What Is the New Pilot Programme?
The U.S. Department of State has introduced the 'Nonimmigrant Visa Expedited Appointment Pilot Program'. This temporary initiative, running until December 31, 2026, allows eligible applicants to pay an additional fee to secure a visa interview appointment
much sooner than the standard wait time. The goal is to test the demand for a premium, fee-based service to manage the significant backlog for visa interviews worldwide, particularly ahead of major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Participation is entirely voluntary, and the standard application process remains available to everyone.
Who Is Eligible and How Much Does It Cost?
Currently, the program is limited to applicants seeking a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visa. The cost for this expedited service is a non-refundable fee of $750. This is in addition to the standard $185 nonimmigrant visa application fee, also known as the MRV fee. This brings the total upfront cost for an applicant using this service to $935. The process requires applicants to first pay the standard fee and schedule a regular appointment. Only then, if the pilot is active at their consulate and slots are available, will the option to pay for an expedited appointment appear.
Is This Programme Available in India?
This is the most critical question for Indian applicants, and the current answer is no. As of the latest update on August 18, 2026, the pilot programme is not active at any of the U.S. embassies or consulates in India, including those in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. The service is currently being tested in locations like Canada, Mexico, and at embassies in Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Honduras. The State Department has stated that additional locations may be added during the pilot period, but there is no confirmation if or when Indian posts will be included. For now, Indian applicants must continue to use the standard appointment system.
What Exactly Does the $750 Fee Buy?
The $750 fee purchases one thing only: an earlier interview date. Under the program, eligible applicants can schedule an interview within 10 business days, subject to availability. It is crucial to understand that paying this premium fee does not guarantee visa approval, nor does it expedite the processing of the visa after the interview. Applicants in the pilot program undergo the exact same security screening, vetting procedures, and eligibility checks as all other applicants. If a case requires further administrative processing, it will still take the standard amount of time, regardless of the fee paid. The fee simply gets you in the door to see a consular officer faster.
How Does This Differ from Other Expedited Requests?
Previously, the only way to get an emergency or expedited appointment was to prove an urgent need, such as for a medical emergency, critical business travel, or significant humanitarian reasons. The approval of these requests was at the discretion of the consular staff. This new pilot program creates a parallel path that is not based on need, but on the willingness to pay a premium. It's designed to be a more streamlined way to manage urgent travel needs without requiring the extensive documentation and review of the traditional emergency request system. However, it's important to be certain before paying, as the fee is non-refundable and the appointment cannot be rescheduled.
