US to Offer Faster Business, Tourist Visa Interviews for $750

The US State Department is set to launch a pilot programme offering faster visa interview appointments for eligible applicants willing to pay an additional $750 (around ₹62,000), according to an official notice to be published in the Federal Register this week.

The programme will run from July 1 until December 31, 2026, and is aimed at reducing waiting times for applicants seeking business and tourist visas.

Faster interview appointments

Under the pilot programme:

• Eligible applicants for Business (B-1) and Tourist (B-2) visas may be offered a visa interview appointment within 10 business days.
• The facility will be available only if interview slots are vacant at the concerned US embassy or consulate.
• The service will not be introduced at every US diplomatic mission worldwide.

The State Department will publish a list of participating embassies and consulates on its official website, travel.state.gov.

Officials said the number of premium interview slots will be limited.

Fees do not guarantee a visa

The State Department has clarified that the additional payment is solely for obtaining an earlier interview appointment.

According to officials:

• Paying the premium fee will not influence the visa approval process.
• It will not speed up security screening or eligibility checks.
• Administrative processing, where required, will continue under existing procedures and timelines.

Applicants whose cases require additional administrative processing may still experience delays after the interview.

Existing rules remain unchanged

The State Department said applicants using the premium appointment service must continue to satisfy all legal requirements and eligibility criteria for B-1/B-2 visas.

Officials stressed that securing an earlier interview date does not guarantee visa approval.

The final decision on whether to grant or refuse a visa will continue to depend on the applicant's qualifications and the outcome of the visa interview.