The United States Department of State has unveiled a new optional “premium” expedited service for B1/B2 visa applicants, allowing travellers to pay $750 to secure interview appointments within 10 business days.
According to a notice published in the Federal Register on June 9, 2026 and cited by Journalists on Monday, the pilot scheme is scheduled to run from July 1 to December 31, 2026. It will only be available at selected US embassies and consulates.
Officials said the initiative is designed as an optional add-on for applicants who want faster interview scheduling, particularly in response to rising global demand and extended waiting periods at several US missions.
In its rule, the State Department stated, “This temporary final rule is designed to collect information from select countries about the demand for a fee-based process to expedite a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment.”
The department also explained that the programme is intended to improve efficiency in visa appointment scheduling systems.
Authorities stressed that paying the additional fee does not guarantee visa approval or issuance.
It stated,”An expedited visa appointment in no way guarantees visa issuance.”
Applicants must still satisfy all standard requirements, including security screening and consular interviews, before a visa can be granted.
READ ALSO: US Embassy Introduces Stricter Visa Interview Rules for Nigerians
The State Department said the pilot responds to increasing demand and long delays in some countries, including in Africa.
In Nigeria, the average wait time for a B1/B2 visa interview in Abuja is currently estimated at about 11.5 months.
The rule further noted, “At certain posts wait times exceed 12 months, making it difficult for some applicants to apply for visas for urgent or last-minute travel.”
Officials also linked the pilot to anticipated global travel surges, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Under the arrangement, applicants must first complete the standard visa application process and book a regular appointment before opting for an earlier slot.
“If the applicant then wishes to schedule an earlier (expedited) appointment, he or she will so indicate, at which point, he or she will see the available expedited appointments within the next ten business days.”
The service will only be available at selected posts, with limited slots expected.
Applicants will also pay the usual $185 visa application fee in addition to the new $750 expedited charge.
The department described the initiative as a cost-recovery pilot aimed at testing demand for faster scheduling options.
It stated, “This service will be offered as an optional premium addition to the standard NIV application fee.”
It further added, “This service will be offered at limited overseas posts… for the duration of the temporary final rule.”