What Is This New Pilot Program?
The U.S. Department of State has launched a temporary pilot program called the Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Expedited Appointment Pilot Program. This initiative allows eligible applicants for certain visa categories to pay an additional fee to secure an interview
appointment much faster than the standard waiting time. The program's goal is to provide an interview slot within 10 business days, subject to availability at participating locations. It is an optional service, meaning travellers can still use the regular, non-paid appointment system. It’s important to understand this fee only expedites the interview appointment itself; it does not guarantee visa approval or accelerate the final processing of the application after the interview.
Why Is This Being Introduced?
In recent years, the demand for U.S. visas in many parts of the world, including India, has skyrocketed, leading to exceptionally long wait times for interview appointments. The new paid expedited program is being tested as a way to help those with urgent travel needs, such as for business or tourism (B-1/B-2 visas), to get an appointment sooner. While not explicitly stated, such premium services can help manage the immense pressure on consular resources. The program runs on a trial basis until December 31, 2026, and is being implemented in a limited number of U.S. embassies and consulates to gauge its effectiveness.
The Crucial Question: Is India Included?
As of the latest announcements in August 2026, India is not on the list of countries where this paid expedited pilot program is active. The initial rollout includes all U.S. embassies and consulates in Canada and Mexico, as well as specific embassies in Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Honduras. This means that for now, Indian applicants applying through the consular posts in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata cannot use this paid service. However, the State Department has indicated that additional locations may be added during the pilot period, so travellers should keep an eye on official U.S. embassy channels for any updates.
How Much Does It Cost?
For participating locations, the fee for this expedited service is $750 per applicant. This is in addition to the standard non-refundable, non-transferable visa application fee (often called the MRV fee), which is currently $185 for B-1/B-2 visas. This brings the total potential cost to $935 per person for those who opt for the paid expedited route. The $750 expedited fee is also non-refundable. If an applicant misses their scheduled expedited appointment, the fee is forfeited. Furthermore, each member of a group or family wishing to use the service must pay the $750 fee individually.
How the Process Works in Participating Countries
To understand how it might work if introduced in India, it's useful to look at the current process. An applicant must first complete the standard procedure: fill out the DS-160 application form, pay the $185 MRV fee, and schedule a regular visa interview appointment. Only after securing a standard appointment can the applicant check the system for the paid expedite option. If available, a limited number of expedited slots will be visible. The applicant then has a very short window, typically around 10 minutes, to select an expedited slot and pay the $750 fee online to confirm it. The system is designed for those with confirmed regular appointments who then wish to move to the front of the line.
