The Department of State (DoS) has announced that it is expanding its nonimmigrant visa (NIV) expedited appointment program to five more U.S. embassies and consulates, effective August 18, 2026. This optional pilot program is limited to B visa applicants (B-1/B-2 visitor visas). Applicants at participating locations may choose whether to use this optional, voluntary program.
The following embassies and consulates are participating in the pilot, with launch dates for the program as follows:
- Mission Canada (Embassy and all consulates) – 18 August 26
- Embassy Bogota – 18 August 26
- Embassy Guatemala City – 18 August 26
- Embassy San Jose – 18 August 26
- Embassy Tegucigalpa – 18 August 26
- Mission Mexico (Embassy and all consulates) – July 21, 2026
Additional pilot locations may be announced throughout the pilot period.
Under the pilot program, eligible applicants for B visas—those making new appointments or holding existing appointments with unexpired MRV fee receipts—may pay a USD 750 fee per appointment to schedule a visa interview within 10 business days, subject to availability. Applicants must first follow the usual process to pay the USD 185 MRV fee and schedule an interview appointment.
Pilot posts will allocate a limited number of appointments daily for the expedited appointment program. If expedited appointments are available, these appointments will be visible for applicants to select when scheduling their appointments. After an applicant selects an expedited appointment date and time, the USD 750 fee payment must be completed within 10 minutes to secure the appointment. Once made, an expedited appointment date and time cannot be changed. Missed appointments will result in forfeiture of the fee. The expedited appointment fee is not refundable.
The program allows applicants to receive an earlier appointment only. Every U.S. visa applicant undergoes thorough screening and vetting, and the DoS does not issue a visa until an applicant has demonstrated to the consular officer that he or she is eligible to receive a visa under U.S. law. Applicants participating in the expedited appointment pilot program undergo the same rigorous screening and vetting and must meet all eligibility requirements to qualify for a visa under U.S. law. Applicants who pay the fee for an expedited appointment have the option to select one of the premium delivery options, if available, at no additional cost. Use of the expedited appointment pilot does not guarantee issuance of a visa.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.