The Big Change: A Paid Expedite Option
The US Department of State has launched a pilot program that allows eligible B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visa applicants to pay an additional fee to secure a much faster interview appointment. This program is designed to address the notoriously long
wait times at many US consulates by offering a premium, paid-for service. The temporary rule, in effect from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, introduces a fee of $750. By paying this fee, in addition to the standard visa application fee, applicants can schedule an interview within approximately 10 business days, depending on availability at the participating consulate. It’s a significant shift from the standard process, where applicants often wait months for the next available slot.
Important Clarification: Faster Appointments, Not Faster Approvals
It is crucial for applicants to understand what this new rule does and does not do. The $750 fee only accelerates the scheduling of the interview appointment itself. It does not guarantee that the visa will be approved, nor does it speed up the actual adjudication or processing of the visa application after the interview. All applicants, whether they use the expedited service or not, are subject to the same standard screening, eligibility requirements, and potential administrative processing. If a case requires further review after the interview, paying the expedite fee will not shorten that timeline. The benefit is strictly limited to getting in the door for the interview sooner.
Who Is Eligible and Where Is It Available?
The program is for certain B-1/B-2 visa applicants. While the State Department announced this as a pilot program, its rollout is limited to select US embassies and consulates based on their operational capacity. The program first launched in Mexico on July 21, 2026, and was expanded on August 18, 2026, to include all posts in Canada, as well as embassies in Bogota, Guatemala City, San Jose, and Tegucigalpa. As of late August 2026, US consular posts in India are not yet on the publicly announced list of participants. Indian applicants should monitor the official State Department website and the US Embassy in India's site for any updates on whether this service will be extended to them. Until then, the standard appointment system remains in effect in India.
What This Means for Indian Applicants Right Now
Currently, the direct impact on applicants in India is minimal, as local consulates are not yet part of the paid expedite pilot. Wait times for first-time B-1/B-2 interviews in India can still range from 100 to over 250 days, depending on the location. However, this global policy shift indicates the State Department is actively exploring ways to manage the immense backlog. For now, Indian applicants must continue to use the existing system: booking the first available appointment and regularly checking the portal for earlier slots that may open due to cancellations. The established process for requesting an emergency appointment for truly urgent travel needs also remains a separate, unchanged option.
Navigating the Current Visa Process in India
While awaiting potential changes, applicants in India should remain focused on the current procedures. This involves correctly filling out the DS-160 form, paying the standard application fee, and creating an account on the official scheduling website to book an appointment. It is also worth noting other recent changes, such as the centralization of B-1/B-2 interview waiver (dropbox) appointments in New Delhi and stricter rules allowing only one free reschedule per application. Given the high demand, prospective travelers are advised to begin their visa application process as far in advance of their planned travel dates as possible.
