What is the Expedited Appointment Pilot Program?
The US Department of State is testing a new service called the Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Expedited Appointment Pilot Program. This optional program allows eligible applicants for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) visas to pay a fee of $750 for an earlier
interview appointment. The goal is to provide an interview slot within 10 business days, subject to availability at participating locations. It is crucial to understand that this fee only secures an earlier appointment date; it does not guarantee faster visa processing, nor does it guarantee visa approval. All applicants still undergo the same rigorous screening and vetting process. This temporary pilot is currently scheduled to run through December 31, 2026.
Is the Fast-Track Program Available in India?
Currently, the fast-track appointment pilot is not available at any of the U.S. embassies or consulates in India. This means applicants scheduling interviews in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata cannot use the $750 paid expedite option. The program was initially launched in Mexico in July 2026 and expanded on August 18, 2026, to include all U.S. missions in Canada and Mexico, as well as embassies in Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Honduras. The State Department has indicated that more locations may be added during the pilot period, leaving open the possibility that Indian posts could be included in the future. However, for now, Indian applicants must use the standard appointment system.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
The program is specifically for applicants seeking a B-1/B-2 visa for business or tourism. To be eligible for the paid expedite option, an applicant must first complete the entire standard application process. This includes filling out the DS-160 form, paying the standard $185 Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee, and scheduling a regular visa interview for a future date. Only after a regular appointment is secured can an applicant check if the “Paid Expedite” option is available for their application. The option will only appear in the scheduling system if the applicant is at a participating consular post and there are available expedited slots.
The Application Process and Strict Payment Rules
If an applicant is eligible and an expedited slot is available, they can select it through the online appointment system. After choosing an expedited date and time, the applicant has a very short window—typically just 10 minutes—to pay the non-refundable $750 fee to secure the booking. This fee is in addition to the standard $185 MRV fee, bringing the total cost for those using the service to $935. It is important to note that the $750 expedited fee is forfeited if the appointment is missed or cancelled, and these special appointments cannot be rescheduled. For families or groups, each individual applicant wanting an expedited appointment must pay the separate $750 fee.
Key Considerations for Applicants
While the pilot offers a potential solution for those with urgent, non-emergency travel needs, it is essential to weigh the significant cost against the benefits. The program does not change any eligibility requirements for the visa itself. Applicants who are likely to face administrative processing will not see that phase of their application sped up by paying this fee. This service simply provides a way to get in front of a consular officer sooner. Indian applicants, while currently excluded, should continue to monitor official U.S. State Department channels for any updates on the pilot program's expansion.
