The Core Problem: Long Wait Times in India
For years, Indian applicants for US visitor visas have faced staggering wait times, sometimes stretching from several months to over a year just to secure an interview slot. While the situation has improved from its peak, securing a timely appointment
for B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visas remains a significant hurdle. As of mid-2026, first-time applicants at major consulates like Mumbai and New Delhi can still expect to wait for many months. This backlog, driven by immense demand and processing limitations, has frustrated countless families, business travellers, and tourists. It is within this context that the US has begun experimenting with a new, controversial solution: paying for speed.
What Is the New Fast-Track Program?
The U.S. Department of State is testing a temporary initiative called the 'Nonimmigrant Visa Expedited Appointment Pilot Program'. Running through December 31, 2026, this program allows eligible B-1/B-2 visa applicants at select embassies to pay a substantial extra fee to schedule their interview appointment within 10 business days, subject to availability. This is an optional service designed to give applicants with urgent travel needs another way to get an earlier interview, separate from the traditional emergency request channel, which is typically reserved for dire humanitarian situations like medical emergencies or funerals.
How Much Does It Cost?
The price for this expedited interview service is a hefty $750 USD per applicant. This fee is paid on top of the standard non-immigrant visa application fee, also known as the MRV fee, which is currently $185 for B-1/B-2 visas. This brings the total upfront cost for someone using the pilot program to $935. For a family of four, this would mean paying an additional $3,000 for earlier appointments. It's crucial to note that this fee is strictly for securing an earlier interview slot. It is also non-refundable; if you miss the appointment or your visa is denied, the $750 will not be returned.
What the Fee Does and Doesn't Guarantee
Paying the $750 fee guarantees only one thing: an earlier interview date, provided slots are available. It does not, in any way, guarantee that your visa will be approved. Applicants using this program are subject to the exact same security screening, vetting procedures, and eligibility requirements as every other applicant. The fee does not accelerate the visa adjudication process after the interview, nor does it influence the consular officer's decision. It is purely a tool for jumping the appointment queue, not for getting preferential treatment in the decision-making process.
The Big Question: Is It Available in India?
This is the most critical piece of information for Indian applicants: as of August 2026, this paid fast-track program is NOT available at any of the U.S. embassies or consulates in India. The pilot program is currently being tested in a limited number of countries, primarily in North and Central America, including all consular posts in Mexico and Canada, as well as in cities like Bogota, Colombia. While the State Department has indicated that more locations may be added before the pilot program concludes at the end of 2026, there has been no official confirmation about its expansion to India. Therefore, Indian applicants must continue to use the standard appointment scheduling system for now.
How the Process Works in Participating Countries
For applicants in countries where the service is offered, the process involves several steps. First, an applicant must complete the standard visa application and pay the $185 MRV fee. They must then schedule a regular appointment, even if it is far in the future. After scheduling, when they log back into their account, the system will show a 'Paid Expedite' option if the program is active at that post and if expedited slots are available. If they select this option, they have a very short window—typically about 10 minutes—to complete the $750 payment to secure the fast-tracked appointment.
