Would You Pay $750 to Get a U.S. Visa Interview Within 10 Business Days?
A new State Department pilot offers certain B-visa applicants an optional expedited appointment, but the fee does not buy a visa approval.
Long waits for a U.S. visa interview have frustrated travelers around the world. In August 2026, the Department of State launched a pilot program that gives certain B-visa applicants at participating embassies and consulates the option to pay an additional $750 for an expedited interview appointment.
How does the pilot work?
Eligible applicants for B visas who are making new appointments, or who already hold an appointment with an unexpired MRV fee receipt, may be able to select an expedited interview within 10 business days. The applicant must first follow the normal process, including paying the regular $185 MRV fee and scheduling an appointment. If an expedited slot appears, the additional $750 fee must be paid within the required time to secure it.
Where is it available?
As of the State Department’s August 18 announcement, participating locations include Mission Canada, Bogotá, Guatemala City, San José, Tegucigalpa and Mission Mexico. The Department says additional pilot locations may be announced. The pilot is scheduled to run through December 31, 2026.
What are the catches?
- Only a limited number of expedited appointments are available each day.
- The $750 expedited-appointment fee is nonrefundable.
- Once selected, the expedited appointment date and time cannot be changed under the pilot rules.
- Missing the appointment results in forfeiture of the expedited fee.
- The program does not reduce the legal requirements for a B visa and does not guarantee issuance.
An earlier interview is not the same as an earlier visa
A visitor-visa applicant must still demonstrate eligibility for the visa. The consular officer can deny the application or place it into additional processing when appropriate. Applicants should therefore avoid treating the expedited program as a way to “buy” approval.
Who may benefit?
The program may be useful for eligible travelers with urgent business, family or tourism needs when a participating post has a long ordinary appointment wait. But applicants should weigh the nonrefundable fee against the actual urgency of the trip and remember that visa issuance is never guaranteed.
Read also: common visa appointment mistakes and how to prepare for your interview. If you have questions about your situation, you can request a consultation.
Official source
- Department of State, NIV Expedited Appointment Pilot Program: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/niv-visa-expedited-appointment-pilot-program.html
Legal disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules and policies can change quickly. Eligibility and strategy depend on the facts of each individual case. See our full legal disclaimer.
Emmanuel Gonzalez, Esq.
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