The U.S. Department of State has introduced a temporary rule creating an optional $750 fee for expedited B-1/B-2 visa interview appointments (within 10 business days) at select consulates, as a pilot program through the end of 2026. If you represent clients seeking business or tourist visas, this new premium option will reshape how you advise on interview scheduling and budget your application timeline.
What changed
Applicants for B-1/B-2 visas can pay an additional $750 to secure an interview within 10 business days at participating U.S. embassies and consulates. The fee is on top of the initial fee of $185. The pilot program will run from July 1 to Dec. 31, with participating posts to be announced before launch.
The fee provides faster access to interview appointments; it does not change visa processing times or approval outcomes. In other words, paying the premium guarantees only that you’ll be scheduled within 10 business days — not that your visa will be approved or that the underlying security and eligibility screening will accelerate.
The expedited appointment fee would be nonrefundable if an applicant misses or cancels the expedited appointment.
Why it matters
Wait times for visa interviews for citizens of countries that are not part of the Visa Waiver Program can be several months if not longer. For clients facing urgent business travel, family events, or time-sensitive opportunities, the ability to pay $750 for a 10-day appointment slot is a material change to case planning.
You now have a third option when advising a B-1/B-2 applicant: regular queue (uncertain wait), humanitarian/emergency expedite request (free, limited use), or premium paid expedite (always available, at select posts). This requires you to ask upfront questions about your client’s timeline and budget.
However, remember that applicants would still need to meet all visa eligibility requirements and complete the standard screening and vetting process, and paying the fee would not increase an applicant’s chances of visa approval. The premium buys appointment speed only, not approval. Set client expectations accordingly.
The State Department expects 25,705 applicants each year to purchase the expedited service, with an expected annual revenue of $19,278,750. This is a revenue-focused pilot; whether it expands or becomes permanent depends on demand and operational outcomes through year-end.
Way forward
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Check participating posts early. The embassies and consulates at which the expedited service will be available are to be announced before the program takes effect on July 1. As soon as the list is published on the State Department’s website, confirm whether your client’s consulate is included. Not all posts will offer this service.
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Budget for the premium if your client has timeline pressure. Build the $750 fee into your fee arrangement and client cost estimate if the client wants assurance of a 10-day interview slot. Clarify that the fee is nonrefundable if they no-show or cancel.
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Document the client’s choice. If your client elects the premium option, confirm this in your engagement letter or email trail. Verify that the client understands it does not guarantee visa approval and does not replace standard security checks.
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Monitor the pilot outcome. The State Department says it will evaluate demand and operational impacts before deciding whether to make the service permanent. Be ready to adjust your advice if the program is extended or terminated.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational purposes by a software company, not a law firm, and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration policy and fee structures can change without notice. You must verify all information against the primary source linked above and consult a licensed immigration attorney to advise your client on the best strategy for their specific circumstances.