A New Path to a Quicker Interview
For years, Indian applicants for US visas have faced notoriously long waiting periods for an interview slot. In response, the U.S. Department of State has launched a pilot program that introduces a paid option for faster appointments. This service allows
eligible applicants to pay a fee of $750 to secure an interview within 10 business days, a dramatic reduction from the typical wait. However, this new initiative, which runs until December 31, 2026, is currently in a testing phase and is only available at select U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. Crucially, as of August 2026, posts in India are not part of this pilot program.
How the Premium Service Works
The expedited appointment program is designed for applicants seeking B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visas. It is an optional service layered on top of the standard application process. An applicant must first complete the regular visa application, including paying the standard $185 non-immigrant visa application fee (known as the MRV fee), and schedule a regular appointment for the earliest available date. Only after securing a standard appointment can an applicant check the system to see if the “Paid Expedite” option is available for their location. If the option appears and is selected, the applicant has a very short window, often just 10 minutes, to pay the additional $750 fee to confirm the new, earlier slot.
Understanding the 'Subject to Availability' Clause
The key limitation of this new service is its availability. The program offers only a limited number of expedited appointments each day at participating locations. This means that even at consulates where the program is active, not everyone willing to pay the fee will be able to secure a slot. Availability is not guaranteed. Furthermore, the $750 fee is non-refundable. If an applicant misses or cancels their expedited appointment, they forfeit the entire amount. For families or groups traveling together, each individual applicant must pay the separate $750 fee for an expedited interview.
Faster Interview, Not Faster Approval
Officials have been clear that this is a premium appointment service, not a fast-track for visa approval. Paying the $750 fee only reduces the waiting time for the interview itself. It does not accelerate the visa processing time after the interview, nor does it increase the chances of the visa being granted. All applicants, whether they use the standard or paid expedited route, are subject to the same security screenings, background checks, and eligibility reviews. If an application requires further administrative processing, it can still face significant delays regardless of how quickly the interview was obtained.
What This Means for Applicants in India
For now, the situation for US visa applicants in India remains unchanged. The $750 paid expedite option is not available at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi or the consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata. The pilot program is currently being tested in other countries, including Canada and Mexico. While the State Department may choose to expand the program to more locations in the future based on the results of the pilot, there is no official timeline for its potential introduction in India. Applicants in India must continue to use the existing system, which includes requesting a free expedited appointment for qualifying emergencies, such as urgent medical needs or funerals. These emergency requests are granted on a limited basis and require proof of the urgent situation.
