The New Expedited Appointment Pilot
The US Department of State has recently launched a pilot program designed for travellers with urgent needs. This program allows eligible applicants for tourist or business visas (B-1/B-2) to pay a significant fee of $750 for an expedited interview, on
top of the standard $185 application fee. The program's goal is to offer an appointment within 10 business days. However, this service is explicitly subject to availability, with participating consulates releasing only a limited number of these premium slots each day. The fee is non-refundable and only secures an earlier interview date; it does not guarantee visa approval or faster processing of the application itself.
The Big Catch: India Is Not Included
For the millions of Indians hoping this is a new solution to long wait times, there is a crucial detail: India is not currently on the list of participating countries. As of August 2026, this paid expedited service is being tested in locations such as Canada, Mexico, and Colombia. While the State Department has indicated that more locations may be added before the pilot ends on December 31, 2026, for now, applicants at the five US consular posts in India—New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata—cannot use this $750 option. This means Indian travellers must continue to navigate the standard appointment system.
Why Are Slots in India So Scarce?
The difficulty in securing a US visa appointment in India stems from a combination of factors, not a single pilot program. Firstly, there is an unprecedented volume of applications, with the US Mission in India processing a record number of visas. This immense demand far outstrips the available supply of interview slots. Secondly, enhanced security and vetting procedures have slowed down the pace of interviews. For example, mandatory social media vetting for many visa categories, including H-1B and F-1, requires more time per applicant, reducing the total number of interviews a consulate can conduct daily. This bottleneck has led to mass cancellations and rescheduling in the past, particularly for work visa categories. A recent worldwide pause on releasing new interview slots has further compounded the issue for those yet to book.
A Strategy for Navigating the System
Given the competitive landscape, a strategic approach is essential. The most important step is to be prepared: complete your DS-160 form, pay the MRV fee, and have all your documents ready before you even start searching for a slot. Appointments are often released at unpredictable times, including late at night or very early in the morning, as the system processes daily cancellations. Therefore, checking the official scheduling portal, usvisascheduling.com, frequently during these off-peak hours can increase your chances. If your travel is flexible, try to apply during non-peak months, such as between August and November, as demand typically surges from March to July to accommodate students and summer vacationers. While student (F-1) visas are often prioritised, especially ahead of the fall semester, applicants for visitor (B1/B2) visas face some of the longest waits and must be persistent.
What Different Applicants Should Expect
The impact of limited slots is felt differently across applicant groups. Students applying for F-1 visas are in a race against university start dates, making the period from May to August incredibly competitive. Professionals on H-1B visas and their families have faced abrupt rescheduling due to changing procedural requirements. For tourists and those visiting family on B-1/B-2 visas, the situation demands the most patience, with wait times for a first-time interview appointment stretching to several months in major posts like Mumbai. Applicants with urgent needs, such as a medical emergency or critical business travel, can request an emergency appointment, but this requires a strong justification and is not guaranteed.
