US Fast-Track Visa Interview Program 2026: Pay $750 Extra for Early B1/B2 Visa Appointment

The United States has introduced a new Fast-Track Visa Interview Pilot Program that allows eligible tourist and business visa applicants to obtain an earlier interview appointment by paying an additional $750. The new initiative is aimed at travelers who need urgent visa appointments but does not guarantee visa approval.

On July 22, the US Department of State (State) published the Nonimmigrant Visa Accelerated Appointment Pilot Program. The pilot program will continue until Dec. 31, 2026, and is being piloted at select U.S. embassies and consulates.

What Is the US Fast-Track Visa Interview Program?

Applicants applying for B1/B2 visa (tourist and business) can take advantage of the new pilot program. The additional $750 fee, on top of the regular $185 nonimmigrant visa application fee, is available to applicants who qualify for it, and offers them the opportunity to book a visa interview earlier.

According to the US government, the program will allow travelers with a critical mission to travel without loss of any security or background checks.

How Does the Program Work?

Applicants will need to apply for a normal Visa and pay the $185 Visa fee before making an appointment for a regular interview.

Those who apply for an accelerated appointment with the selected embassy or consulate will have a “Paid Expedite” option available on the online appointment process. Once they choose this option, they will then have 10 minutes to pay the extra $750.00 and confirm the early interview appointment.

Who Is Eligible?

The expedited appointment option is available only to applicants who:

• Are applying for a B1/B2 tourist or business visa
• Already have a scheduled future visa interview
• Meet all standard visa eligibility requirements
• Apply through a participating US embassy or consulate

Applicants whose previous visa applications were refused may also use the service if they qualify under the program rules.

Does the Extra Fee Guarantee Visa Approval?

No. The US Department of State has clarified that paying the $750 expedited appointment fee only secures an earlier interview date. It does not increase the chances of visa approval or speed up the visa decision process.

All applicants will be subject to the same security screening, document verification and interview process as they are with regular appointments.

Important Rules for Applicants

The USFTVIP is a useful program for individuals who need to travel to the United States for urgent reasons and are eligible for a B1/B2 visa. Applicants must keep in mind that the extra $750 fee is only to expedite the process of scheduling interviews and not to guarantee visa approval or quicker visa processing.