approval. If you have questions about whether a B1/B2 visa is appropriate for your situation, prior visa denials, immigration history, or whether another visa category may better meet your needs, consult with an experienced immigration attorney before applying.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every immigration matter is unique and should be evaluated based on its individual facts and circumstances.