US State Department to Pilot $750 Expedited Visa Fee

The U.S. Department of State is set to launch a pilot program that allows certain visa applicants to pay a $750 fee to secure an interview appointment within 10 business days. This initiative, aimed at addressing visa interview backlogs and testing demand for faster processing, will be available for B-1 and B-2 visa applicants at select overseas posts.

The program, scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026, and run through December 31, 2026, is a temporary measure. The State Department emphasized that the premium fee does not guarantee visa issuance or expedite any processing steps beyond the initial interview appointment. The fee supplements existing nonimmigrant visa fees.

An immigration attorney noted that the new fee could lead to a two-tiered system, with one path for those who can afford the premium and another for others. The State Department will use the pilot period to evaluate usage and gather feedback.