What Is This New Pilot Program?
The U.S. Department of State has launched a temporary pilot program that allows eligible applicants for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas to pay for an expedited interview appointment. The program's goal is to offer appointments within 10 business days,
a dramatic reduction from the current standard, which can stretch for many months. It's important to understand that this is a test, running through December 31, 2026, and is only available at select U.S. embassies and consulates. The service provides an earlier interview slot only; it does not influence the visa decision itself.
The Key Question: Is India Included?
As of late August 2026, India is not on the list of participating countries. The pilot is currently active at U.S. missions in locations like Canada, Mexico, and Colombia. This means that for now, applicants at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and the consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad cannot use this paid service. The State Department has indicated that additional locations may be added during the pilot period, but there is no confirmation that India will be included. Therefore, Indian travellers must continue to use the standard appointment process.
Breaking Down the $750 Cost
The price for this expedited appointment is a non-refundable $750 fee per applicant. This is an additional charge on top of the standard non-refundable Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee, which is currently $185 for B-1/B-2 visas. This brings the total upfront cost for anyone using the service to $935. For a family or group, every single person who wants an expedited appointment must pay the separate $750 fee. If you select this option, you typically have only about 10 minutes to complete the payment to secure the slot.
How the Process Works
Applicants must first follow the standard procedure: complete the DS-160 online form, create a profile, and pay the $185 MRV fee to schedule a regular appointment. Only after securing a standard appointment date will the system show the 'Paid Expedite' option, if available at that specific consulate. It is not a separate application track from the beginning. This option is primarily aimed at travellers who need to travel urgently but do not meet the strict criteria for a free emergency appointment, such as for a medical crisis or funeral.
Does It Guarantee a Faster Visa?
No. This is the most critical point to understand. The $750 fee only buys you an earlier interview date. It does not guarantee visa approval, nor does it speed up the processing of your application after the interview. Every applicant, whether they pay for an early slot or wait for a regular one, is subject to the same security vetting and eligibility checks. If your case requires 'administrative processing' after the interview, you could still face significant delays regardless of how quickly you got the appointment. The fee is forfeited if you miss the appointment or if your visa is ultimately refused.
The Context: Current Wait Times in India
This pilot program is being watched closely because of the extreme visa appointment backlogs in India. In mid-2026, wait times for first-time B-1/B-2 visa interviews remained high, with some consulates showing average waits of several months. For example, reports indicated wait times could be as long as 7.5 to 9.5 months in major posts like New Delhi and Mumbai. While these numbers fluctuate, the lengthy delay makes any potential solution for faster access a high-stakes issue for businesses and families alike. The existing free-of-charge emergency appointment system remains in place for genuine, verifiable emergencies.
