U.S. State Department Proposes $750 Premium Fee for Expedited Visitor Visa Interviews

Key Point  

• The U.S. Department of State has introduced a temporary rule creating an optional $750 fee for expedited B‑1/B‑2 visa interview appointments (within 10 business days) at select consulates, as a pilot program through the end of 2026.

Expedited Visitor Visa Interviews 

The U.S. Department of State has issued a temporary final rule that would introduce a new $750 premium fee for expedited B‑1/B‑2 (business and tourism) visa interview appointments, according to a Federal Register public inspection notice published June 9, 2026. The rule establishes that the fee provides faster access to interview appointments; it does not change visa processing times or approval outcomes.

Key Takeaways 

• New premium option: Applicants for B‑1/B‑2 visas can pay an additional $750 to secure an interview within 10 business days.
  Limited availability: The Department of State offers the expedited service only at select consulates and limits appointments based on capacity.
  Pilot timeline: The rule takes effect from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, as a pilot to evaluate demand.
  Additional cost: The premium fee supplements existing nonimmigrant visa fees rather than replacing them.

Background 

The Department of State introduced this temporary measure to address ongoing visa interview backlogs and growing demand for faster processing, testing whether applicants and employers will pay for quicker access despite continued long wait times at many consulates.

What’s Next 

The rule will remain in effect through the end of 2026 while the State Department gathers feedback and evaluates usage. Stakeholders may submit public comments following publication in the Federal Register. 

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