What Is the New Pilot Program?
The U.S. Department of State has launched a temporary pilot program that allows some visitor visa applicants to pay an extra fee for an expedited interview appointment. The program runs from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. It is designed as a “proof
of concept” to see if there is demand for a premium service to secure appointments faster, specifically for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas. This initiative aims to help travellers who have urgent needs but may not qualify for a traditional emergency appointment. After the pilot period, the State Department will evaluate whether to continue, modify, or end the program.
The Crucial Detail for Indian Applicants
As of August 2026, this program is not available in India. This means applicants applying through the U.S. consular posts in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, or Hyderabad cannot use this paid option. The program is currently active in a limited number of locations, including all posts in Mexico and Canada, as well as in cities like Bogota and San Jose. While the State Department has mentioned that additional locations could be added during the pilot, there has been no confirmation that India will be included. For now, Indian applicants must continue to use the standard appointment system.
How the Program Works (in Participating Countries)
Applicants must first complete the standard visa application process. This involves filling out the DS-160 form, paying the standard $185 Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee, and scheduling the next available regular appointment. Only after a regular appointment is booked can an applicant see the option for a “Paid Expedite” appointment, if available at their consulate. If they select this option, they must pay a non-refundable fee of $750. This payment typically must be completed within 10 minutes to secure the expedited slot, which is usually scheduled within 10 business days, subject to availability. The fee is charged per applicant, so a family of four would need to pay the fee four times.
A Faster Interview, Not a Guaranteed Visa
Officials have been very clear that paying the $750 fee only grants an earlier interview date; it does not guarantee visa approval or faster processing after the interview. Every applicant, whether in the expedited queue or the regular one, goes through the same rigorous screening and must meet all legal requirements to qualify for a visa. Paying the premium fee will not turn a weak application into a strong one. Furthermore, the fee is non-refundable. If an applicant misses their appointment or their visa is denied, the money is forfeited.
Context: The Challenge of Long Wait Times
This pilot program was introduced against a backdrop of historically long wait times for U.S. visa appointments in many parts of the world, including India. While wait times have improved from their peak, first-time B-1/B-2 applicants in India can still face waits of 100 to 300 days for an interview, depending on the consulate. The new paid option is intended to provide a legitimate alternative to the long queue for those with urgent travel needs and the financial means. However, with India currently excluded, applicants here must continue to rely on the standard process or apply for traditional emergency appointments if they meet the strict criteria for urgent, unforeseen situations like medical emergencies.
