What Is the New Fast-Track Visa Pilot?
The US Department of State is testing a new program called the Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Expedited Appointment Pilot Program. This temporary initiative, running until December 31, 2026, allows eligible applicants for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) visas
to pay an optional $750 fee for an expedited interview. This fee is in addition to the standard $185 visa application fee. The program's goal is to offer an interview appointment within 10 business days, subject to availability at participating locations. It is crucial to understand that this is not a fast-track to visa approval; it only speeds up the scheduling of the interview. All applicants still undergo the same rigorous security screening and must meet all eligibility requirements to be granted a visa.
Which Countries Are Participating?
As of August 18, 2026, the pilot program is active at all US embassies and consulates in Mexico and Canada. It is also available at the US embassies in Bogotá (Colombia), Guatemala City (Guatemala), San José (Costa Rica), and Tegucigalpa (Honduras). The State Department began the pilot in Mexico in July 2026 and expanded it to the other locations in August 2026. India is not on the current list of participating countries. This means applicants at US consular posts in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata cannot use this paid expedite option at this time.
Why Was India Excluded?
The State Department has not provided an official reason for India's exclusion from the initial phase of the pilot. The program is described as a 'proof-of-concept' to test demand for such a service. The selection of the initial countries could be based on various factors, including assessing the system in markets with different application volumes and profiles before a potential wider rollout. The program is being tested to see if a fee-based system requires fewer consular resources than the existing process for emergency appointment requests. While there is a possibility that more locations could be added during the pilot period, there is no guarantee that India will be included.
What Are the Current US Visa Wait Times in India?
For Indian applicants, the standard process remains the only route. Wait times for first-time B-1/B-2 visa interviews can be significant and vary by consulate. As of mid-2026, waits can range from approximately 100 to over 250 days. Some reports in August 2026 showed wait times as high as 14 months in Mumbai, while Kolkata had shorter waits of around 4 months for the same visa category. Wait times for student visas (F, M, J) and work visas (H, L, O) are generally much shorter. These times fluctuate based on demand and consular capacity, so applicants should always check the official US Department of State website for the most current estimates.
What Are Your Existing Options for a Faster Appointment?
Even without the paid pilot, Indian applicants have established options for expediting a visa appointment in genuine emergencies. You can request an expedited appointment at no extra cost if you have a documented medical emergency, a death or serious illness of an immediate family member in the US, or urgent, unforeseen business travel. To do this, you must first book a regular appointment and then submit an expedite request online with supporting proof. Another key option is the Interview Waiver Program, often called the 'dropbox' facility. If you are renewing a US visa that expired within the last 48 months, you may be eligible to submit your documents without an in-person interview, dramatically cutting down the wait.
