The U.S. State Department is launching a pilot program allowing certain visa applicants to pay a $750 fee for an expedited interview within 10 business days. The temporary service aims to manage increased demand for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
This new fee-based service offers a way for some travelers to significantly shorten visa wait times, potentially impacting tourism and business travel planning for major international events.
The United States is introducing a premium service that will allow certain applicants for business and tourist visas to pay an additional $750 fee to secure an interview within 10 business days. This temporary pilot program, set to run from July 1 until December 31, aims to help travelers bypass lengthy wait times, which can exceed a year in some cases.
The initiative is being launched in anticipation of increased demand for visas related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Applicants opting for the expedited service must still pay the standard $185 visa processing fee. The premium option will be limited in quantity and available only at select U.S. embassies and consulates.
This program does not guarantee visa issuance and does not expedite administrative processing. It also does not apply to individuals from countries participating in the visa-waiver program. The move comes amid other recent measures by the U.S. to scrutinize foreign visitors, including pilot programs requiring bonds for visitors from high overstay-rate countries and increased social media history checks.