What is the New 'Paid Expedite' Program?
The U.S. Department of State has introduced a temporary pilot program that allows certain visa applicants to pay an extra fee for a quicker interview slot. Officially called the "Paid Expedite" option, it allows eligible individuals applying for B-1 (business)
or B-2 (tourism) visas to pay $750 to secure an interview appointment within 10 business days, subject to availability. This program is designed as a test to gauge demand for such a premium service and runs from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. It's crucial to understand that this fee only gets you a faster appointment; it does not speed up visa processing, change eligibility rules, or guarantee that your visa will be approved. Every application still undergoes the same standard review and security checks after the interview.
How Does the $750 Option Work?
The process requires a few steps. First, an applicant must complete the standard online visa application (Form DS-160) and pay the regular Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee, which is currently $185 for B-1/B-2 visas. After paying this, they must schedule the next available regular appointment. Only then can they access the option to request a paid expedite. If the request is accepted and a slot is available, the applicant will be prompted to pay the additional, non-refundable $750 fee to book the earlier appointment. This brings the total cost for someone using the service to $935. The State Department has clarified that these paid appointments cannot be rescheduled, and missing the appointment means forfeiting the fee.
The Key Question: Is It Available in India?
As of August 2026, this pilot program is not available at the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in India. The initial rollout is limited to a handful of locations, specifically U.S. Missions in Canada and Mexico, as well as the U.S. Embassies in Bogotá (Colombia), Guatemala City (Guatemala), San José (Costa Rica), and Tegucigalpa (Honduras). The Department of State has indicated that more locations could be added during the pilot period, but there is no official confirmation about its expansion to India. Therefore, Indian applicants currently cannot use this $750 option to fast-track their interview scheduling.
Understanding Current Wait Times in India
Without the premium option, Indian applicants remain subject to regular wait times, which can vary significantly by consulate. As of mid-August 2026, the wait for a first-time B-1/B-2 interview appointment in Mumbai was the longest at approximately 14 months. Wait times were around 9.5 months in Hyderabad, 7.5 months in New Delhi, and 7 months in Chennai. Kolkata consistently has the shortest wait, currently around 4 months. These timelines fluctuate based on demand and consular capacity, so it is always best to check the official State Department website for the most current information before making plans.
Are There Other Ways to Get a Faster Appointment?
Yes, the traditional (and free) route for an expedited appointment still exists for genuine emergencies. Consular sections can grant earlier interview dates for urgent, unforeseen situations like life-threatening medical emergencies, the imminent death or funeral of an immediate family member in the U.S., or urgent business travel that cannot be postponed. To request this, applicants must first schedule a regular appointment and then submit a formal request for an expedited slot through the visa portal, providing proof of the emergency. Additionally, many previous visa holders may qualify for an interview waiver, also known as the "dropbox" facility, allowing them to renew their visa without an in-person interview, which is a much faster process.
