US launches $750 fast-track visa program

• A new U.S. pilot program allows travelers to pay $750 for expedited visa interviews.
• The expedited appointments aim to reduce wait times from over 12 months to within 10 business days.
• This service is an optional premium addition to the standard $185 visa application fee.
• The program is limited to certain applicants at select locations and in limited quantities.
• The pilot program will operate from July 1 to December 31.

The U.S. State Department is introducing a new pilot program that allows certain tourists and business travelers to pay a $750 fee to expedite their visa interviews. This premium service aims to shorten wait times, which can currently exceed 12 months at some embassies and consulates, to within 10 business days.

The expedited appointment is an optional addition to the standard $185 nonimmigrant visa (NIV) application fee for B1/B2 visas. The program will be offered at limited locations and in limited quantities, with expedited appointment slots held for five to 10 minutes for payment.

This six-month pilot program is scheduled to run from July 1 to December 31. According to the notice, the State Department anticipates 25,705 applications annually through this service, potentially generating $19.3 million. However, some experts, like Alan Fyall, suggest the program may be too late to assist foreign visitors for major upcoming events like the World Cup.