The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has launched a pilot program that allows certain visitor visa applicants to pay an additional fee for access to earlier visa interview appointments.
The Nonimmigrant Visa Expedited Appointment Pilot Program, which runs through December 31, 2026, is currently being tested at select U.S. embassies and consulates. Under the program, eligible applicants may pay $750 per appointment to secure a visa interview within 10 business days, subject to appointment availability.
According to DOS, the initiative is intended to help manage demand from travelers with urgent—but non-emergency—travel needs while maintaining existing security screening and vetting standards.
How the Pilot Program Works
The program is available only for applicants seeking B-1/B-2 visitor visas.
To participate, applicants must first:
- Complete the standard visa application process.
- Pay the regular $185 Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee.
- Schedule a regular visa interview appointment.
If expedited appointments are available at a participating post, qualified applicants may then select a “Paid Expedite” option and pay an additional $750 expedited appointment fee.
Successful participants may be able to schedule an interview within 10 business days. DOS notes that expedited appointments are limited and offered on a space-available basis.
Earlier Appointment, Not Faster Adjudication
The Department emphasizes that the program only provides access to an earlier interview date.
Applicants who use the service:
- Undergo the same security screening and vetting as all other visa applicants.
- Must satisfy all eligibility requirements under U.S. immigration law.
- Receive no guarantee that a visa will be approved.
- Receive no guarantee of expedited visa issuance after the interview.
In other words, the fee buys access to an earlier interview appointment—not a faster decision or favorable outcome.
Current Pilot Location
At launch, the program is available only at:
- Mission Mexico (U.S. Embassy and all U.S. Consulates in Mexico) — effective July 21, 2026.
The Department of State has indicated that additional pilot locations may be added during the testing period.
Important Restrictions
Applicants considering the Paid Expedite option should be aware of several limitations.
The Fee Is Non-Refundable
Once paid, the $750 expedited appointment fee:
- Cannot be refunded.
- Cannot be transferred.
- Is forfeited if the appointment is missed.
Expedited Appointments Cannot Be Rescheduled
DOS states that expedited appointments are a one-time scheduling option.
Once an applicant selects and pays for a Paid Expedite appointment:
- The appointment date and time cannot be changed.
- Canceling the appointment does not result in a refund.
- Missing the appointment results in forfeiture of the fee.
Group Applications
Applicants traveling together may use the expedited service, but each applicant must pay the $750 fee individually.
Groups can choose to separate applications if only certain travelers wish to obtain expedited appointments.
Who Can Use the Program?
The Paid Expedite option is available only to:
- Applicants seeking B-1/B-2 visitor visas.
- Applicants with an existing future interview appointment.
- Applicants applying at a participating embassy or consulate.
The program is not currently available for:
- Visa waiver applicants.
- Interview waiver applicants seeking faster processing.
- Most non-B visa classifications.
Applicants renewing visas through the interview waiver process are not eligible to purchase expedited processing under this pilot.
What’s Next
The Department of State will test the program through December 31, 2026, and may expand it to additional locations during the pilot period. Applicants interested in the program should monitor local embassy and consulate websites for updates regarding availability and eligibility requirements.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
The new pilot program provides an alternative for business and tourist travelers who need an earlier appointment but do not qualify for a traditional emergency appointment.
For some applicants, particularly in locations with lengthy appointment backlogs, the option may provide greater flexibility in scheduling urgent travel. However, travelers should carefully weigh the additional cost against the benefits, especially given the non-refundable nature of the fee and the absence of any guarantee of visa approval.
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.