The United States Department of State is launching a premium service that enables B1/B2 visa applicants to pay a $750 surcharge to secure interview appointments within 10 business days. This expedited option, detailed in a June 9 Federal Register notice, will be available at specific US embassies and consulates.
The pilot program is slated to operate from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, with potential for future extension. This policy arrives during a period of increased immigration restrictions under the Donald Trump administration. Some applicants, particularly from African nations, already encounter significant hurdles, including potential $15,000 visa bonds and various travel suspensions.
These constraints have caused substantial delays, with residents in Abuja experiencing wait times reaching 11.5 months. While the standard $185 visa processing fee remains unchanged, the new service is strictly optional. The State Department emphasized that paying the additional $750 does not ensure visa approval and has not yet specified which locations will offer the service. Meanwhile, reports suggest a potential reduction in the number of active US diplomatic processing centers across Africa.