New DOS “Paid Expedite” Pilot Program Offers Expedited B-1/B-2 Visa Interviews for Additional $750 Fee

The U.S. Department of State is testing a nonimmigrant visa (NIV) expedited appointment program at select U.S. embassies and consulates through December 31, 2026. Applicants at participating locations may choose whether to utilize this optional, voluntary program.

Under the pilot program, eligible applicants for B visas – those making new appointments or holding existing appointments with unexpired MRV fee receipts – may pay a $750 fee per appointment to schedule a visa interview within 10 business days (subject to availability).  Applicants must first follow the usual process to pay the $185 MRV fee and schedule an interview appointment.  Pilot posts will allocate a limited number of appointments daily for the expedited appointment program.  If expedited appointments are available, these appointments will be visible for applicants to select when scheduling their appointments.  After an applicant selects an expedited appointment date and time, the $750 fee payment must be completed within 10 minutes to secure the appointment.  Once made, an expedited appointment date and time cannot be changed.  Missed appointments will result in the forfeiture of the fee.  The expedited appointment fee is not refundable.

The program allows applicants to receive an earlier appointment only. Use of the expedited appointment pilot does not guarantee issuance of a visa.

The following Embassies and Consulates are participating in the pilot, with launch dates for the program as follows:

• Mission Canada (Embassy and all consulates) – 8/18/26

• Embassy Bogota – 8/18/26

• Embassy Guatemala City – 8/18/26

• Embassy San Jose – 8/18/26

• Embassy Tegucigalpa – 8/18/26

• Mission Mexico (Embassy and all consulates) – 7/21/26

If you have any questions of how this may impact you, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Law Office of Adrienne J. Vaughan.